MISSION STATEMENT
Holistic reproductive health is exactly what it sounds like, an exploration of all aspects of life when addressing a sexual or reproductive health issue. This includes examining health history, symptoms, eating habits, exercise, sleep, relationships, etc… under the premise that everything is interconnected and influences each other. This relationality is at the centre of how
I deliver my treatments and services, which I view as a collaboration between myself and my client.
Perhaps it is not surprising that this area of medicine has been chronically underfunded for decades, especially in regard to gynecological issues that aren’t geared toward conception or contraception. This results all too often in people suffering from chronic conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, or debilitatingly, painful periods that impact the quality of their life. Conventional medicine typically offers pharmaceutical medications or surgery. Although these options may be necessary or satisfying solutions for some, many are left craving something more. Something restorative. Someone to hear them, someone who can point them toward reliable resources or take the time to help them understand what is going on inside their body and what their options are.
The modalities I use are massage therapy, castor oil packs, vaginal steams, nutritional and herbal remedies. I am also able to interpret lab results and happy to collaborate with other healthcare professionals you may be working with
My clientele is broad. It’s multicultural, economically diverse, and consists of mostly female-identified folks in the 25 yr. – 55 yr. age range. I serve anyone from individuals who are interested in knowing more about their womb and how best to care for it, to individuals who are at their wit's end in dealing with some gynecological condition and are willing to “try anything”. I also serve people who don’t have wombs and have clients of various gender and sexual identities. The one common denominator that links all of the people I work with is a willingness to actively participate in their healing process.
I am committed to offering accessible services by providing sliding scale spots and through education and resources with the goal of collective empowerment.
SERVICES
Initial consultation
Om Laila Sanctuary 64 Henry st.
The initial consultation is for individuals who have a specific reproductive or digestive issue that they want to solve and are ready to commit to a treatment plan. This may include people who are looking to conceive, or have been suffering with endometriosis, painful periods, fibroids, etc… We will review your health history, any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, supplements or medications you’ve been taking, relevant lab work, diet as well as conduct a physical assessment.
We crystalize your goals and a customized treatment plan will be created & emailed to you which may include recommended tests, referrals, herbal formulas, supplements, lifestyle and diet changes, exercises, educational resources, as well as any recommended Arvigo treatment sessions if applicable.
Treatment options:
An initial consultation is 60 - 90 mins and costs $150 + HST
* I reserve a certain amount of sliding scale spaces each month to ensure that this important healing modality is accessible to people of all income levels. Contact me directly for details.
Registered Massage Therapy Services
Om Laila Sanctuary 64 Henry St.
Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario are health care providers that specialize in all types of conditions that involve muscles, ligaments & joints. This includes muscle strains, ligament sprains, carpal tunnel, sciatica, post-surgical rehabilitation, TMJ, scoliosis, pinched nerves, and tendinitis to name a few.
As a naturally curious person who appreciates life's mysteries, I enjoy using my creativity and caring heart to create customized massage sessions for all those who seek my services with the intention of having you move and feel your best.
My approach is to get your body so supple and relaxed that any tension, knots, or sticky spots melt into the abyss from which they came.
Treatment options:
An initial appointment is always at least a 60 min massage and all clients will submit an intake form via email prior to the appointment.
A 60 min massage is $125 +HST
Follow-up session options:
- 30 min massage is $80 + HST
- 45 min massage is $105 +HST
- 60 min massage is $125 +HST
- 90 min massage is $170 + HST
* I reserve a certain amount of sliding scale spaces each month to ensure that this important healing modality is accessible to people of all income levels. Contact me directly for details.
Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT)
Om Laila Sanctuary 64 Henry St.
Healers in Central America have been practicing these noninvasive, hands-on manipulation techniques for thousands of years. This therapeutic massage works to eliminate the primary cause of reproductive and digestive complaints in all genders by repositioning the reproductive organs and assisting the flow of fluids and energy to nourish and repair the organs and systems naturally. Herbal and dietary education, castor oil packs and vaginal steams are complementary elements of this healing modality.
Types of conditions ATMAT can help with:
- Fertility challenges
- Dysmenorrhea
- Short, long and irregular menstrual cycles
- Uterine fibroids and cysts
- Uterine prolapse
- Incontinence
- Postpartum (to ensure that organs go back to their proper place)
- Colitis and Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acute or chronic indigestion
- Diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence
- Chronic weight conditions
- PCOS
- Low back pain
Treatment options:
The session is 90 minutes and consists of a brief assessment, the massage, and teaching you how to do self-massage at home for maintenance. A handout is included. The cost is $170 + HST
Depending upon the needs of the client, a vaginal stream may also be included in the session. In this case, the session is 120min & the cost is $200 +HST
* I reserve a certain amount of sliding scale spaces each month to ensure that this important healing modality is accessible to people of all income levels. Contact me directly for details.
