Reina discovered her passion for massage therapy while working in the backcountry ski industry in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. Drawn to the connection between physical recovery and overall well-being, she pursued her diploma in Massage Therapy at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, graduating in 2019. Since then, she has served diverse communities across British Columbia, including Victoria, Squamish, Nelson, and Creston.

Originally from the Kootenays, Reina has called Nanaimo home for the past two years, fully embracing the area’s vibrant opportunities for outdoor adventure. When she’s not working, she’s exploring the mountains or sea through snowboarding, biking, surfing, or practicing yoga. A believer in the importance of a balanced lifestyle, Reina integrates physical activity, mindfulness, and self-care into her daily routine and encourages her clients to do the same.

Reina views massage therapy as a powerful tool for enhancing mental and physical well-being, whether it’s part of an established self-care routine or the start of a new one. Fascinated by the interplay between the body’s tissues and the nervous system, she tailors her treatments to support recovery and alleviate the demands of daily life.

With empathy and attentiveness, Reina collaborates with each client to understand their unique needs and goals. She employs a wide range of techniques, including Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, active release, myofascial release, passive and active stretching, joint mobilizations, and perinatal massage. Her treatments aim to reduce stress, manage chronic or acute pain, enhance athletic performance, and promote overall well-being.

Reina discovered her passion for massage therapy while working in the backcountry ski industry in... Read More

Jules graduated from Evolve College of Massage Therapy in Winnipeg, MB in 2023 after being drawn to massage therapy from her experience as a tree planter, working as an in-camp first aid attendant and rehab specialist. Since then, she has had the opportunity to work with professional athletes focusing primarily on injury prevention and improved performance, as well as at a high end spa deepening her appreciation for the role of mental and physical relaxation.

Thanks to her time spent working with tree planters and a variety of athletes, Jules has a vast experience with treatments for many different sports injuries, especially repetitive strain injuries. She also has an interest in treatments of neck and rib injuries, where a gentle and precise touch is needed.

Jules typically uses a combination of Swedish massage, myofascial release, active and passive releases, and neuromuscular therapy. She is always excited to learn and master new techniques, while holding the importance of relaxation through the healing process.

When she’s not working, Jules loves spending time outside, hiking with her dog, surfing, and playing music. New to Nanaimo, she is looking forward to growing with the community and creating a healthier, happier world for everyone she works with!

Jules graduated from Evolve College of Massage Therapy in Winnipeg, MB in 2023 after being drawn ... Read More

** Shelby is currently off on maternity leave returning May 2026 **

Shelby was raised in Nanaimo, BC, and knew when she graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, she wanted to return to Nanaimo to start her RMT career.

Shelby has previously worked in the healthcare field and realized quickly how much she enjoyed caring for others. Shelby seeks to hold a safe and relaxing treatment space to reach each clients specific needs.

Shelby hopes to promote mind and body wellness in those with stress, injuries and chronic pain through techniques such as Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Release, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Myofascial Release.

In Shelby’s spare time you can find her exploring nature, hiking, weightlifting and trying out new recipes.

Upon request, home care can be provided to help maintain and increase the benefits of each treatment.

** Shelby is currently off on maternity leave returning May 2026 ** Shelby was raised in Nanaimo... Read More

Are you living with anxiety and stress, your nervous system in perpetual fight, flight, flee or freeze?

Perhaps you’re (like me) and you’re a Highly Sensitive Person or empath feeling EVERYTHING?

Maybe you’re in utter overwhelm, burned out? Numb? Stuck or simply surviving? Goodness, don’t we know these are crazy times!

Many of my clients are undergoing or about to make massive changes and transitions of all sorts!

By reconnecting to and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, you’ll create a healthier, freer, more joyfully expressed version of amazing YOU and the precious life you crave.

Consider the quality of your current state of holistic health, life and fulfillment, your creativity and sense of purpose? What yearnings tug at you in this time of life?

Ask yourself these questions; “Who am I now?” “What’s not in alignment or missing? What do I want and need, now and ahead?” “How do I bring ME, my health and creative passions into priority again?” “What dreams did I put away and would regret if were my life soon ending?” “And, what am I super proud of myself for too?” (Celebrating is vital too!)

You’ve lived, loved, worked, possibly married and divorced, maybe raised a family and cared for aging parents, surely succeeded in your unique ways and also dealt with life’s natural challenges and losses too.

