Edmonton’s Top Acupuncture Clinic: 2022 Community Votes

Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Advanced Care Paramedic she is widely recognized for developing unique care plans which draw on her knowledge and therapeutic touch gained across each of these specialized disciplines. Having over twenty years of combined expertise in caring for her patients, Michelle has had a front row seat to observe how stress and emotion affect the mind and body. Complementing her acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness, Michelle offers a variety of therapeutic and relaxation massage therapies, including pregnancy massage, myofascial release and myofascial cupping.

Michelle began her health career as a massage therapist, graduating the 2200hr Massage Program at Macewan University in 2001. Being active in competitive sport in her youth, Michelle understood the benefits of massage on sport performance, recovery and injury prevention. She subsequently branched into emergency care and became an Advanced Care Paramedic where she was able to offer a calming presence in stressful, emergent situations. Michelle has always believed that soft skills, an extra moment spent with family, or a hand to hold on the way to the hospital, can be as healing as the specific medical interventions themselves. Working as a Paramedic Michelle saw, and began to question, how it is that people differ in disease and the aging process and why the same drug benefited one person, but not the other. Her lifelong learning journey had her begin to look for these answers in the time-tested practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, thus kicking off another quest for knowledge at MacEwan University’s Acupuncture Program.

Education:

• Diploma – Acupuncture, Macewan University
• Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
  • Honors standings
• Certificate – Massage Therapy Grant MacEwan College

Licensure:

• RAc, College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
• RMT, National Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
• ACP, Alberta College of Paramedics

Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in the rare craft of Japanese style acupuncture – where she incorporates and tailors gentle needling, moxibustion (specific deep heat), therme (heat massage) and cupping into her acupuncture treatment plans. These skills, as well as her reputation for delivering tangible results, make her a sought-after provider, especially in the areas of pain management, sports injuries, orthopaedic injuries and emotional health. Yoko firmly believes that the mind and the body are intertwined in healing and she continually advocates for a healthy lifestyle alongside of the care she provides.

Yoko received her acupuncture degree in Japan and, after working at several clinics in Tokyo, she accepted a staff acupuncturist position with the world renowned Cirque du Soleil touring show. For nearly twenty years, she went on to travel the far reaches of the globe, working on several other productions, and earning the respect of an international group of artists, staff and athletes before eventually selecting Edmonton for her permanent clinical practice. As a former high school physical education teacher, and also as an alumnus of the Japanese national rhythmic gymnastics team (where she competed internationally on numerous occasions), she has amassed an impressive background in sports therapy and physical education, uniquely positioning her to address all manner of orthopedic and performance related concerns.

Outside of work, Yoko enjoys travelling, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two elementary-aged daughters.

Education:

• Diploma of Acupuncture, Hanada College, Tokyo, Japan

Licensure:

• RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)

Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English |  🇯🇵 – Japanese

Kristel loves helping people on their wellness journey and, through massage therapy, she has witnessed the impact healing touch plays within holistic care. Kristel studied massage therapy at Mount Royal University in 2003 and has been practicing in different clinical settings for the past 15 years. Over the course of her career she has experienced just how connected the body really is. Wanting to expand her knowledge and skill sets she returned back to university studies. In 2016 she attended the National Manual Osteopathic College in Red Deer, Alberta where her studies focused on utilizing all available modern manual medicine techniques to assess injury and diseases of muscles, bones, joints, organs and nerves.

Kristel uses her massage therapy skills, focusing on fascial release, visceral manipulation, cupping and craniosacral therapy to help her clients return back to being able to accomplish the things they love doing and to live in as pain free a manner as possible.

Kristel likes to treat a wide variety of neurovascular, musculoskeletal, and obstetrical syndromes such as low back/pelvic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussions, whiplash, pregnancy, temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, structural and posture improvements. Her focus is on chronic care and rehabilitation.

Kristel loves to learn from and experience other regions. She has travelled around the world for work, studies, and personal growth. She grew up in small town Saskatchewan and has lived in Calgary, Halifax and Edmonton. Kristel also enjoys spending time with her great dane Odin.

Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where they can relax and rejuvenate. As a dedicated somatic practitioner, she believes in the body’s inherent wisdom and intelligence. Her compassionate approach and healing touch set the stage for relaxation, vitality, and energy flow. She is committed to optimizing your health in the most effective ways possible.

The therapeutic techniques Manuela specializes in—Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Qigong—emphasize the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional states. Through her gentle Craniosacral touch, she helps to release long-standing tensions and restrictions. She places a special focus on balancing the central nervous system, enabling your body to achieve a state of rest, recovery, and optimal functioning.

Having recently graduated from the 2200-hour Massage Therapy Program at Reflexacademy in Sherwood Park, Manuela has broadened her range of services. She now offers Massage Therapy as a standalone treatment or in combination with Craniosacral Therapy. Her nurturing touch and massage skills work to dissolve muscle tightness and tension, restoring your energy and vitality to a harmonious state.

Beyond her hands-on treatments, Manuela offers additional resources to support your well-being. She consistently provides body meditations, exercises, and practical tips to help you maintain your health between sessions. Her extensive background in somatic techniques, which focus on the internal experience of movement and bodily awareness, equips her with invaluable tools to help you manage day-to-day stress and self-regulate both body and mind.

Schedule an appointment with Manuela to experience a range of benefits: from stress and anxiety reduction, pain and muscle stiffness alleviation, to enhanced relaxation and improvements in digestive, respiratory, and joint health, as well as circulation, energy flow, and immune system function. Her treatments aim to deepen your connection with your body, leaving you feeling peaceful and revitalized.

