Your Wellness, Our Priority

Your local Fraserhood one-stop-shop for holistic health! Honey + Garlic Health Studio is a multi-disciplinary healthcare clinic offering physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, Kinesiology, and counselling.

hon•ey \`hə-nē\ noun, plural hon•eys

  1. something sweet, unique and healing; an East Van treat

  2. a friendly, talented team of health care professionals

  3. a warm, soothing atmosphere

gar•lic \`gär-lik\ noun, plural gar•lics

  1. alternative medicine – registered massage therapy, physiotherapy, kinesiology, acupuncture, chiropractic, and professional counselling

  2. direct billing for ICBC, MSP and many private insurance companies

  3. a strong sense of style, and a flavour all its own

  4. a quirky new member of the Fraserhood

Treatments


  • Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting sterilized filiform needles into specific points on the body’s meridians to balance the flow of blood and Qi, the vital life force. Rooted in Daoist philosophy, TCM views the body as interconnected with the universe, where mind, body, and emotions are parts of a unified energetic system. Qi flows through meridians, and acupuncture, along with other TCM therapies such as cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and tui na, aims to adjust and maintain the balance of blood and Qi to promote health and well-being. These treatments are gentle and safe, even for children and pregnant women, and can address a variety of ailments from chronic pain to digestive issues and respiratory problems.

    Preparing for an acupuncture visit involves filling out an intake form and avoiding stimulating beverages. During the first visit, a personalized treatment plan is developed based on a discussion of past life history and current symptoms. The number of treatments required varies with the nature of the imbalance; consistent treatments yield consistent results. Side effects may include feelings of relaxation or increased energy. TCM therapies extend beyond acupuncture to include dietary recommendations based on the five flavors and energies of foods to support specific health needs, emphasizing a holistic approach to maintaining good health and treating diseases.

  • Physiotherapy is a recognized health profession dedicated to improving quality of life by promoting wellness, physical ability, and overall health. Our physiotherapists manage both acute and chronic conditions in clients of all ages using a variety of techniques, including manual therapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound, exercise prescription, and Vestibular Rehabilitation therapy. We prioritize one-on-one patient care to ensure the highest quality of treatment. Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to mobilize joints, muscles, fascia, and nerves, while electrotherapy uses electrical stimulation to manage pain and facilitate muscle rehabilitation. Therapeutic ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow.

    Exercise prescription targets specific areas to regain balance and relieve dysfunction, essential for musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation. Vestibular Rehabilitation effectively treats dizziness and balance disturbances such as vertigo, a significant issue especially for the elderly. Dizziness is the leading reason for physician visits among those over 65 and affects 50% of adults at some point. In Canada, physiotherapy assessment and treatment of vestibular dysfunction is a rapidly growing field, essential for managing dizziness, reducing falls, and improving independence among the elderly.

  • Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on disorders of the neurological and musculoskeletal systems and their impact on overall health. Utilizing a hands-on approach, chiropractors diagnose and treat conditions to restore and enhance patient health through chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle counseling. Chiropractic adjustments involve applying a quick, gentle force to improve joint mobility and reduce pain, effective for treating conditions like low back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and postural imbalances. Techniques can be tailored to each patient’s condition and comfort level, ensuring safe and effective treatment.

    Specialized chiropractic care includes prenatal and pediatric services. Prenatal chiropractic care helps reduce pain, balance the pelvis, and shorten labor times, addressing issues such as low back pain, hip pain, and sciatica. The Webster Technique is used to optimize pelvic function for an easier delivery. Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on improving communication between a child’s nervous system and body, aiding in natural development and addressing issues like torticollis, colic, and growing pains. Gentle and safe, pediatric chiropractic care can help children heal and achieve developmental milestones while providing relief from common childhood conditions.

  • Professional counselling provides a supportive and confidential environment where individuals can address personal concerns and emotional difficulties. Unlike informal counselling from friends or colleagues, a professional counsellor is highly trained and uses diverse approaches tailored to each individual's unique needs. This personalized approach helps clients gain clarity, focus on their feelings, behavior, and experiences, and facilitate positive change without judgement or advice. Professional counselling emphasizes trust and confidentiality, crucial for effective therapy, though counsellors are legally required to disclose information if there is a risk to life.

    Professional counsellors address emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, developmental, and organizational concerns to promote overall well-being. They combine theory, research, and practice to help individuals improve their personal effectiveness, relationships, and mental health. Counsellors work with both well-adjusted individuals and those experiencing mental health issues, aiming to resolve crises, reduce distress, and enhance functioning. Whether termed psychotherapy or counselling, the process focuses on overcoming personal difficulties and fostering positive changes for a more fulfilling life.

  • Massage therapy, an instinctive and ancient healthcare practice, involves using manual techniques to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body. This practice reduces stress, increases circulation, boosts the immune system, improves flexibility, and decreases muscle tension. Whether used for rehabilitation, managing chronic conditions, or maintaining overall wellness, massage therapy helps the body heal itself. It is effective in treating headaches, whiplash, overuse injuries, muscle strains, chronic conditions like arthritis, anxiety, depression, neurological conditions, and pre and post-natal discomfort.

    During your first treatment, the therapist will review your intake form, ask questions about your condition and medical history, and possibly perform diagnostic tests to understand your needs better. After the initial assessment, you will disrobe to your comfort level and lie on the treatment table, covered by a sheet and blanket. The therapist will use massage oil or lotion based on the Swedish Therapeutic model, working directly on your skin. This thorough and respectful approach ensures a comfortable and effective treatment tailored to your specific condition.

  • A kinesiologist can be best described as an over-qualified personal trainer with rehabilitation knowledge. This field entails a 4-year degree in exercise science, emphasizing health promotion, exercise physiology, and orthopedic injuries. At the core of their practice is a steadfast commitment to evidence-based methods, ensuring that interventions are informed by high-quality research.

    During a session with a kinesiologist, time is typically dedicated to gym-based exercises aimed at rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries and enhancing overall fitness. Whether you are dealing with an injury or seeking professional exercise guidance, a kinesiologist is well-equipped to assist you. A proficient kinesiologist invests time in understanding your values and goals, ensuring that your exercise program is both manageable and meaningful. Collaborating with a kinesiologist provides an excellent opportunity to build comfort with exercise and navigate gym equipment in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

From Our Hearts to Your Health


Welcome to Honey + Garlic Wellness Centre, your sanctuary for health and wellness! Our friendly, talented team offers personalized care through services like massage therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, kinesiology, and professional counselling, with direct billing for ICBC, MSP, and select private insurance plans.