If a helper-type, other’s needs have likely come before your own.

Life happens, and often not how we planned. Whether anxious and stressed, have a heavy heart or upset emotions, stuck in unhealthy patterns of thought or behaviors, experiencing loss and natural life transitions, unhappy in relationships, we ALL need support to gain new perspectives, heal, shift and grow… me too! (I so benefit from my Coach.)

In transparency, I have lived experience as a gifted and bullied, anxious Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), been married and divorced, taken bold moves, bravely furthered my education at 57, creative in businesses and careers, also cared for elders and grieved losses. These experiences (now in my mid-60’s), combined with my love of learning, devotion to personal growth and training make me an even strong counsellor.

I want to assist you to live your precious life more fully and freer, healthier and in alignment with your authentic heart and soul … rather than fearful and unfulfilled. As both a Life Coach and decades-long Registered Counsellor (#3876 with CPCA), certified in EFT Tapping, NLP, Re-Write Your Life Mastery and Infinite Possibilities too,

I’ve supported thousands in their personal growth through 1:1 private work, workshops, women’s circles (for 50+), retreats and speaking.

Our counseling will be focused on YOU and your needs, first understanding where you are now. Then together reduce the anxiety and stress, clear old emotions, explore your core values and beliefs, align mindset and actions toward “coming home” to your Self.

You’ll build a toolkit of simple but potent practices to easily integrate into your daily self-care routine for wholehearted empowerment. Your creative passions will quicken and your specific goals for THRIVING will become realized in health, wellness, relationships, purpose, adventure and truly living!

Carolyn Clarke Programs® believes that each person has the absolute ability to choose, and take steps toward creating a deliberately fulfilling life. Let me help you to re-awaken into your beautiful life.

Are you living with anxiety and stress, your nervous system in perpetual fight, flight, flee or f... Read More

Janet guides people to help them take a responsible approach to the health and wellness, sharing knowledge of the ancient wisdom, and the art and science of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM.). Patients and clients witness first-hand the exceptional ability of Acupuncture and T.C.M. to uncover and address the root causes of disease and its effectiveness in recovering a healthy state of mind and body. Her foundational credo is “by treating the root cause, symptoms begin to disappear”.

Janet believes that we can move forward in today’s medical world by combining modern medical advances with the past hundreds of years of study of this proven Eastern modality—in order to treat health issues of the body, the mind and to improve the quality of aging.

Janet graduated from the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1997. In Janet’s ongoing pursuit of innovative methods, she has also studied:

-at Anhui College Hospital In Hefeii China 1998 with Dr. Yao Qi Yin for 11 years and Dr. Tran for 2 years

-with Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, world renowned in Constitutional Facial Rejuvenation in 2006 and 2009

-at Oshio College 2006-2008 and 2018

-at TTC Spa School in Chiang Mai Thailand 2019: Deep Lymph Drainage and Reflexology

-Facial Yoga from 2015 - Present

Janet guides people to help them take a responsible approach to the health and wellness, sharing ... Read More

**Dr. Scarlett Cooper will be away on maternity leave starting June 1st. ** Dr. Scarlett Cooper is a licensed naturopathic doctor in the province of British Columbia.  With a strong background in nutrition, Dr. Cooper works with patients to build a foundation for health, complementing dietary and lifestyle approaches with additional naturopathic treatments including herbal medicine, acupuncture, IV therapy and homeopathy.  Dr. Cooper enjoys working with all patients who are interested in improving their health; in her clinical practice she has particular interest in women’s health, children’s health , digestive conditions, hormone balance, and stress management.

Growing up on Saltspring Island in a family with an appreciation for wholesome diet and natural medicine inspired Dr. Cooper to study Nutritional Science at the University of British Columbia .  When health concerns encouraged her to seek naturopathic treatment and addressing the root cause resulted in a true cure, she felt motivated by her doctor’s holistic approach.  After earning a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Nutritional Science at UBC, she went on to graduate from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario and returned home to the West Coast to pursue a rewarding career in naturopathic medicine.  Presently, Dr. Cooper has a clinical practice at Island Integrative Health in Nanaimo, BC.  She also offers virtual appointments where suitable for convenience and to serve patients in more remote areas of British Columbia.

