Harmony Health Centre Co-operative Ltd

Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a system of health care that has grown into a comprehensive and holistic medical practice. This practice of medicine has developed over 4000 years whereby practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnose and treat patients based on diagnosing patterns of imbalance and/or disharmony in the body. By placing thin sterile disposable needles at s... Read More

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of health care that has grown into a comprehensive and holistic medical practice. This practice of medicine has developed over 4000 years whereby practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnose and treat patients based on diagnosing patterns of imbalance and/or disharmony in the body.

By placing thin sterile disposable needles at specific areas an acupuncturist encourages healing by boosting immunity, physical and emotional well-being. Acupuncture is also a wonderful tool in preventing new and recurring illnesses.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

The foundations of TCM is the philosophy that our “Life Energy”, which practitioners may refer to as “Qi”, flows in channels and meridians, like rivers, throughout the body, internally and externally. This energy or “Qi” which moves through these meridians creates a network to nourish all parts of the body and interconnect the organs.

When the body’s internal balance and harmony is in sync with the external environment, Qi flows effortlessly through the meridians to nourish the organs and tissues. When blockages occur in this flow, the body’s balance is disturbed and illness results. Other modalities will often accompany acupuncture, such as Acupressure and/or Tuina Massage, Cupping, Moxabustion, Auriculotherapy, etc.

Acupuncture awakens and engages the “Qi” by inserting needles at specific acupoints, restoring the balance and flow.

Acupuncture has shown to have positive results for numerous conditions including the following:

Digestion
• Diarrhea, constipation, diabetes, ulcers colitis, indigestion

Eyes-Ears-Nose-Throat
• Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears), earaches, poor eyesight, dizziness, sinus, infections sore throat, hay fever

Dermatological
• Eczema, acne

Musculo-Skeletal and Neurologic
• Arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, back pain, bursitis, tendonitis, stiff neck, Bell’s palsy, Trigeminal neuralgia, headache, migraine

Mental-Emotional
• Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Insomnia

Genito-Urinary and Reproductive
• Impotence, Infertility, premenstrual syndrome, vaginitis, menopause, irregular periods and
cramps, morning sickness


Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Massage Therapy is the therapeutic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Massage increases the circulation of both blood and lymph, providing a supply of essential nutrients and the elimination of metabolic waste by-products. Massage also aids in the breakdown of adhesions, restoring muscle and joint function, releasing pain from tension and congestion throughout the ... Read More

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is the therapeutic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Massage increases the circulation of both blood and lymph, providing a supply of essential nutrients and the elimination of metabolic waste by-products. Massage also aids in the breakdown of adhesions, restoring muscle and joint function, releasing pain from tension and congestion throughout the body. Applications of heat and cold may be incorporated. A proven aid for stress, massage promotes a calm, positive life outlook. Pregnancy and infant massage are also offered.


Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a patient-centered approach to health. It is guided by principles, relating to the patient as a whole. The body is a self-regulating, functional unit in which function and structure are inter-related, and healthy tissues require proper circulation of all body fluids. Skilled palpation and a detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics guide the osteopath to asse... Read More

Osteopathy is a patient-centered approach to health.

It is guided by principles, relating to the patient as a whole.
The body is a self-regulating, functional unit in which function and structure are inter-related, and healthy tissues require proper circulation of all body fluids.
Skilled palpation and a detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics guide the osteopath to assess and restore balance within and between all the systems of the body; musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, cranial and visceral.
In health, the body seeks to maintain a balance within and between these systems.
The osteopath uses a wide array of manual approaches to reduce and resolve strains, stress and dysfunction in all areas of the body.
The goal is to remove restrictions to vascular, neural and biomechanical mechanisms and ultimately support the natural healing mechanism by promoting autoregulation.


Chiropractic

Chiropractic care is hands-on and non-invasive, providing individuals with a drug-free option for pain management and overall improvement in the function of the body. As experts of the spine and nervous system, chiropractors assess, diagnosis and treat various conditions. Treatment options are based on individual needs and scientific evidence and may include manual adjustment techniques and ... Read More

Chiropractic care is hands-on and non-invasive, providing individuals with a drug-free option for pain management and overall improvement in the function of the body.

As experts of the spine and nervous system, chiropractors assess, diagnosis and treat various conditions. Treatment options are based on individual needs and scientific evidence and may include manual adjustment techniques and soft tissue therapy.

For optimal health and quality of life, a chiropractor should be part of every Canadian’s healthcare team. A referral is not necessary to visit a chiropractor.


