"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." MA
LEILA SHAW | NUTRITIONIST | MASSAGE THERAPIST
LEILA SHAW | NUTRITIONIST | MASSAGE THERAPIST
About
Leila
Hello, and welcome! Here are some details about me: I hold a BA from Dalhousie University, a diploma from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (registered with MTANS), and in 2016 graduated with a BSc in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount Saint Vincent University and am registered with the Nova Scotia Dietetics Association. I practice as a Massage Therapist and Nutritionist/Dietitian (in Nova Scotia they mean the same thing).
As a practicing RMT, I find that conversations with clients often include discussions about aspects of their lifestyle that factor into seeking massage therapy. As a Nutritionist (and as an RMT), I engage my clients to mindfully explore health issues and consider lifestyle influences, and provide a safe, knowledgeable and compassionate environment for healing.
I have been working in mostly community-based centers for over 20 years, i.e. (early on) the HealthSmith Community Medical Clinic, Vancouver, BC. My experience there ignited an interest in a team approach to health and an understanding that while wellbeing starts with one’s self, it also may require the input of many to be successful. I refer to and work in conjunction with other therapists and health practitioners to support and facilitate my clients’ health.
I look forward to meeting and working with you in the future.
Massage Therapy
In order to live a higher quality life, maintaining optimal wellness is key. Everything we feel and do relates to our well-being and directly affects our actions and emotions. In order to subdue stress, reduce illness, and ensure positive moments in your life, you must achieve optimal wellness. Massage Therapy is instrumental in facilitating improvements in: digestion and circulation, muscle imbalance, tension and restoration, sleep, as well as overall well-being.
My attitude to massage is holistic in nature; I am curious about the input of lifestyle and self-awareness as it reflects on our bodies. Over the years I have acquired additional areas of training, focus and expertise, which help frame my massages. My treatments integrate aspects of Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Indian Head Massage, and Thai Yoga Massage. As well, Thai Yoga Massage is offered as a stand alone (nurturing) treatment. I invite you to book an appointment online and we will work together to support your needs.
Nutrition
Food choices and behaviours are deeply personal and often the reasons why are unknown. There is no one perfect answer to our nutrition needs; no one diet that will solve it all, we are all unique and our diet needs to reflect this uniqueness. Self-exploration can take time, and the distance between where you are and where you want to be can be far – but you are worth the journey. My approach to nutrition counselling reflects, in part, my approach to massage therapy; interested in the “why” more than the “what”. Why are you eating what you’re eating – is it serving you? Once the why is identified, even partially, a plan for change can evolve, if change is needed. I am an empathetic and candid facilitator. I integrate a mindful approach while working with my clients to support them as they manifest change. Whether you are looking for clarity or education as it relates to nutrition, you have received a medical diagnosis and are curious about food as medicine, or you would like to shake off some old habits that are not beneficial for you, I invite you to book online or email me and book an appointment and start your journey.
other stuff
Additional Information
Leila's Professional Associations
More About Massage Therapy & Sites I Visit
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20
www.massagemag.com/4-benefits-of-a-deep-tissue-massage-31796/
More About Nutrition & Sites I Visit
www.thecenterformindfuleating.org
FAQs
What happens in a massage therapy session?
During (or before) the initial session clients fill out an intake form which is designed to gather relevant information about past and current health and wellbeing. This, along with visual, palpation and movement based assessments will provide a framework for treatment.
Consent to treatment is required, respected, and can be revoked by the client at any point during the massage. Any personal and health information provided to your Massage Therapist is completely confidential and will be safeguarded. Your health record cannot be released or transferred without your written consent.
Treatments are usually an hour long, although 45, 75, or 90 minute sessions are also available.
During a massage the client is undressed (to individual comfort) and lays comfortably on the table under the sheet and blanket. Areas are uncovered as they are treated and tucked in when they are not.
Usually massages are a time for quiet relaxation and restoration, but verbal input about the treatment is encouraged and welcomed.
What is Thai Yoga Massage?
Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient form of massage developed in India by Ayurvedic physician, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha (~500BC). It reached Thailand in 200BC and has continued to travel very slowly east.
During a Thai Yoga Massage your body will be supported and moved into a variety of passive yoga postures. The massage techniques of rocking, compressions, kneading and stretching are incorporated to invite the body into a state of relaxation, expansion and rejuvenation.
Thai Yoga Massage uses no oils, takes place on the floor on a cushioned mat and you remain fully clothed throughout the treatment. No experience of yoga is needed to receive a massage. All that is required is an interest to reduce your stress and unwind. It is also appreciated if you wear comfortable loose (or stretchy) cozy clothing for your treatment. As well, it is best to give yourself an hour or two after eating before receiving a massage. I received my training in Thai Yoga Massage from Lotus Palm and also with Sharon Brown-Horton
Are massage treatments or nutrition counselling covered by MSI?
Neither massage therapy nor private practice nutrition counselling are covered by the provincial medical plan (MSI) but most private insurance companies cover these as part of their extended healthcare plans. Please consult your policy for details about coverage and referral requirements.
Do you direct bill?
Some plans can be billed directly, and most have apps or online capabilities for the client to send in the claim (photo of receipt) immediately after treatment.
What happens in a Nutrition Counselling session?
When you make contact and we book you in, I will send you a Nutrition Assessment and Consent Form for you to complete. Initial appointments are usually an hour in length and the client intake form is carefully reviewed, questions often arise and are tackled, and a plan is constructed. The journey on which you embark is completely nonjudgmental and collaborative in nature - we work together to establish your goals.
It is best to have completed the intake form prior to the session (the booking system, JaneApp, will email it to you when you book your appointment) as it is comprehensive and if done ahead of your appointment, allows solid time for review and planning. Having said that, if it's not completed, we can do it together and move forward as required.
Follow-up sessions are usually 30 or 45 minutes and may involve walking and talking, if appropriate, and we will collaborate on their frequency.
Food Intake....
We will discuss the appropriateness of recording your food at your initial appointment. They sound laborious at best and awful at worst, but they are really valuable. Imagine designing a map to get you from one place to another but not being able to first view the terrain. The map would be flawed. I want your map to be successful for you. There is NO JUDGMENT - I can't emphasize this enough! Seriously - this is just a record so we can be curious about patterns in eating, that's all. And honestly, recording things down can have a h u g e impact. Breathe - you can always take photos!
