acupuncture, may also be
used during treatments.
In Canada, the naturopathic
medical profession’s infra-
structure includes accred-
ited educational institutions,
professional licensing, national
standards of practice, partici-
pation in many federal health
committee initiatives, and a
commitment to state-of-the-
art scientific research.
Registered Massage
Therapist (R.M.T)
R.M.T’s use manual massage
techniques to loosen tight,
strained or spastic muscle
fibres. These muscles are
often painful and can usually
be seen in conditions ranging
from whiplash and tendonitis
to headaches, or simply as a
sore back. Tight muscles may
impede circulation or press on
nerves as in certain cases of
sciatica. For someone who is
suffering pain from these con-
ditions, the results of massage
can be very dramatic.
R.M.T’s must be registered
and regulated in the province
of Ontario in order to practice.
Although many spas or fitness
facilities may offer “mas-
sages,” be sure your therapist
is an R.M.T to ensure you are
receiving the highest quality
of care.
The benefits of massage are
not limited solely to muscu-
lar problems. Massage can
be used in the treatment of
insomnia, constipation or
respiratory conditions, such
as bronchitis. It can increase
circulation and therefore,
decrease edema (swelling),
as well as being helpful in
the rehabilitation of many
conditions, from fractures
and sprains, to post-operative
conditions.
h e a l t h • l i f e • w e l l – b e i n g
31