While at CCNM, Dr. Cooper completed her clinical internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic in Toronto, including the Pediatrics Specialty Shift ; an externship at the Oakville Naturopathic Clinic ; and a naturopathic medical brigade with Natural Doctors International in Ometepe, Nicaragua.  She was thrilled to have the opportunity to provide naturopathic care to these communities while gaining invaluable experience which informs her ongoing practice.

Dr. Cooper has always been passionate about the academic aspect of naturopathic medicine.   She has frequently taught Nutrition and supervised in the teaching clinic at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine , as she finds it incredibly rewarding to work with students while contributing to her profession.  Dr. Cooper has also appeared as a guest on The Lynda Steele Show on CKNW News Talk 980 AM , discussing topics that are relevant to naturopathic medicine and the general public.

Dr. Cooper is a member in good standing of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia , the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors , and BC Naturopathic Doctors .  She is also board certified in Acupuncture, IV Therapy, and Pharmacy.

Born and raised on the West Coast, Dr. Cooper nourishes her roots with as much time spent outdoors as the rain will allow. As part of her own self-care, Dr. Cooper has maintained a lifelong personal yoga practice, and earned her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate from Semperviva Yoga in Vancouver, BC.  She is also an avid long distance trail runner, and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, dancing, yoga, spending time with her husband and young son, and having endless adventures in the kitchen.

**Dr. Scarlett Cooper will be away on maternity leave starting June 1st. ** Dr. Scarlett Cooper i... Read More

Liz is a compassionate RMT who believes movement is a key aspect of maintaining good health. She likes to incorporate stretches into her massage and she will work with you to determine an effective treatment plan, acknowledging your own interests and needs.

She graduated from WCCMT Victoria in 2017 and likes to use a combination of techniques including myofascial release, active stretching, and relaxation while encouraging breaths throughout.

Particular issues of interest are stress and anxiety, shoulder injuries, and neck injuries. That being said, she is happy to take on any issue you may have!

Liz is a compassionate RMT who believes movement is a key aspect of maintaining good health. She ... Read More

Brooklyn Luison was born and raised in Kamloops BC, She moved to the island looking for an adventure and to find a place to settle down.

She graduated from Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in Vernon, BC in 2020 and is excited to continue her practice in Nanaimo. She uses a variety of techniques that include IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization), TMJ work, and fascial techniques. She is interested in working with and learning more about pre/post-natal, pediatric, infant massage, and sports injuries. She has taken continuing education courses in labor birth and delivery techniques, post-Cesarean section treatment, and IASTM. In the near future, she is interested in expanding her knowledge even more in such areas.

She believes that Massage Therapy can be a tool that helps with your mind-body

connection and injury prevention in day to day life. She is a friendly and supportive therapist and

loves to get to know the patient at hand and uses massage as a tool to help you thrive.

Continuing Education Courses taken:

-Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Principles Lower Body (7hr) (Back, hip, thigh, gastrosoleus, plantar fascia)(July 2021)

-Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Principles Upper Body (7hr) (Back, neck, shoulder, forearm, carpal tunnel) (July 2021)

-Labour, Birth and Postpartum (14PE) With Paula Jaspar (Oct 2021)

(topics of labour preparation, labour, delivery. As well as the common complaints, drug usage, positioning and attending a birth. Assessment and treatment of common presentations in the postpartum period. Contraindications and precautions also addressed during this course. )

• Post Cesarean Section with Paula Jaspar (14PE) (May 2022)

(how to work with cesarean sections scars specifically, helping the body move with less restriction)

Brooklyn Luison was born and raised in Kamloops BC, She moved to the island looking for an advent... Read More

Soon after Charlotte completed her degree in Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia in 2013, she moved to Vancouver Island to begin her career.

Since then, she has enjoyed helping clients from all walks of life achieve their physical wellness goals. Charlotte is passionate about learning and has done courses in acupuncture, functional dry needling, manual therapy, Neurokinetic Therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, ultrasound biofeedback, and persistent pain. More recently, she has learned how to look at persistent pain or recurring injuries through a functional neurology lens with the goal of addressing the underlying cause of dysfunction. Her treatment approach combines manual therapy, needling techniques, education, movement re-training, and exercise prescription.

One of Charlotte’s favourite things about living in Nanaimo is how easy it is to access the many amazing trails, beaches, climbing crags, and nearby islands. As a physiotherapist, she is most excited about getting to know her clients and supporting them in getting back to the things that they love!