Education: 

• Somatic Movement Therapist (SMT), Moving On Center, Oakland, USA
• Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (BCST), BodyIntelligence, Canada
• Qigong Instructor Certification (ASS Institute, Germany)
• Training in Continuum Movement (USA)
• Massage Therapy at Reflexacademy Sherwood Park, AB, Canada 2200hrs

Licensure: 

• RBCST, Pacific Association of Craniosacral Therapists (PACT)
• Natural Health Practitioner Canada / NHPC (RMT)

Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇩🇪 – German

Royston is a registered massage therapist with a two-year advanced clinical massage therapy diploma from MaKami College. This program is the highest comprehensive massage therapy program of its kind in the province of Alberta, providing 3,000 hours of classroom and practical work experience.

Over a decade Royston has practiced various forms of meditations as well as energetic and vibrational modalities. These modalities include Jin Shin Jyutsu, Acupoint Therapy, Qi Gong, Reconnective Healing and a modality similar to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy which he coined “Bio-Dynamic Energetic Therapy”. Royston specializes in chronic pain management through the balancing of the body’s energy fields and various energy systems.

These modalities help:
People who are sensitive to touch therapies and needling, reduce anxiety, stress and depression, relieve acute and chronic pain, increase the body’s energy and body awareness, and promote better circulation and improve mental focus.

Royston is also a certified NMT (Neuromuscular Therapist) and holds level III certificates in both Usui Reiki and Reconnective Healing. With both knowledge and experience, Royston uses energy and vibrational therapies to invoke the body’s natural ability to heal, bringing back balance to your mind, body, and soul.

Education: 

• RMT, Registered Massage Therapist Diploma, Makami College
• NMT, Neuromuscular Therapist Certificate, International Academy of Neuromuscular Therapies
• Traditional Japanese Reiki (Third Degree) Certificate – Usui System of Natural Healing
• Reconnective Healing (Level III) Certificate
• Craniosacral Techniques

Licensure: 

• RMT, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA)

Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a compassionate and holistic approach to wellness. Graduating from MacEwan University in 2017 with a diploma in Acupuncture, Olivia’s journey into this ancient healing practice began during her high school years, where she first experienced its transformative effects. This initial exposure led her to a profound understanding of the body’s complex interplay with lifestyle and environment, shaping her therapeutic approach.

Equipped with deep knowledge in yin/yang theory, 5-element theory, meridian channels, and organ diagnosis, Olivia views health as a harmonious balance between physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Her commitment to expanding her expertise led her to pursue an additional 2.5 years of study in Chinese Herbology at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. This rigorous training, coupled with her experience in Western Herbology, has enabled her to integrate a rich tapestry of herbal wisdom into her practice.

Olivia’s therapeutic focus includes alleviating aches and pains, addressing insomnia, stress, and anxiety, and enhancing women’s health, among other areas. She is passionate about assisting her patients in every step of their healing journey, regardless of their familiarity with Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Olivia is an avid nature enthusiast, often found embracing the tranquility of the river valley or indulging in forest bathing with her beloved dog. She is also a skilled pianist, classically trained through the Royal Conservatory, and has shared her love for music by teaching piano lessons for over a decade.

At our clinic, Olivia Wiebe stands as a testament to the power of integrative care, combining her rich knowledge of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a deep-rooted passion for natural healing. Whether you are new to Acupuncture or seeking advanced care, Olivia welcomes all questions and looks forward to guiding you on your path to wellness.

Education

• Diploma of Acupuncture, MacEwan University

Certifications/Licensure

• Registered Acupuncturist – College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)

Kristie is a dedicated massage therapist and osteopathic manual therapist, committed to enhancing the well-being of her clients. Graduating from Advanced Massage Therapy at CDI College in 2012 laid the foundation for her career, but her journey took a significant step forward when she recently completed her studies at the Manual Osteopathic College of Canada in October 2022. With this additional qualification, Kristie now practices as an Osteopathic Manual Therapist, expanding her repertoire of healing techniques.

Her treatments are versatile, ranging from soft relaxation to moderately deeper therapeutic massage. Kristie’s expertise extends beyond traditional massage therapy; she is certified in dynamic cupping, hot stone therapy, and target muscle release techniques. This diverse skill set allows her to tailor treatments to the unique needs of each individual, ensuring effective and personalized care.

Kristie’s experience spans various areas, including motor vehicle accidents, post-operative recovery, sports injuries, stress management, facial restrictions, postural issues, and mental health concerns such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. She is also proficient in prenatal and postpartum massage, as well as pediatric massage for children over the age of six.

Her dedication to giving back to the community is evident through her involvement in various charitable initiatives. Kristie has volunteered her services at events like Bust a Move for Cancer and Road Hockey to Cure Cancer, demonstrating her commitment to supporting those in need.

In addition to her massage therapy qualifications, Kristie holds a diploma in Addictions and Community Service Work, reflecting her holistic approach to health and well-being. She enjoys delving into the root causes of pain and discomfort, working tirelessly to provide long-lasting relief for her clients.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Kristie finds joy in spending time with her child, embarking on road trips, and visiting her family dogs. Her passion for healing, coupled with her compassionate nature and diverse skill set, make her a trusted ally in the journey to optimal health and wellness.

Education

• Manual Osteopath, Manual Osteopathic College of Canada
• Advanced Massage Therapy, CDI College
• Diploma – Addictions and Community Service Worker, CDI College

Certifications/Licensure

• Manual Osteopath, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association
• RMT, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association