Melissa Stewart, RMT

Castor oil packs are one of the abdominal self-care practices I’m often asked about, so I wanted to share a simple guide for trying one at home.

The process itself isn’t complicated: castor oil, flannel, warmth and time to rest.

What I appreciate most about the practice is that it creates an opportunity to slow down, bring warmth to the abdomen and spend a little uninterrupted time connecting with the body.

Swipe for step-by-step instructions, along with a few important precautions.

Save this post for later - or share it with someone who might enjoy this ritual. ✨️🫶💕❤️

Over the past few months, I’ve been seeing some powerful shifts in clients who come to me with digestive concerns - from improvements in constipation symptoms and greater abdominal comfort to more regular bowel movements.

Research suggests that abdominal massage may help increase bowel-movement frequency, shorten gut-transit time, and improve symptoms of constipation.

It has been incredibly rewarding to watch this work make a meaningful difference in how people feel. I truly love offering Therapeutic Abdominal Massage, and I’m so grateful to be helping more people feel comfortable and connected to their bodies. 🙏🫶✨️

✨ A new look for my practice ✨

This summer, I’ve been working with Brittney from Brittney ♠ ACE Business Essentials on a website facelift and a new logo - and the results are epic!!! I am loving this new logo and how it embodies the work I do.

There’s so much symbolism woven into the design - the moon phases representing the menstrual cycle, the green leaves representing plants and the castor oil rituals I often recommend as part of abdominal massage care, the warm pink leaves reaching out like hands, and the central sphere representing energy.

It feels beautiful, elegant and so reflective of my work.

I’ve been loving incorporating it into all of my new materials - business cards, flyers, my updated welcome guide and more. It’s so exciting to see everything coming together and feeling more cohesive.

Thank you, Brittney, for bringing it all to life! ✨

Thanks to Kirsten Wellness Business Coaching with Kirsten Werner for introducing us and inspiring this practice glow up!!

Supporting pelvic and menstrual health is one of my favourite parts of my work.

Many people seek out Therapeutic Abdominal Massage because they are experiencing painful periods, cycle irregularity, pelvic tension, bloating, or other symptoms that affect their quality of life.

This work may also offer supportive care for those navigating conditions such as endometriosis or PMOS, formerly known as PCOS.

Every treatment is tailored to your unique history, symptoms, and goals, creating space for greater awareness, ease, and connection with your body.

Across many traditional cultures, abdominal massage has been used to support reproductive health and fertility.

Therapeutic Abdominal Massage is often included as part of preconception care and reproductive wellness.

The abdomen and pelvis contain an intricate network of muscles, fascia, blood vessels, lymphatic pathways, nerves, and organs.

External treatment of these tissues may encourage healthy circulation, support mobility, and enhance awareness of the body.

Many people seek abdominal therapy while preparing for pregnancy. Others choose treatment as a way to support reproductive health, connect with their body, or address restrictions within the abdomen and pelvis.

Treatment may support:

• Blood and lymphatic circulation within the abdomen and pelvis
• Tissue mobility and ease of movement
• Nervous system regulation
• Body awareness and connection
• A supportive foundation for reproductive wellbeing

If you are curious about whether this treatment is right for you, I invite you to book a complimentary discovery call or an initial appointment.

June-uary got you craving a little warmth?

I'm bringing hot stone massage back, because if June is going to pretend it's January, we might as well make the best of it.

When I moved to Vancouver Island seven years ago, I had never heard the term "June-uary".

Now I know exactly what it means: grey skies, cool mornings, and wondering why you're wearing a sweater in June.

Summer is coming. The days are getting longer. The sunshine will return.

Until then, hot stones are here to help keep you warm. 🔥

☀️ Longer days, warmer weather, and my summer schedule is officially open!

Summer has a way of filling our calendars with adventures, travel, and time outdoors.

Don't forget to make a little room for yourself, too.

Summer Hours
Monday: 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Thursday: 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

A little more about Therapeutic Abdominal Massage ✨

Therapeutic Abdominal Massage is a focused, hands on treatment that works with the abdomen to support digestion, menstrual health, fertility, and recovery after abdominal surgery.

This treatment helps improve circulation, mobility of the tissues, and overall function within the body. Each session is tailored to your individual needs using gentle, targeted techniques to support the body both during and between treatments.

Rooted in Arvigo® and Maya Abdominal Massage traditions, this approach offers intentional, holistic care while supporting a deeper connection to the core of the body.

Curious to learn more? I am now offering complimentary discovery calls to explore whether this work feels like the right fit for you ✨

Over the past few years, my practice has been gradually evolving toward Therapeutic Abdominal Massage.

The more I work with the abdomen, the more I feel how important this work truly is.

It’s an area of the body that holds and receives so much throughout our lives, yet often receives very little attention in massage therapy.

To better support this work, I’ve expanded my initial appointments into more focused 90 minute sessions, including support for digestive health, pelvic and menstrual health, fertility, post surgical recovery, and more.

I’m also now offering complimentary 15 minute Discovery Calls for those who are curious to learn more about this approach.

Booking links are in bio. 🤍