Soon after Charlotte completed her degree in Physical Therapy at the University of British Columb... Read More

Kim McMurray is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who focuses on good quality, nutrient-dense whole foods and strategic lifestyle habits to help individuals thrive in their everyday life. She aims to simplify the vast world of nutrition and wellness by implementing foundational—yet powerful—principles through her consultations and personalized wellness plans. Kim enjoys working with all clients looking to improve their wellbeing, with particular interest in digestive health, women’s health, and pre/postnatal women’s health.

In 2015, Kim attended the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) in Nanaimo, BC, where she graduated as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.). This in-depth, practical training for every stage of life added valuable information to her knowledge base that resulted from navigating her own health issues prior to her education. After graduating in 2016, she worked for several years at Pomme Natural Market in the Healthy Living Department assisting customers in achieving a wide variety of health goals.

Since 2020, Kim’s focus shifted after becoming a mother, which has fuelled her passion for helping women flourish before, during, and after pregnancy. In 2024, she has had the privilege of teaching alongside a local functional medicine midwife, as well as supporting clients through Harbour City Doulas. She also had the opportunity to serve the community, alongside her husband, at the Living Soils farm stand at the Island Roots Farmer’s Market. Kim is excited to join the team at Island Integrative Health to help our community enjoy vibrant health.

Kim is happily married and has two amazing little ones. She feels incredibly blessed to enjoy so many beautiful nature walks and relaxing beach days on the Island!

Kim McMurray is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who focuses on good quality, nutrient-dense wh... Read More

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Emma recently graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC. After taking a gap year following high school graduation, Emma knew she wanted to pursue a career in Massage Therapy. Emma is from Qualicum Beach and loves the island lifestyle. Outside of work, you will find Emma outdoors doing various pursuits of exercise. Emma loves hiking, paddle boarding, surfing and fishing.

Emma has experience working with many conditions throughout her time at school and in the student clinic, including; chronic pain, mental health issues, neurological conditions and sports related injuries. She has a strong belief in the connection between mind and body and enjoys incorporating techniques into treatment to help promote the mind-body connection and awareness. Emma practices varying techniques including; general Swedish massage, petriassage, trigger point release, myofascial release and hydrotherapy. Emma would describe their treatment style as specific and relaxing, working to address each clients primary concern while being able to maintain a state of deep relaxation. Emma takes pride in being able to provide a safe space for all clients to allow for body healing and empowerment.

Emma recently graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC. After tak... Read More

Jorge Palacios, DOMP – Osteopathic Practitioner Committed to Restoring Balance and Function.

After living in America, Europe, Asia, and across many Canadian provinces and territories, Jorge and his wife have chosen Vancouver Island as their home. With over 20 years of experience in health studies, Jorge brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his practice.

As an Osteopathic Practitioner, Jorge is committed to uncovering the root causes of pain—not just treating its symptoms. He is continually fascinated by the human body’s ability to heal itself through precise techniques and manual therapies that promote alignment and restore function. His approach emphasizes working with the body’s innate intelligence, trusting that with the right care, it can regain balance and achieve optimal well-being. To Jorge, the human body is truly an extraordinary creation!

Jorge’s primary goal is to empower his clients to feel better, move freely, and regain control over their health. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, migraines, headaches, joint pain, motor vehicle accidents (MVA), temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), carpal tunnel syndrome, back and lower back pain, sciatica, torticollis, digestive problems, or sports injuries, Jorge is here to help. He works with a diverse range of individuals, including office professionals, healthcare workers, manual laborers, and athletes such as runners, cyclists, golfers, and team sport players. His treatments are tailored to meet the needs of those recovering from injuries or surgeries, addressing repetitive strain, postural issues, and managing stress or chronic conditions. Through his treatments, Jorge aims to relieve pain, restore movement, and enhance overall quality of life, empowering clients to return to their daily activities and passions with confidence.

Currently advancing his studies toward becoming a Doctor of Osteopathy, Jorge is dedicated to lifelong learning, ensuring that his clients receive the most effective and evidence-based care available.

Jorge offers appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 9:00 PM, and is eager to help the local community feel their best.

What is Osteopathy?

“Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that focuses on the interrelationship between the body’s structure and function, emphasizing its innate ability to heal itself. Through manual techniques such as stretching, massage, and manipulation, osteopaths aim to restore balance and health by addressing both symptoms and underlying causes. This practice is based on the principle that optimal health requires the harmonious functioning of all body systems.”

American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and World Health Organization (WHO).

What is Manual Osteopathic Therapy?

“Manual Osteopathic Therapy is a gentle, hands-on modality that investigates mechanical disruptions to the body. Treatments examine the body as a whole unit and aim to correct both structural and functional areas of concern. The focus of a Manual Osteopathic Therapist is to support the body’s natural capability to heal, self-regulate and maintain overall health.”

Manual Osteopathic College of Canada (MOCC)

Jorge Palacios, DOMP – Osteopathic Practitioner Committed to Restoring Balance and Function. Aft... Read More

After nearly two decades of experience teaching yoga and personal training, I finally decided to expand my knowledge to become a Registered Massage Therapist in 2021, graduating with honours from VCMT. I am currently working on completing all levels of Cranial Sacral Therapy which I hope to bring into my massage practice in the near future. I will continue to seek more knowledge to better myself and evolve as a therapist

I enjoy helping clients feel good in their own bodies and will often give homecare exercises for their specific concerns to help them feel empowered and an active participant in their healing journey.

The style of massage I have developed has a meditative flowing quality to it with the intention to make the transition from one treatment technique to the next feel as seamless as possible. I enjoy the ability of being creative with my treatments as I see massage therapy as an artform. I incorporate myofascial release, trigger point release work when necessary, joint play and gentle joint mobilizations when indicated, assisted and passive stretching, static pressure techniques and of course, Swedish massage techniques into a relaxing and effective treatment.

Outside of work, my passion has always been for world travel. My adventurous spirit has taken me to many beautiful places such as Central and South America, India, Asia and Scandinavia. At home, I love being in nature, gardening, swimming in the ocean, hiking in the forest, yoga and spending time with my 2 beautiful daughters and my three legged black cat named Erik Odin.

After nearly two decades of experience teaching yoga and personal training, I finally decided to ... Read More

I was born and raised in Williams Lake. After attending University, traveling and much contemplation I decided to follow my passion and sign up for school to become a massage therapist. The human body has always interested me and I finally found a career that allows me to apply my interest to my work. Two grueling years later I graduated from VCMT. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was the first time in my life I was able to work towards something I loved, with a group of like-minded individuals. My teachers promoted overall health, encouraging us to solve the problem instead of looking for short term answers. I believe that in order to function at an optimal level, healthy lifestyle choices and education are key. The courses I’ve taken since then have given me some amazing tools for assessment, treatment and prevention. Some of these courses include yoga therapy, barefoot training, sacral and facet treatment and infant massage. My main interest lies with the relationship between musculoskeletal injuries and the nervous system, and I tend to lean towards deep tissue massage, but am proficient in relaxation as well. I take a multidisciplinary approach to my practice, and to my own health, and I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.

I was born and raised in Williams Lake. After attending University, traveling and much contemplat... Read More

Takara looks forward to holding space for her clients. She believes that the state of the parasympathetic system is powerful for rebalancing, restoring, and setting goals for the future. Takara’s main focus is to help you with your specific goals as well as help bring the body into a state of calming restoration. Each client’s state of calm is different and will present differently depending on their goals. Sleeping, chatter, laughter, heavy sighs, tears, and more can be the body’s way of releasing. Takara is here to assist in your healing journey and is prepared to help you with what suits your needs. If you require other/more care she will be happy to refer you to other wonderful staff here at Island Integrative Health or refer you to other health care professionals.

She enjoys a variety of techniques such as myofascial massage, general Swedish massage, trigger point work, the use of Instrument Assisted Soft tissue mobilization tools, and many others. With previous experience working in gyms, spas, and other health clinics. She has had the opportunity to help a variety of people with many different injuries, such as disc/ nerve problems, paraplegia, whiplash, headaches, migraines, frozen shoulder, strains, sprains, and everyday body stresses/ wear and tear. Each client has a different threshold for massage pressure and depth. She encourages you to let her know what pressure you usually enjoy, this way you can discuss what is best for your body from both the therapist and client’s perspective.

Takara looks forward to helping you in your wellness journey.

Takara looks forward to holding space for her clients. She believes that the state of the parasym... Read More