Why I love Osteopathy

There are so many different ways to treat the body. Many practitioners address and alleviate symptoms – for example, if you go to the doctor for a rash, you are likely prescribed an ointment that targets the rash. Very little, if any, investigation goes into why the rash occurred in the first place. Why I love osteopathy is that it treats the whole-body system and not just symptoms. Don’t get me wrong, symptoms matter, they offer valuable information for the underlying dysregulation but targeting them is not healing. True healing is a much deeper, broader, and connected process than this. Healing must consider all of the body parts, systems, history/trauma, current context/stressors, and how they all influence each other. Furthermore, our bodies are primed to heal themselves, they just need the right conditions and sometimes a key (a practitioner’s wisdom and energy can be this key) to unlock its powerful ability to heal itself. Osteopathy for me is one of the few practices that looks at a person’s ‘entire picture’ and unlocks and empowers the body’s ability to heal.

Important Note

Please see your doctor as well, because Osteopathy is not designed to diagnose and treat acute or urgent issues.  Furthermore, there is great value in symptom alleviation, as it can be quite helpful in reducing stress while you get to the root of the healing. To be very clear, doctors and medicine matter and have great value. Manual Osteopathy is not a replacement for them, rather works with medicine and other practitioners for best results.

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About Ishana’s education and healing passion

Ishana has done the most intensive, in person, hands on training program that exists for Osteopathic practitioners in Canada. This program is through the Canadian School of Osteopathy and includes 4.5 years of training and mentoring with seasoned Osteopathic Practitioners both in the classroom and in student clinic with external patients.  During this program Ishana took the initiative to travel to Italy to meet with an Italian Osteopath to learn a different perspective of the profession. She followed this with an Osteopathic mission to Arequipa, Peru to serve a community with limited access to health resources. Prior to this program, Ishana also completed a B.Sc. in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University and has practiced as a kinesiologist since 2016. Following graduation Ishana continues to seek out ongoing education and mentoring.  In May 2024 she traveled to Montreal to complete a week-long course with the founder of the Canadian School of Osteopathy, Mr. Philippe Durelle (who has over 40 years’ experience as an Osteopath, studied from the pioneers of Osteopathy, and is 4th generation from the founder of Osteopathy itself). The course was about treating the effects of traumatic brain injuries and the patient’s journey to recovery. Furthermore, she has maintained her relationship with her teachers and mentors by also working at Fluid Motion Clinic of Osteopathy in North Vancouver.

BOOM Healing’s Values

At BOOM we believe healers should have both the natural intuitive gifts of healing alongside quality education, research, and mentoring. We also believe that practitioners should not work in isolation but must maintain a community of practice to ensure the highest quality of ethics and best practices. We focus on therapies that treat the entire person. Finally, we believe that nature is a valuable healing partner and as such our clinic is located in and amongst nature.

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How do you know a practitioner’s education and standards of practice?

I encourage readers who are considering booking an appointment to check out the OsteopathyBC website. Ishana is a member of OsteopathyBC and the Frequently Asked Questions on this website outline the various Osteopathic credentials in BC and what they mean – this is valuable information when selecting a practitioner as this is an unregulated field. It is important to select a practitioner who is a member of an organization that has high standards of practice and education. OsteopathyBC maintains the highest standards in the field of Osteopathy.

What can Osteopathy help with?

Often clients seek out an osteopath when they are experiencing body pain or have had an injury. An osteopath can help by increasing the mobility of joints, reducing muscle tension, reducing pain, increasing blood flow to tissues, and unlocking the body’s ability to self-heal. Osteopathy is also useful in easing symptoms relating to pathology, such as digestive issues, breathing challenges, headaches, TMJ problems, and post-surgery recovery. If you are unsure if Osteopathy can help you, please contact Ishana through our website contact page to find out more information. If this is your first experience or you’ve seen Osteopaths before, each practitioner has a unique approach. Consider booking with Ishana to uncover the next phase in your healing journey and to assess fit.

Coverage – MSP or Benefits?

Osteopathy is based on fee for service and is not covered by MSP.  But many extended health plans have a relationship with OsteopathyBC and provide coverage for services provided by members. Please contact your plan provider to see if it covers Osteopathy. We do not directly bill, however once payment has been processed, you will receive a receipt with the practitioner number that can be submitted for reimbursement.

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What to Expect

When you come to BOOM Healing you will drive up to our nature-based clinic located in a private carriage house with dedicated free parking. When you are parked, please come in and make yourself a cup of tea and sit by the fire. When Ishana is ready for you, she will come and invite you upstairs to her therapy room. Ishana’s therapy room is big, has two large windows (with views), has dedicated temperature control, and a fireplace.  For your session, you will keep your cloths on and lie on a treatment table. Ishana has blankets, pillows, and bolsters to support your body and enhance your comfort. Ishana works very gently with the body and only does adjustments on very rare occasions and only with the client’s full awareness and consent.

So why Ishana?

I believe Ishana is a special and gifted healer. I believe that she has both the education and the intuition that can powerfully make a difference in people’s lives.  She maintains her relationships and connections with the most respected in her field – this helps ensure she practices ethically to the best of her ability.  She is highly educated and she travels the world to improve her Osteopathy perspective and knowledge.  She has also dedicated her whole life to the art of healing and wellness – it is more than just a career for her; it is her life mission, her passion, and her way of being.

BOOM Healing is located in Anmore and primarily serves the neighbouring communities of Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Belcarra, and Anmore. Please click here to book an appointment with Ishana! She is available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday with both day and evening appointments.