Counsellor, Carol Bassingthwaighte aspires to help people primarily on the level of their body, rather than mind. As the former EFAP counsellor, Carol used to help people work through their emotional issues. Now, she has opened the Oceanview Massage Clinic, and helps people through working with bodies using relaxation and stress release massage.

"We live in a society that has been touch deprived, some would say touch starved. Thankfully, that is changing. Hugging is common now. People are overworked and over-stressed. Massage offers professional touch, which is proven to help relax people and reduce stress. The mind, body, emotion and spirit are interconnected, and all levels are important to address as people pursue optimal health and personal growth" she says.

The bright and spacious clinic offers total privacy and comfort in the setting of a Old City Quarter character home. Just walking into the massage room is relaxing with its’ panoramic ocean view of Nanaimo Harbour and Newcastle, Protection and Gabriola Islands.

She got her training as a Certified Bodyworker in massage at the International Professional School of Bodywork in San Diego, one of the premiere massage schools in North America. She also holds a Master’s degree in psychology, which combined with her counselling background helps her offer a safe and secure environment for massage and release of stress.

In making this change from counselling to massage, Bassingthwaighte is following family tradition. Her two sisters also turned to professions in massage from successful careers in psychology and nursing.

"Clients walk away from a massage feeling great, definitely better than when they walked in. Some describe the effect of the massage as leaving them feeling fully alive. They experience a lightness of being that lets them know they have done something good for themselves at every level of their being - body, mind, emotion and spirit."

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Massage sounds intriguing to many people - the promise of relaxation, and a feeling of bliss. Some though, aren’t sure if it’s for them. What does it feel like, they wonder? Is it private? Will they have to be naked?

Carol Bassingthwaighte, a certified Bodyworker in Nanaimo, says people considering a massage can indeed relax. Her profession creates a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment for clients.

For those who’ve never had a massage before, says Bassingthwaighte, who operates Oceanview Massage Clinic, there are a few things you can expect when you purchase one.

On your first visit, she says, you’ll likely fill out a brief form to provide some basic information and outline the results you desire. Then you’ll be given a few moments alone to get ready and onto the massage table.

“Some people choose to slip under the covers with minimal clothing, others just strip down,” explains Bassingthwaighte. “Either choice is acceptable, and privacy remains intact either way.” Once on the massage table, sheets and blankets drape clients at all times.

“Only the body part being massaged is uncovered - an arm, leg, or back.”

Pillows are positioned to provide good body support and comfort. A light oil is used on the skin to reduce friction. Aromatherapy and heat are options that can be included as desired.

Bassingthwaighte excels at sensing the right touch, but every massage client is unique, and so should let his or her bodyworker know what pressure is most comfortable.

Massage is meant to feel good, she adds. Some people like to talk during their massage while others remain silent and bask in the feeling of relaxation.

“To deepen the experience, silence allows a focus on the touch and what it evokes on all levels of body, mind, emotion and spirit.”

Once the massage is complete, clients are encouraged to remain on the massage table for a few moments to let the full effects of the massage sink in.

At her clinic, Bassingthwaighte then takes time to talk about the massage experience and provide some post-massage tips.

Massage recipients can enhance the cleansing effects by drinking water. And doing something enjoyable, such as a bath, a walk, or light exercise, helps prolong the pleasure.

When choosing a bodyworker, people should look for someone with experience and training, and a comfortable, private environment, she advises. Bassingthwaighte is not only a certified bodyworker, for example, but also holds a Master’s Degree in psychology and uses that expertise to ensure clients get both physical and mental benefits from her work.

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Carol Bassingthwaighte gives new meaning to the word "relaxation". After 1-1/2 hours on her massage table at Oceanview Massage Clinic on Milton Street, I am deeply, deeply at peace - and more than just physically. I tell Carol that I feel as though my mind and emotions and even my spirit are completely at ease.

That is the point of what she does, Carol explains. Oceanview Massage Clinic provides a deeply holistic experience of stress reduction. The room itself is a beautiful, serene space that is reserved only for massage, Tai Chi, or meditation. While Carol performs her magic, a tape playing the sound of ocean waves lulls me to sleep and warm, heated blankets soothe me. I drift in and out of sleep, in a state of blissful peace. And believe me, in my life, blissful peace is not something I achieve very often.

Carol practices what is called a circulatory massage. The intent is deep relaxation and stress relief. "And in people's busy lives they can use that time for some pro-active self-care," Carol says. "When someone books a massage for themselves it's an investment in wellness. It's an opportunity to take that 1, 1-1/2 or 2 hours as time just for themselves." So many people, especially women, are focussed on taking care of others, Carol says. To take time to care for themselves is a necessary gift.

