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Knead Therapy Clinic

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Knead more healthcare support?

Our CHIROPRACTOR, OUR NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS and REGISTERED CLINICIAL COUNSELLOR are welcoming new clients.

Reiki with Mar Tazek is now available on Saturdays.

Knead Therapy is unable to direct bill ICBC and WBC.

Please contact us directly for booking should stairs be an issue (250-753-6322)

Welcome Knead Therapy Clinic!

Treatments
Treatment

Registered Massage Therapy

Registered Massage Therapy encompasses many different techniques and treatment styles. Therapists may compress, rub and stretch muscles, tendons and other soft tissues of the body. RMTs most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms and elbows to do this work. Please note that communication is key to an excellent experience. Pressure, depth and techniques can be changed t... Read More

Registered Massage Therapy encompasses many different techniques and treatment styles. Therapists may compress, rub and stretch muscles, tendons and other soft tissues of the body. RMTs most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms and elbows to do this work. Please note that communication is key to an excellent experience. Pressure, depth and techniques can be changed to suit each person. Enjoy!

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that primarily works through supporting homeostasis in the body. The Traditional Chinese Medicine theory of balancing Yin & Yang can be viewed as the regulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. When we engage the nervous system with the insertion of these delicate needles, we may: *Release endorphins *Reduce infla... Read More

Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that primarily works through supporting homeostasis in the body. The Traditional Chinese Medicine theory of balancing Yin & Yang can be viewed as the regulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. When we engage the nervous system with the insertion of these delicate needles, we may:
*Release endorphins
*Reduce inflammation
*Regulate various hormones
*Calm the central nervous system, muscles, spinal cord, and brain
*Decrease muscular and fascial tension

These biochemical changes stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities, and help to promote physical and emotional well-being. Through its regulatory properties, acupuncture can help with a variety of conditions, such as: physical pain of all kinds, digestive issues, menstrual issues, headaches & stress.

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. Naturopathic medicine combines traditional treatments with of modern science. It embraces many therapies, including herbs (Botany), exercise, life style management, sleep hygiene and nutritional counselling. The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. Its focus is to heal th... Read More

Naturopathic medicine uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. Naturopathic medicine combines traditional treatments with of modern science. It embraces many therapies, including herbs (Botany), exercise, life style management, sleep hygiene and nutritional counselling.

The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. Its focus is to heal the root causes of an illness - not just stop the symptoms.

Naturopathic medicine focuses on education and prevention, so you have a personal health care plan!

Naturopathic Injection Therapy and Bioenergetics

Dr. Tonia Winchester, ND is our resident naturopathic injection therapist. Therapeutic levels of micronutrients such as vitamins and/or minerals are administered either intramuscularly or intravenously. This allows the body to bypass absorbing nutrients through the gut, and instead rapidly absorb and deliver them directly to the cells and tissues that need them most. Other natural remedy inject... Read More

Dr. Tonia Winchester, ND is our resident naturopathic injection therapist. Therapeutic levels of micronutrients such as vitamins and/or minerals are administered either intramuscularly or intravenously. This allows the body to bypass absorbing nutrients through the gut, and instead rapidly absorb and deliver them directly to the cells and tissues that need them most. Other natural remedy injections to ease and soothe any type of pain syndrome are also available.

Welcoming back Returning Naturopathic Patients with Follow Up Sessions.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic a form of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column, which are believed to cause other disorders by affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs. The pioneering Greek physician Hippocrates, known as “The Father of Western Medicine”, said “Look well to the spine for the cause of di... Read More

Chiropractic a form of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column, which are believed to cause other disorders by affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs.

The pioneering Greek physician Hippocrates, known as “The Father of Western Medicine”, said “Look well to the spine for the cause of disease”

Wellness Massage

Come enjoy this offering from a massage therapy student or a an experienced bodyworker.
Please note that this work is NOT billable to any private insurance or MSP.

Registered Clinical Counselling

Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) are specifically trained to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Clinical counselling is typically sought when a person experiences challenging situations, thoughts, feelings, or circumstances. The RCC designation is synonymous with professional accountability, and adherence to high ethical standards in the counselling pro... Read More

Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) are specifically trained to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Clinical counselling is typically sought when a person experiences challenging situations, thoughts, feelings, or circumstances.
The RCC designation is synonymous with professional accountability, and adherence to high ethical standards in the counselling profession.

