Amanda Johnston RMT
Ste Anne’s Spa, 1009 Massey Road, Grafton ON K0K1S0 Hamilton, ON, Canada

Cupping massage (Chinese cupping incorporated in a massage treatment) is a modified version of the common practise of cupping used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). As an RMT, I use specialized ‘cups’ to perform a manual suction or vacuum-like effect on the tissue. The suction creates a negative pressure which lifts tissue, as opposed to massage where a downward pressure is applied. Depending on the location on the body, the strength of suction will be varied. Suction... can be light, like with lymphatic drainage, medium, like with organ or abdominal cupping, and cupping on the elderly, weak, and small children, and strong cupping which is mostly performed on the backside of the body, ad legs. There are also variations in the cupping technique in the duration that the cups are retained. For Static or Stationary cupping, the cups are typically applied and left in place for 5 to 20 minutes. Fast or Flash cupping is a style of cupping where the cups are quickly applied and removed and moved to another location several times. For Gliding cupping application, the area to be treated is covered with a gliding agent like a simple oil or liniment, and cup is applied with light or medium pressure. The practitioner moves the cup over the area to be treated. I use these cupping massage as a compliment to hands on massage techniques to focus on deep muscles and surrounding fascia or connective tissue to break down adhesions or deep scar tissue, stretch tissue and improve circulation of fluid. Cupping can be added to your massage at anytime (as long as there are no contraindications). Please note: Cupping can cause the skin to temporarily turn red, blue or purple, especially if there is tissue injury under the area that was cupped. The skin discoloration is not a bruise (no blood vessels are broken), but instead most people have what is called a histamine response and is part of the natural healing response of the body. The skin discoloration can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, but is rarely painful. Once the marks have cleared, the procedure can be repeated until the condition or ailment is resolved.

About Amanda Johnston RMT Although I have lived many places, I think I will always be a small town girl at heart. I moved to Colborne in November 2019 and am loving all that Northumberland has to offer. I have always had an interest in helping people and naturally gravitated toward healthcare. I discovered quickly that the ‘blood and guts’ side of medicine wasn’t for me and concentrated my initial studies in rehabilitation sciences. I eventually found myself in office based r...ehabilitation case co-ordination work, but always felt something was missing. And then I found Massage Therapy! Massage Therapy was a career path that intrigued me. It offered a tremendous base of knowledge and an opportunity to work one-on-one with individuals to facilitate positive outcomes in their physicality and well-being. I was hooked! I completed my training at the Canterbury College of Natural Medicine in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2009. On my return to Canada, I gained my registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and am also a member of the Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario (RMTAO). I am trained in relaxation and therapeutic techniques including: Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Pregnancy Massage, Fascial Techniques, Trigger Point Therapy, Aromatherapy, and Cupping Therapy. I use a variety of assessments and techniques to provide therapeutic massage tailored to the individual needs of my clients. I prefer to use a combination of relaxation and therapeutic techniques to ease your body towards healing and well-being. I believe that relaxation is just as important as release of tight muscles and therefore aim to both calm your nervous system and challenge problem areas to stimulate tissue release. I currently work 4 days per week at the beautiful Ste Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario. Starting November 3, 2020, I will be at Whole Health on Tuesdays! #amandajohnstonrmt #steannesspa #wholehealthbrighton

Hello Everyone! I will be returning to work at Ste. Anne’s from June 12, however will not be considering any private clients until I have obtained PPE and feel physically ready. After returning yesterday for protocols and PPE training, I’m feeling much less anxious and apprehensive about all the unknowns in this COVID environment. As restrictions are being lifted and RMTs gradually restart practice please keep in mind that your massage therapy treatments are going to be a l...ittle bit different during COVID-19. RMTs will be adjusting to our unconditioned bodies after a nearly 3 month ‘break’. We have additional protocols to adhere to including Heath screening and documentation, adjusting to working in PPE and many other factors. We will all get through this and I look forward to seeing your faces again! Sincerely, AJRMT