Elaine Lane

My interest in the healing arts began many years ago, when I was training full time at the School of the Toronto Dance Theatre. When pain from a chronic hip flexor injury ended my dance career, I received my first massage therapy treatment - and the light went on! I had never felt so grounded and serene, and I knew that I wanted to help others feel this way.

I graduated from the 2,800 hour program at Toronto's Sutherland Chan Massage Therapy School and Teaching Clinic in 1995, and have since had a wealth of experience in my field. My areas of expertise as a massage therapist are in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders, injury rehabilitation, and fibromyalgia. I am a registered member of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

I began training in the Martial Arts soon after embarking on my career as a massage therapist. The Eastern philosophy behind Karate and Tai Chi, coupled with my growing understanding of energy, greatly influenced my work. This study eventually led me to the spiritual practice and healing art of Reiki. I am a Reiki Master/Shinpiden, and I teach Reiki here at Orbit (see Courses), and at Sheena's Place, a support centre in Toronto for people with eating and related disorders.

I am the staff massage therapist at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children 2 days per week, where I recently completed 4 years of clinical research for a study exploring the effects of massage on kids with Leukemia. I also provide massages for the kids in Palliative care at the hospital, a challenge I find challenging, but deeply rewarding. This year I've managed to bring my love of teaching into the hospital by establishing a Staff Wellness Workshop series (see Courses). I aim to bring these workshops into more work and community environments, where they are often sorely needed!

Always seeking new knowledge, I am presently studying High Touch Jin Shin acupressure and tango!