Cassandra Shkrabuik is one of Diversified Health’s registered massage therapists. Cassandra graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in a 3000 hour RMT program in 2012. She has lived on the island for seven years and has fallen in love with the highly holistic nature of the island.
Recently I sat down with Cassandra and asked her some questions on massage therapy and on her life.
Q: Is there a benefit to having a longer massage session ( over 60 minutes )
A: The main benefit to a longer massage is deeper relaxation, and clients suffering from multiple health issues can have all of them addressed in one session.
Q: What are 3 benefits of a massage?
A: 1. Improved circulation – Having an increase in blood flow and circulation to areas of your body helps promote cell growth and organ function.
2. Elimination of toxins through the skin – Skin eruptions are an indication of toxicity and the body’s attempt to eliminate them, so massage can increase the circulation to the skin and de-congest the pores.
3 The feeling of well-being – Massage increases the available levels of dopamine and this explains the satisfaction experienced during and after a massage. Also, serotonin regulates mood and has a calming effect; a low serotonin level has been implicated in depression, and massage seems to increase the level of available serotonin, producing an overall sense of calm.
Q: How often should you have a massage to achieve maximum health benefits?
A: Everyone is different, but with no health issues, every 4-6 weeks is a good place to start.
On a more personal note:
Q: Where is your favorite place to “chill” on the weekend?
A: Walking and hiking in any forested area.
Q: Favorite music style?
A: Most of my day is spent listening to calming soft music with my clients, so when I get home I enjoy the fast beat of Electro-jazz and any good classic rock songs that gets you going.
Q: If you can only eat one type of food what would it be?
A: SUSHI!!!
Q: Name one thing that most people don’t know about you.
A: Most people don’t know that I foster cats with behaviour issues and also feral kittens.
Q: What event is a must see for you in Victoria?
A: Anything to do with fireworks, specifically Canada Day and the Symphony Splash.
Q: Where is your favorite place to “snoop” in the city?
A: With out a doubt china town, because there is always something going on!
*Cassandra works Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Please contact our front desk to book an appointment with Cassandra.