Registered Reflexology

Reflexology is a natural therapeutic method based on the principle that there are reflexes in the body that map to other body regions. Through the application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology therapy may relieve tension, pain, improve circulation and may help manage stress and anxiety. Reflexology can provide relief through working the body reflex that ails you on a part of the bod... Read More

Reflexology is a natural therapeutic method based on the principle that there are reflexes in the body that map to other body regions. Through the application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology therapy may relieve tension, pain, improve circulation and may help manage stress and anxiety.

Reflexology can provide relief through working the body reflex that ails you on a part of the body that does not, like the feet, hands, face or ears!

Registered Reflexology is covered by **most** Extended Insurance Providers. DIrect Billing is available based on the plan.

HypnoTherapy

“Hypnosis is a deep state of awareness, focused attention, and inner absorption. A hypnotic process happens anytime your attention is focused and possibilities for change are offered” (Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis). Working with Rahim, you are supported to focus your attention so you may begin to incorporate positive changes that you’re seeking to initiate in your life. *Please c... Read More

“Hypnosis is a deep state of awareness, focused attention, and inner absorption. A hypnotic
process happens anytime your attention is focused and possibilities for change are offered”
(Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis). Working with Rahim, you are supported to focus your
attention so you may begin to incorporate positive changes that you’re seeking to initiate in your
life.
*Please contact the office to book* Hypnotherapy bookings are strictly by appointment only at this time.

Somatic Energy Therapy

“Everything is energy” – whether you’re new to this notion and want to explore it further or whether you live it already, this personally curated session meets you exactly where you are: whether dealing with a diagnosed health condition, struggling through an existential or spiritual crisis, loss, grief, major life change, or are generally feeling stuck & unclear in any area of life.  Each ... Read More

“Everything is energy” – whether you’re new to this notion and want to explore it further or
whether you live it already, this personally curated session meets you exactly where you are:
whether dealing with a diagnosed health condition, struggling through an existential or spiritual
crisis, loss, grief, major life change, or are generally feeling stuck & unclear in any area of life. 
Each session supports you to access & recharge your inner resources so you start to feel lighter
and more at ease.  

Your session may include – CranioSacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, Reiki & Pranic
Healing principles, Medical Qigong principles, fascial mobilization, breathwork, guided
visualization, mindfulness, breathing, healing crystals, essential oils, Gestalt, therapeutic imagery
& dialogue, guided facilitation, chakra & meridian work, deep silence, and anything else within
our capacity to support you through your process.

*Please contact the office to book* Somatic Energy Therapy bookings are strictly by appointment only at this time.

Reiki Healing

Reiki is a complementary health technique that involves placing hands on or above a person to help direct energy and promote healing. Reiki practitioners believe that the body has an energy force that can be manipulated to help the body heal itself. Practitioners believe that blocked energy paths may cause illness, pain, or weakness. During a session, the practitioner places their hands o... Read More

Reiki is a complementary health technique that involves placing hands on or above a person to help direct energy and promote healing.
Reiki practitioners believe that the body has an energy force that can be manipulated to help the body heal itself.
Practitioners believe that blocked energy paths may cause illness, pain, or weakness.
During a session, the practitioner places their hands on specific areas of the body, focusing on the seven main energy centers, or chakras.
The practitioner holds their hands in place until they feel the energy has stopped flowing.

Reiki is used for stress reduction, relaxation, spiritual healing and considered safe and non invasive.
It can be used in conjunction with many other traditional medical treatments.

Ms. Elizabeth Arcand RCRT, LCRT

Elizabeth Arcand, RCRT has recently relocated to Vancouver Island from Toronto, Ontario where she became a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist . She is the newly elected President of the Reflexology Association of Canada’s British Columbia Chapter!

Elizabeth specializes in feet, hand, face, and ear reflexology. Her treatments are customized to each clients specific needs by incorporating elements of Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Touch, and Sound Healing to facilitate homeostasis, the body’s natural state of equilibrium.

Helping individuals with neurological disorders such as fibromyalgia, ADD/ADHD, dementia, epilepsy, Bell’s Palsy is Elizabeths primary focus and she has a passion for women’s health from preconception (fertility), the second and third trimester to post-partum.

In her free time, you’ll either find her at the gym or reading and learning about natural medicine and alternative therapies that can help heal the body, mind, and soul.

Elizabeth Arcand, RCRT has recently relocated to Vancouver Island from Toronto, Ontario where s... Read More

Marissa Berger

Mitchell Budd RMT

Dr. Kristen Chila

Dr. Kristen Chila is a chiropractor who is Webster certified and has expertise in CCEP (Extremities specialization). Her educational background includes children’s psychology and holistic nutrition. As a teenager, Dr. Kristen fell in love with the healing art that lies behind chiropractic and has been dedicated to helping others find its benefits ever since. Her ability to connect with children and babies gives her lots of room to work with them and adjust through play and engagement. She enjoys helping the whole family feel at ease and making connections around health choices.

