Nancy Dougherty RMT
Therapist, Teacher, Writer and
Maker of KINDlife Meditation Cushions
My clinical approach to assessment and treatment is based on a modern understanding and application of Manual Therapy & Medical Qigong Therapy.
I skillfully employ muscle/tendon/fascial/joint manipulation, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement, Somatoemotional techniques & Chinese Energetic Medicine for symptom relief, health recovery and personal transformation.
Patients receive a gentle and precise treatment that helps to stimulate regulation between interdependent physical, mental, emotional and spiritual processes.
KINDlife Meditation & Supplies is a support project, promoting gentle movement, meditation and contemplative practice through workshops, classes and products. KINDlife was born out of a need for local support of community and personal practice development, and a local supply of quality handmade, custom-fitted meditation cushions (zafu & zabuton).
My education is ongoing - in Meditation, Osteopathic technique, and Chinese Energetic Medicine - through professional Institutes and direct mentorship with experts. I am disciplined in the practice of Qigong, Daoist Inner Alchemy and Meditation and has maintained a private clinical practice since 2005.
I value an ethical and honest approach to assessment and treatment, and expect patients to consider all of their life conditions as part of the treatment plan. Relief from suffering extends beyond the experience of our physical symptoms, and this includes establishment of healthy boundaries, self-esteem, attitudes and relationships. This realization compels me to teach about the value of meditation, self-awareness, social determinants of health and natural breathing through the KINDlife brand as a skill-building, self-care complement to treatment.
I came to this work from a background in Employee Benefits Consulting, and am led by my ongoing healing journey from chronic pain (migraines, OCD) and sports/martial arts injuries. Chinese Energetic Medicine involves the whole human experience, and is therefore a good therapy for chronic physical, somatoemotional or psychospiritual conditions.
Born & raised in the Niagara Region, I graduated with honours in Massage and Hydrotherapy from Canadian Therapeutic College in 2005 and promptly entered into private clinical practice.
Continuing Education includes, but is not limited to:
Thai Yoga Massage Introduction with Lotus Palm School—
Craniosacral Therapy 1 & 2 with Upledger Institute—
Somatoemotional Release 1 & 2 with Upledger Institute—
Visceral Manipulation 1 - 4 with Barral Institute—
Chinese Energetic Medicine/Qigong (ongoing) with Dr. William L. Welch Jr, D.T.C.M., D.M.Q. (China) —
Mindfulness Meditation Facilitation Training Intensive with Michael Stone
Cindy is a Registered Massage Therapist and owner of Garden City Therapeutic Massage, located inside Niagara Healing Arts. I offer Therapeutic Massage for the relief of chronic pain and stress.
In 2020, I transitioned from a corporate career in banking and information technology into health care and absolutely love helping clients feel good and hurt less.
My education goes beyond the formal massage school training. I am a Co-Organizer of the annual Canadian Massage Conference, which hosts industry education for manual therapists globally. Each year I invest in continuing education and learning additional ways to restore function, stability and mobility for each client. I offer simple self-care suggestions to help ease strain and discomfort & to promote healing.
In my practice, I provide both table-based treatments and mat-based treatments.
Outside of my work, I enjoy exploring the outdoor beauty of the Niagara region - hiking, bicycling, running, snowshoeing. I’ve participated in many multi-sport events (3 sprint triathlons, obstacle courses and a series of 5-15km running events - just for fun & the finisher medals!). I’m always asking for recommendations for the best places to dine with my husband.
Fun fact: My celebrity crush is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson & I once met (and hugged) Paul Newman at an Indy 500 race!
Contact me to talk about your treatment options - table massage or mat-based massage.
- cindy@gardencitytherapeuticmassage.com
- Mobile: 289-259-7157
- https://gardencitytherapeuticmassage.com
- Instagram: gc.therapeuticmassage
- Facebook: Garden City Therapeutic Massage