Carol Bassingthwaighte has a masters in psychology and worked for many years as a counsellor, and though she still loves counseling, she finds that the bodywork she does now is the most rewarding thing she has ever done. But her experience as a counselor is a benefit to her clients, she says. "Many people come because they want straight, good massage," Carol says. "But for those people who choose to open up and talk a bit more on the table or who want to explore personal growth a little bit, I have the background and skills to facilitate that and to create a really safe environment where people know that it's going to be kept confidential." If emotions come up as they sometimes do during massage, Carol has the training to deal with that.

Oceanview Massage Clinic has been open since June of this year and many people have found their way there strictly through word of mouth. Carol gets tremendous feedback from her clients. "I can't belienve I waited 47 years for my first massage, " one client said. "It was great. I feel great!" "Your touch is perfect," said another.

I would have to agree. Carol uses Green Valley Aromatherapy oils, which are of the highest quality. Her touch is indeed magical. She begins a session by saying, "This time is just for you." She gives complete permission to fully relax and sink into the feeling.

In her brochure, she writes: "Your body, mind, emotion, and spirit will lighten. The panoramic ocean view will enhance your relaxation. You'll leave feeling better than when you came. You'll know you've done something good for yourself."

There isn't a word of exaggeration in that statement.

- by Goody Niosi

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Massage is one of the best gifts a person can give themselves or their loved ones. When a person recieves massage, it acts upon their whole self ~ body, mind, emotion and spirit. Massaging the body soothes and relaxes muscles, encouraging the release of muscular tension and held stress. Doing this creates an environment allowing the mind, emotion and spirit to relax, open and let go as well. Opening yourself to experiencing massage on this holistic level is vitally freeing, resulting in a lightness of being accompanied by the potential for personal growth.

The benefits of massage are wide ranging because of its' holistic effects on the being. Firstly, massage offers the joy of receiving, an important gift for all the many caregivers who tend to focus more on giving than receiving. Secondly, and important to note at this time of year is that massage improves immune functioning. Furthermore, it calms and relaxes your nervous system, promoting deep relaxation and balancing. It revives and stimulates your energy. This opens and releases meridians and blocked areas of your body, as well as refreshing and rejuvenating your being. It relieves chronic pain and tension, relaxes muscles, improves muscle tone, increases circulation of blood and lymph, and decreases healing time after injury. For a comprehensive listing of research on massage check out the website of the Touch Research Institute at www.miami.edu/touch-research/Massage1.html.

In our touch deprived society, massage offers professional touch proven to help relax people and reduce stress. People feel great after a massage, definitely better than when they walked in. Some describe the effect of the massage as leaving them feeling fully alive. They experience a lightness of being that lets them know they have done something good for themselves at every level of their being - body, mind, emotion and spirit. Massage is a integral component in the pursuit of optimal health and wellness. Promote the well being of your loved ones by giving them the gift of a deeply relaxing professional massage. Revitalize and renew yourself by giving yourself the gift of massage today!

“...I learned that touch could open gateways to the mind...” ~ Ilana Rubenfeld, The Listening Hand, 2000

Carol Bassingthwaighte a Certified Bodyworker, with an M.A. in Psychology, runs Oceanview Massage Clinic in Nanaimo. Her years of experience in the counselling field offers safety and support during stress release for you or your loved one.

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Are you feeling tired, a little overwhelmed? Autumn is a time of change, and change often leads to stress. When we get stressed, our bodies feel weary, our minds focus on what is not working, our emotions spiral downward, and our spirits feel low. No one wants that!

Feeling stressed signals the need to shift all four of these energies: healing the body, the mind, the emotions and the spirit. What can you do that will help lessen your stress? You could imagine a trip to Mexico, or winning a lottery, but it’s not likely that you can count on these every time you feel stressed. Fortunately, there are quick and easy ways to increase your feeling of well-being.

Begin by embracing change, and making a commitment to yourself to take action towards wellness. Here are a few things you can do: walk to enliven your body, meditate to calm your mind, write in a journal to honour your emotions, laugh freely to lighten your spirits, receive a massage to refresh your body, mind, emotions and spirit at the same time.

Research shows that massage is effective for stress relief. In fact, it may be one of the best antidotes for stress available.

Massage affects the physical body by loosening and relaxing tight muscles. This alone helps reduce stress symptoms, but the effects of massage are much more far-reaching. The physical release of stress and tension from the muscles creates an environment that can allow mind, emotion and spirit to open and release as well. Massage effectively releases stress and tension on every level of your being, giving a tremendous boost to your well-being.

Whether it is a walk, some evening air, or the complete makeover of a massage, keep your energies high! With so many ways to recharge, this autumn could be your best season yet.

Carol Bassingthwaighte at Oceanview Massage Clinic is a Certified Bodyworker and has a Master’s degree in psychology. Her psychological and counselling background offers safety, support and a comprehensive stress release.

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