Counselling / Psychology / Mental Health/Social Work

Clinical psychotherapy and counselling skills include, but are not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psycho-dynamic/analysis, insight oriented therapy, narrative approaches, exposure therapy, Rogerian (person-centered), strengths based approaches, existentialism, psychodrama, Mulit-modal, family and systems therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), solutions focu... Read More

Clinical psychotherapy and counselling skills include, but are not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psycho-dynamic/analysis, insight oriented therapy, narrative approaches, exposure therapy, Rogerian (person-centered), strengths based approaches, existentialism, psychodrama, Mulit-modal, family and systems therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), solutions focused/brief psychotherapy, strengthening resilience, psychosocial rehabilitation, generative somatics, and transactional analysis. Some of the benefits for clients are; improved self-esteem and cognitive functioning, greater self-awareness and acceptance, relaxation, and appropriate use of assertiveness.

Dr. Jessica MacKinnon-Dean is an evidence-based chiropractor and graduate of Northeast College of Health Sciences (formally New York Chiropractic College).

Dr. Jess knew from an early age that she was destined to work in the healthcare field, specifically one that would allow her to work with patients in a hands-on capacity. She attended Dalhousie University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree; this is where she discovered her passion for learning about and understanding the human body. This passion combined with her desire to directly treat patients led her into the chiropractic profession.

Dr. Jess is a member in good standing with the Canadian Chiropractic Association and Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors.

Dr. Jess uses a variety of treatment options to manage conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica and more for patients of all ages. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective option for relief of pregnancy-related pain, which is something that Dr. Jess has recently experienced firsthand. As a new mom, she also has a special interest in treating babies and children.

In her free time, Dr. Jess enjoys trail walks with her puppy, as well as visiting local coffee shops. She also loves swimming and skating at the LCLC with her family.

Dr. Jess is so excited to join the team at Harmony Health Centre and begin treating patients in her hometown of Bridgewater!

Dr. Jessica MacKinnon-Dean is an evidence-based chiropractor and graduate of Northeast College of... Read More

Brendan Girones graduated from the European School of Osteopathy (ESO) in the UK, in 2006. The ESO at the time was a renowned centre of excellence in osteopathic training; being one of the few schools to train its students in all aspects of osteopathy at an undergraduate level and in a supervised clinical context.

During his time at the ESO and since graduating, Brendan has been very fortunate to be trained and mentored by many illustrious osteopaths; including Gez Lamb, Robert Lever, Renzo Molinari, Peter Blagrave, Rick and Sue Allen, Viola Fryman, Anna Reeve, Christian Sullivan and more.

Brendan has trained extensively in structural/classical/cranial/visceral and functional approaches over the last 20 years. Brendan treats patients of all ages, from babies to the elderly and from patients suffering from more serious and long-term injuries/conditions, to elite sportsmen/women who are trying to achieve peak performance.

Brendan has observed and participated in treatment at the Osteopathic Children’s centre in both London and Manchester as well as at the Molinari Institute for Women’s Health in London.

Brendan has also been influenced by the approach of Dr. Jim Jealous; having first encountered and mentored in this approach while still a student more than 20 years ago. He has completed all of the ‘Biodynamics of Osteopathy’ phases; including the the phases focused on the treatment of children.

While Brendan enjoys practicing all the different aspects of osteopathy he has a special interest in the treatment of children, women’s health and pre and post natal care; as well as the treatment of difficult clinical presentations and the treatment of elite sportspersons for optimal performance.

Before Brendan began to work at Harmony Health, he was the principle osteopath in his own busy clinic in South Wales, Uk; treating all ages and a wide array of presenting problems. Brendan is excited to have returned back to South Shore, an area he loves; and to offer a high level of osteopathic care and a wealth of experience to the patients of the area.

He is excited to be joining the team at Harmony Health and to work with the Team to offer a well-rounded multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.

Brendan Girones graduated from the European School of Osteopathy (ESO) in the UK, in 2006. The ES... Read More

I grew up in a small community in Germany until my family moved to the South Shore of Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia) when I was seventeen. Since then I have been living, studying, working, and growing in Halifax, Fredericton, and most recently back on the South Shore. 

I finished my Masters of Education in Counselling in 2017. I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association as well as a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists.

My commitment to my own growth and continuous learning guides my work with my clients and helps me show up the best I can in the world. I believe that our past wounds and the hustle and bustle of everyday life can overwhelm us and cause dis-connection from ourselves. It is my goal to continue to get in touch with my body, mind and soul whenever this happens and I hope to help my clients do the same.

My favourite ways to reconnect with myself are spending time with horses (who I have been crazy about since childhood), being creative, practicing yoga, meditating, hiking and camping.  

