Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion – Buddha
About Francesca
I provide a deeply calming holistic treatment in a safe and nurturing environment. My goal is to understand how my client’s physical and emotional habits have impacted their health and well-being and how I can gently and efficiently facilitate their healing.
I focus on improving my client’s quality of life through restoring strength, flexibility and energy from past injuries, reducing the effects of emotional pain and stress on the body and encouraging mind-body awareness. During your treatment, I will use a combination of Shiatsu, CranioSacral, Visceral Manipulation and L.A.S.T to ensure that I use the appropriate techniques to address your individual concerns.
My private studio is located in the peaceful neighbourhood of Hastings-Sunrise, just east of Commercial Drive, a quiet oasis away from traffic and congested streets.
Training & Affiliation
- Sourcepoint Shiatsu Practitioner Program, Langara College, 2004
- CranioSacral Level 1-4, Upledger Institute
- L.A.S.T.: studied with Robert Libbey, Shoulder, Thorax & Posture, Hip & Pelvis and Knee-Foot-Leg classes
- Visceral Manipulation Level I: Abdominal Organs, Barral Institute
- Member of the Shiatsu Therapy Association of British Columbia
Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity. – Hippocrates
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is an acupressure technique to nourish and strengthen the body’s natural healing abilities by ensuring that the flow of vital energy (ki) is running smoothly without stagnation, blockage or weakness. The treatment style can vary from very light and energetic to deep pressure.
Shiatsu replenishes the body’s lymphatic, circulatory, digestive and nervous systems. Receiving regular treatments strengthens the body’s immunity, improves digestion and sleep, processes impurities more effectively, promotes efficient functioning of the organs and increases one’s energy. By addressing underlying imbalances, Shiatsu promotes a deeper physical, psychological and emotional awareness of the body.
Shiatsu is beneficial for the treatment of a wide-range of ailments, including:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Poor Posture
- Migraines & Headaches
- Neck and Shoulder Tension
- Digestive Problems
- Breathing Difficulties
- Neurological Disorders
- Anxiety and Depression
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- PMS & Menstrual Cycle Irregularities
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral manipulation is a treatment that gently releases restrictions in the organs’ supporting structures. The fascial tissue and ligaments that support the organs can get injured or stressed from physical impacts, food pathogens, infections or emotional trauma and, therefore, the organs cannot move and function efficiently. By gently manipulating the organs and the supporting tissue, the therapist can free the body of the restrictions, increase blood flow, improve function and allow your organs to heal.
Cranial Sacral
The CranioSacral system (CSS) is comprised of a membrane (the dura) that surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord and the cerebral spinal fluid where it pumps to nourish, clean and heal your central nervous system. By gently manipulating the cranial bones and the sacrum, which sit atop the dura, CranioSacral Therapy can alleviate bone or tissue restrictions caused by a physical trauma, bacterial or viral infections or emotional stress. By improving the flow of cerebral spinal fluid, the CSS is hydrated and restored to a functional state.
With regular treatments, CranioSacral Therapy can improve or alleviate a wide variety of ailments:
- Anxiety
- Concussions
- Tinnitus
- Scoliosis
- Migraine headaches
- Sinus problems
- Fibromyalgia
- TMJ and hard palate dysfunctions
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Nervous disorders
- Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
- Chronic fatigue
- Immune disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
L.A.S.T.
Ligamentous Articular Strain Technique (LAST) is a style of treatment that addresses injury or dysfunction to joints by applying pressure to bone, muscle, fascial tissue or ligaments. These specific techniques are designed to stimulate healthier communication from the joints to the brain and vice-versa. The effects of L.A.S.T. can improve alignment, blood flow and neural function and decrease joint pain and muscle tone.
Testimonials
Since seeing Francesca and receiving Shiatsu I have learned to listen to my body and mind...
She...treated a forward tilt in the right hip.
I saw Francesca on several occasions this year. She helped me relieve stiffness in the neck and treated a forward tilt in the right hip. After every session, I felt a significant relief in both cranial and sacral areas of the back. I very much appreciated the subtle ways of movements with which she created a space between cervical vertebrae and allowed my neck and upper back to breathe again. S.T.
Treatments with Francesca have helped alleviate the chronic neck and back pain that had been troubling me for years...
I know it’s her great skills that give me relief...
Francesca intuitively knows which muscles need attention...
I have experienced an immediate sense of relaxation and peacefulness...
The last 2 years with your treatments have been a miracle...
Seven years ago I was involved in a couple of car accidents...
Francesca is a compassionate, knowledgeable and gifted healer...
After three sessions, I was completely pain-free and able to resume training...
I began to develop lower back pain and sciatic pain. The pain was so bad that it was difficult to dress in the mornings. I could not ignore the pain any longer. I needed help. Help came in the form of Francesca Del Bianco. Using a unique intertwining of Shiatsu and CranioSacral therapies, I experienced relief almost immediately. After three sessions, I was completely pain-free and able to resume training for the Vancouver to Whistler Granfondo. The speed of recovery is what impressed me the most. I can say that the speed of recovery was almost miraculous after the treatments. I am also a practical type of person who doesn’t try to over think things, but I was also touched by Francesca’s compassion and her genuine concern for my well-being. Her skill and her compassion made me feel relaxed never doubting that I was in “good hands” and in the hands of a healer. I am grateful for the care and effectiveness of Francesca’s treatments. I am also grateful that I continue to be pain-free. Thanks Francesca!!! Father Eugenio Aloisio
Pricing
45 minutes – $95
60 minutes – $115
75 minutes – $135
90 minutes – $155
Hours
Monday: 10:30am – 5:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 10:30am – 5:30pm
Thursday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Friday: 10:30pm – 5:30pm
Cash, cheque & e-transfers are accepted
A $50 fee will be charged for cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, and the total cost of treatment will be charged for missed appointments. The fee will be waived with Covid related cancellations.
Gift certificates available
Insurance
Extended health companies that offer Shiatsu on some plans:
• Green Shield
• Sun Life
• Manulife
Contact
Please call or email Francesca to book an appointment:
Telephone: 604-715-0011
Email: healingbyfrancesca@gmail.com
Leave a review on TRIP ADVISOR and/or GOOGLE MAPS
Notes
Please dress in loose, comfortable clothing to allow for proper stretching of the limbs and torso. In order to ensure that you receive the greatest benefit out of your treatment, it is recommended that you do not consume alcohol or use drugs prior to the treatment and avoid eating an hour before. Please refrain from using colognes, perfumes or heavily scented products before your treatment. I am trying to encourage a healthy healing space for those with chemical sensitivity, which we can all benefit.
After your treatment it is recommended that you drink plenty of water to allow the proper elimination of toxins, and rest, nap or take it easy for the rest of the day.