Arvigo Prenatal Massage
Om Laila Sanctuary 64 Henry St.
The Arvigo prenatal massage specifically supports the needs of the pregnant body throughout gestation. It is a version of the "sobado", a special pregnancy massage traditional Mayan and Mexican midwives would perform at prenatal appointments. The blessings of this nurturing treatment are experienced both while receiving your massage and afterward. Not only does the Arvigo prenatal massage melt away tension and relieve aching muscles, it improves circulation and digestion, removes toxins from the body, alleviates nerve compression, enhances nutrient and oxygen delivery to your baby and aligns the uterus, encouraging an optimal fetal position and hence a more efficient labour!
Note: this is not an External Cephalic Version. ATMAT positions the uterus, not the baby.
A 2010 study concluded that pregnant people who received massage throughout pregnancy decreased their chances of having a premature baby, experienced significant less pain and had on average a 3 hour shorter labour.
ATMAT pregnancy massage is also fantastic for individuals who are concerned with going beyond dates.
Recipients will also learn a special self-care abdominal massage routine, which they can do at home to enhance and maintain the healing. For drawing the maximum benefits of this therapy, regular sessions are recommended.
A warm and heartfelt thank you to the Maya people, whose wisdom brought forth these brilliant techniques.
Treatment options:
The session is 90 min and includes an Arvigo pregnancy massage, self-care routine, and handouts $170+HST
*I reserve a certain amount of sliding scale spaces each month to ensure that this important healing modality is accessible to people of all income levels. Contact me directly for details.
Labour Consultation
Om Laila Sanctuary 64 Henry st.
This session is designed for the birthing person and their partner or primary support person to enter the birthing space empowered and with confidence. Together we will review the stages of labour, explore helpful labour positions and practice hands-on pain management techniques your partner can use to help take the edge off of contractions. We will also go over how to prevent common complications, natural ways to augment labour, as well as decision-making & negotiating strategies within the birthing context. An intake form is filled out prior to the session so it can be tailored to your specific needs and desired outcomes. A follow-up handout is also emailed afterwards so you don't have to worry about forgetting any important gems. Are you ready to feel beautiful and brave?
Treatment options:
- This session is 90 mins and costs $200 + HST
*I reserve a certain amount of sliding scale spaces each month to ensure that this important healing modality is accessible to people of all income levels. Contact me directly for details.Vaginal steam
Om Laila Sanctuary 64 Henry st.
A vaginal steam is a complimentary modality used in conjunction with abdominal massage. It aids in cleansing the uterine mucous membranes when there is an accumulation of debris, which would be indicated by painful periods or dark, thick blood at the onset or end of menstruation. It is also useful postpartum, post miscarriage, right before an IUI or IVF or as part of a healing protocol for fibroids, cysts or endometriosis. In most cases, if a steam is needed, it will be an extension of the client's abdominal massage treatment. A stand-alone vaginal steam session is commonly used by clients who are doing self-care massage at home and would like steam prior to a fertility treatment
Treatment options:
- This session is 30 mins and costs $50 + HST
*I reserve a certain amount of sliding scale spaces each month to ensure that this important healing modality is accessible to people of all income levels. Contact me directly for details.TESTIMONIALS
Shine's story
I have endometriosis and underwent excision surgery 5 months ago. I wanted to try coming off my medication (which is used to suppress endometriosis by causing temporary menopause), however, whenever I would try to reduce my dose, I would experience ongoing pain radiating from my left ovary. Based on my friend’s experience and rave reviews, I decided to book a session for abdominal massage with Elizabeth. I was a bit nervous, especially having had surgery recently. Elizabeth immediately put me at ease and made sure I was comfortable. She was kind, respectful, and receptive, and invited me to provide feedback during the session anytime I needed something adjusted. In just one session, I was able to come off my medication and stay pain-free! This was an absolutely life-changing experience. I continued seeing Elizabeth a couple more times for fascial work and abdominal massage, as I found it incredibly beneficial for my mobility issues and for post-surgery recovery. It’s now been a month and a half since I’ve come off my medication and I’ve stayed pain-free thanks to Elizabeth. I cannot recommend her enough. Elizabeth is a gifted and skilled practitioner. I am eternally grateful for the freedom she has given me. If you’re struggling with endo pain, mobility issues, or post-op recovery, look no further, you’ve come to the right place!
Irene's story
" I was so lucky to find Elizabeth’s treatments. My husband and I were trying to get pregnant for over a year so I decided to try
Arvigo massages, as I heard that they are good for fertility. Elizabeth makes you feel comfortable from the first moment you enter the Omlaila sanctuary and while she provides an excellent service. I knew I was in the right hands. Her studio is amazing!She recommended me to follow a 3 month plan to detox my body and daily self- massages that she taught me . After those 3
months I got PREGNANT. We were so happy.I continued with prenatal and postnatal massages and we had a beautiful and healthy baby girl.