Dr. Kristen Chila is a chiropractor who is Webster certified and has expertise in CCEP (Extremiti... Read More

Ms. Stephanie Funk R Ac

Ben Hildebrand RMT

We are pleased to welcome Ben Hildebrand, RMT to the Knead team.

We are pleased to welcome Ben Hildebrand, RMT to the Knead team. Read More

Hannah Hitchen

Wellness Massage with Hannah Hitchen is available Friday and Saturdays. Enjoy this excellent, moderate pressured body work!

Wellness Massage with Hannah Hitchen is available Friday and Saturdays. Enjoy this excellent, mo... Read More

Jason Lescak RMT

Jason Lescak, RMT welcomes returning clients!

Jason Lescak, RMT welcomes returning clients! Read More

Brendan McCarthy

Cole McColl

Curtis Moon RMT

Curtis is not taking on New Clients at this time. If you have a referral, please call the clinic 250-753-6322.

Curtis is not taking on New Clients at this time. If you have a referral, please call the clinic... Read More

Ms. Sarah Pickard
(She/Her/Hers) RMT

Sonya Pitcairn RMT

Welcome Sonya Pitcairn, RMT for a short term locum!

Welcome Sonya Pitcairn, RMT for a short term locum! Read More

Ms. Janie Ringham
(She/Her/Hers) BSc, CHP, RMT

Tatiana Shtytcer RMT

Beverley Spidle RMT

Beverley isn’t taking on New Clients at this time. If you have a referral, please call the clinic 250-753-6322.

Beverley isn’t taking on New Clients at this time. If you have a referral, please call the clini... Read More

Mx. Mar Tezak
(They/Them/Theirs)

Mar is a reiki healer whose approach to healing always centers their clients’ needs at the time of a session. They began their journey through oracle readings, mediumship, and meditation, and have over the past few years learned from Reiki masters before delving into their own practice.

Just as a physical massage aids the physical body, a reiki session aids the emotional and energetic bodies that a person carries around with them.

Mar has always been guided to do this work, and they are committed to helping others heal on a spiritual level.

Mar is a reiki healer whose approach to healing always centers their clients’ needs at the time o... Read More

Annie Tsay

Welcoming Annie Tsay, RMT for a short locum!

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” - Albert Einstein

As a registered massage therapist, Annie strives to keep people moving. To this end, an appointment with Annie typically will include some therapeutic movements mixed in with relaxation techniques. Annie completed her massage therapy training at Langara College in Vancouver and has done additional training in functional anatomy, Dermoneuromodulation (DNM), and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). Annie has experience helping people find relief from body tension and pain developed from a wide range of conditions such as stress, repetitive activities, sports, muscular imbalances, fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome), and nerve compression.

Prior to massage therapy, Annie traversed through different sectors: supporting families with infants with developmental challenges, helping university students find co-op jobs, and writing technical material. Becoming a massage therapist has allowed Annie to fulfill her calling of helping people rest, move, and thrive.

Annie enjoys traveling and has visited all 7 continents. Paddle boarding through calm waters, playing in the ocean waves, and walking through forests and sandy beaches are sacred activities for Annie. On rainy days, Annie enjoys watching reality competition shows and dreams of being on the Amazing Race one day.

Welcoming Annie Tsay, RMT for a short locum! “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balan... Read More

Trishia Unrau
(She/Her/Hers) MA, MS, RCC

Welcome Trishia Unrau, MA, MS

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)

Please note Trishia Unrau is not accepting new clients at this time.

Trishia Unrau has been in the mental health field for 12 years and has been working as a counsellor since 2016. With a Masters of Arts in Expressive Arts Therapy and a Masters of Science in General Psychology, Trishia specializes in EMDR and Expressive Arts Therapy. She is trained in Sensorymotor Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Emotion Focused Therapy.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective treatment for PTSD, trauma (including developmental trauma), anxiety (including phobias, panic attacks, social anxiety, and performance anxiety) as well as depression. EMDR does not require talking about the distressing memory in detail. EMDR helps clear away limiting beliefs by processing distressing memories. EMDR tends to be a quicker treatment than other methods of therapy.

Expressive Arts Therapy uses all the art forms including visual art, movement, music, theatre and writing. It is a gentle approach where internal resources are highlighted. It is a way to express, contain and problem solve difficult events and emotions. No art experience necessary.