My approach is client-centred and trauma-informed at its core. I draw from a variety of modalities including somatic-based, expressive arts, attachment-focused, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy to assist my clients in deconstructing unhelpful thoughts/beliefs, become comfortable in their own skin, and increase their capacity to gently be with their experiences.

I specialize in working with individuals who experience anxiety, have a history of trauma, and/or who struggle to sense their self-worth. I understand the importance of a good client-counsellor fit. I would be honoured to support you on your journey.

I grew up in a small community in Germany until my family moved to the South Shore of Mi’kma’ki (... Read More

Nathalie graduated with a Diploma from the Massage Therapy Program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (CCMH) in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Nathalie customizes her treatments to meet the needs and wishes of her patients. She uses a combination of general therapeutic Swedish massage, joint mobilizations, myofascial release, stretching, hydrotherapy, hot stones, indian head massage and cupping to put her guests on a path to health and wellness. Nathalie enjoys performing soothing full body relaxation to decrease stress and improve circulation, or performing specialized treatments to improve a wide variety of health conditions ranging from postural dysfunctions and chronic pain.

In her spare time, Nathalie enjoys spending time with family and friends, biking, hiking.

Nathalie graduated with a Diploma from the Massage Therapy Program at the Canadian College of Mas... Read More

Have you ever felt like you were never good at anything, floating from job to job, never truly connecting anywhere but knowing deep within, you were meant for something that really made a difference? That’s exactly how Tera Marshall felt prior to starting her career in Chinese Medicine. When attending acupuncture school and learning Five Element Theory, something just clicked, and it became glaringly obvious why none of the other paths in life panned out. This is her passion and life’s work. Completely drawn in to the ancient teachings and the mystery of life force energy, Qi, Tera quickly made connections to the natural world and the body. Qi like a flowing river can get backed up and create stagnancy, causing symptoms of pain and disease. Free-flowing rivers are important for humans and the environment alike. With conscious use of breath, intention, and a few acupuncture needles, Qi flow can be opened and the imbalance brought back into harmony. Knowing this compelled Tera to advocate for this ancient teaching and find new ways to deepen her understanding.

To strengthen her knowledge and sense of Qi, Tera furthered her studies in energy healing as a Reiki Practitioner, participated in breathwork classes, hosted and attended meditations, worked with Chakra balancing, immersed herself in the wisdom of the Gene Keys based on the I Ching, and journeyed deep into the work of Esoteric Acupuncture. From this, she’s developed a highly intuitive and tender approach to her practice devoted to giving her clients an empowered path back to wholeness.

Be well, Tera Marshall, RAc

Have you ever felt like you were never good at anything, floating from job to job, never truly co... Read More

I have been working full time as a psychotherapist since 1998 after coming from Annapolis Valley Health Services. I have been involved with Social Work since 1988 and specialize in Stress and Trauma recovery. Over the years I have researched, written about trauma and coordinated groups and community actions. In 1990 I spent 8 months in India. I worked with social workers who support women who have experienced violence, rape and torture. I stayed at a women’s shelter for many months working with some of the women’s husbands and speaking to women regarding the differences between western and eastern culture re: trauma. At that time, I also witnessed extreme poverty, neglect and abuse especially while volunteering at Mother Theresa’s home for the dying in Calcutta. In 1998 I was part of a group in auditing the first domestic violence court in Ottawa, Ontario. In 2005 I was in Colombia, South America involved in trauma recovery work with those experiencing torture, kidnapping, violence, death threats and the destruction of basic human rights. I am a Registered Social Worker and trained in numerous approaches to Mental Health and trauma recovery work.

I work primarily with adults, teens, families and groups. I work with those who experience extreme stress, trauma and loss, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.

My specialties include:

-Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Emotional Processing of Traumatic Experiences -Stress/Trauma, abuse and torture recovery specialist -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) -Acceptance Commitment Therapy -Suicide and homicide prevention -Crisis intervention-early response, critical incident stress management and bereavement counseling skills -Case management, assessment, advocacy and broker skills -Education/awareness, training and prevention experience -Extensive knowledge and experience in community development -Marital, family, group and community presentation/facilitation -Certified in auricular acupuncture and Ericsonian medical hypnosis, meditation -Knowledge of both internal and external community resources -Experienced in community health and substance abuse issues (harm reduction/relapse prevention) -Mindfulness Meditation -Numerous other psychotherapeutic and counselling approaches

I am also trained in First Aid and CPR.

I have been working full time as a psychotherapist since 1998 after coming from Annapolis Valley ... Read More

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Located at: 1153 King St, Bridgewater
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