Trishia believes that clients are the experts in their own lives. She offers various methods of counselling according to your needs and preferences. Multiple methods can be used throughout the therapeutic process. By working together, we can untangle the difficult things, allowing reconnection to your authentic self.

Accepting ICBC, FNHA, CVAP, and Metis Nation coverage with appropriate paperwork.

EMDR training is approved by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

Please note sessions are for those 19 years old and older.

Welcome Trishia Unrau, MA, MS Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) Please note Trishia Unrau is... Read More

Rahim V

Looking forward to working with you - body, mind, energy and emotions - so you can live your best life; offering Hypnotherapy and Somatic Energy Therapy appointments.

In case the schedule shows “no availability”, please add yourself to the waitlist OR contact us so we can book you in right away!

Looking forward to working with you - body, mind, energy and emotions - so you can live your best... Read More

Rahim Valli RMT

Initial sessions with Rahim Valli, RMT are 60 minutes, and all follow up appointments are either 45 or 30 minutes.

Please dress comfortably or bring something comfortable to change into for your treatment, since lotions/oils are not used with Rahim’s approach to treatments - sessions typically begin with a short hands-on assessment and conversation. Treatment is a seamless blend of CranioSacral Therapy, MyoFascial Release (Fascial Stretch Therapy), Visceral Manipulation (treating organs and their connective tissues).

Initial sessions with Rahim Valli, RMT are 60 minutes, and all follow up appointments are either ... Read More

Kate Walker RRC

We welcome Kate Walker, RCC to the team. Kate provides evidence based counselling for kids, adolscents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD and complex trauma.

Kate has a special interest and talent supporting families through Internal Family Systems(IFS), Narrative Therapy and Mindful Self Compassion.

We welcome Kate Walker, RCC to the team. Kate provides evidence based counselling for kids, adols... Read More

Dr. Tonia Winchester ND

Dr. Tonia Winchester has been in practice as a Naturopathic Doctor since 2007. Her formula for health is straightforward:

Health equals nutrients in and wastes or toxins out.

Dr. Tonia has learned over the years that this simple formula applies to not only the biochemical and physical levels, but also to the emotional and mental levels.

Ultimately it comes down to detoxifying and nutrifying, which starts with two questions:

  1. What are we getting too much of, that we need less of? (detoxify)

  2. What are we not getting enough of, that we need more of? (nutrify)

She loves giving patients nutrient boosts through naturopathic injection therapies so they can have “more fuel in their tanks” to face their day with boisterous energy, resilient moods, and calm nervous systems. Added bonuses can include sturdy immune systems, boosted metabolisms, and happier digestive tracks.

As someone who had lived with regular pain for many years, Dr. Tonia also loves helping people get out of daily, persistent pain through the use of musculoskeletal repair injections. Repair injections are fast, safe, and natural; often patients report reduced pain, increased comfort, and greater mobility within the first or second treatment – even if it’s something they’ve had for years.

She also loves helping patient unlock the mind-body (mental / emotional) root causes of their symptoms so that their bodies can go back into healing mode.

Why is any of this important?

Because what seems to be true after meeting with thousands of patients over the past 17+ years in practice is that health isn’t something we do just for the sake of it.

Health is a vehicle that drives us to the things in life that light us up.

And that path to better health all starts when we apply this simple “nutrients in / wastes out” formula to support the healing power that exists within all of us.

Dr. Tonia Winchester looks forward to helping you rediscover your “health why”, understanding your motivations for better health, and unlocking your full well-being potential.

She is the author of the book: Break Through The Insomnia Cycle and the host of the Wonder With Me Podcast. Please note price adjustment in effect April 1, 2025

Learn more about Dr. Tonia here.

Dr. Tonia Winchester has been in practice as a Naturopathic Doctor since 2007. Her formula for he... Read More

Dr. Man-Yee Yeung
(She/Her/Hers) ND

Dr. Man-Yee Yeung is a Naturopathic Doctor with almost 20 years of experience. She strives for her patients to feel heard, supported and empowered in their journey to better health.

Dr. Yeung has a special interest in stress and chronic pain management, digestive health, women’s health (e.g. fertility, menstrual pain, etc) and epigenetics (how behavior and environment can change the expression of our genes).

Through her extensive Naturopathic medical program in Toronto, ON, Dr. Yeung was trained to provide nutritional counselling, botanical medicine (Chinese and Western), soft tissue manipulation, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture to her patients.

Dr. Man-Yee Yeung is a Naturopathic Doctor with almost 20 years of experience. She strives for h... Read More

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Located at: 975 Terminal Ave, Nanaimo
Directions & Map |

Need Help? 250-753-6322 info@kneadtherapy.ca