I must add that Elizabeth is not only an excellent professional, she is also a person of great human warmth who does not hesitate
to give you advice that is very helpful and I really appreciate it. I really recommend Elizabeth. Thanks for everything."
Jocelyn's story
“For several months, my PMS symptoms were debilitating for 1-4 days at a time. This included a high level of pain, nausea, extreme dizziness, and mood swings. It was at the point where it was severely impacting my ability to work. I thought for some time that it’s just the way things had to be for me and began making sure I could allot the time to endure these episodes.
I booked an appointment with Elizabeth, to have an abdominal massage, castor oil pack and vaginal steam. She worked very intently with my womb that day and was able to shift things. She told me that it is not uncommon for the uterus to shift positions, perhaps by doing heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. As the uterus expands closer to menstruation time, it can press against the vagus nerve and cause pain and dizziness. That day I really felt something move into place, and following that appointment, I haven’t felt the same extreme pain as I had been enduring for nearly a year each month.
We discussed nutrition and how I could make a few small changes that would make a difference with my digestion and nutrient absorption.
Elizabeth additionally took the time to do a lot of research into what could be done to begin alleviating my symptoms.
She blended some herbs to be used regularly for tea - for balancing hormones that improved my overall mood swings. She recommended a specific kind of magnesium supplement to further assist with pain.
I felt very safe, seen and supported with the care and attention provided, and feel that she is very qualified for this specific type of massage in such a delicate area of the body. I continue to experience benefits from the sessions and from her nutritional advice and I would strongly recommend her services to anyone who requires assistance with having a healthier and more comfortable menstrual flow. “
Kelly's story
I came to see Elizabeth after over ten years of serious endometriosis pain which had at many points been very debilitating. It was about one year after I gave birth and I was once again in serious pain after my menstrual cycle returned, along with the back pain which can come from pregnancy and carrying an infant everywhere. The treatment which Elizabeth provided felt very relieving to my lower back, and it was a very stress-free and relaxing/non-judgemental environment after seeing doctors and specialists who told me I had no options besides painkillers or hormones. Afterwards, I felt very fatigued for a few days and needed a lot of rest, but after that, I experienced the first pain-free period I'd had in over ten years. It was a dramatic change for me and lasted for almost one year-- that was when I decided it was time to book another appointment
Shaila's Story
Elizabeth was able to provide me treatment for my cysts after my naturopath recommended I seek a maya abdominal massage practitioner. With the combination of the castor-oil pack treatment I was able to greatly benefit from her services after only a few sessions. Elizabeth was able to provide a gentle, and relaxing treatment in the comfort of my own home and created a safe and sacred space where I was able to also receive a post-massage self-care plan to continue doing the work on my own between treatments. Elizabeth was able to offer me tools and practices to help me maintain the work all the while feeling more familiar with my body and its needs. I feel my own self-assessment skills are improved and I will be able to detect imbalances and irregularities much sooner and be able to treat them in the future. To feel connected to my womb in a whole new way, and knowing that she was there to support was truly empowering. I will continue to work with her for overall womb health and also just indulging in some sweet self-care ! - Shaila Khan
Soni's Story
During my third pregnancy I was unable to find a prenatal class that suited my schedule. I searched the web for prenatal classes with a movement component and came across the prenatal belly dance class that Elizabeth Redmond was teaching at Om Laila studios. At 31 weeks I started class with Elizabeth. This pregnancy was classified as high risk so I knew I was not going to have a natural birth, rather another c - section. I knew that taking this belly dance class would help me deal with the disappointment of missing out on a natural birth experience and heal my past two birthing experiences to make way for a positive space to welcome my daughter.
Elizabeth was such a great teacher! Not only did I participate in amazing Belly dance movements, but I also had the opportunity to explore relaxation techniques. Furthermore, because Elizabeth is a midwife we had great discussions about prenatal, birthing and postnatal care. During dance classes I felt relaxed, happy, and in tune with my body and spirit. In this class I had carved out time for myself, away from work, away from my husband and two sons, and away from the busyness of Toronto. Time to reflect on my changing body, time to think about how I would welcome this baby into my world and family. The baby also enjoyed the classes, she got a massage through the movements and she would kick actively to show me her appreciation, something I will remember fondly.
Elizabeth modified the class to respect my limitations for the day, her music selection was awesome, and the structure of class was perfect. I took many of the things I had learnt in the class to apply to my pregnancy and still use today postpartum. When I was pregnant I would practice Belly dance moves to loosen my back, and calves. Now, when my baby is fussy I hold her on my shoulder and do figure eights or gentle hip circles. When I am feeling stressed about breast feeding I practice some of the breathing techniques I had learnt to pair with dance moves..
Kelly's Story
I honestly couldn't imagine going through my journey without the care and support of Elizabeth. She is truly a gifted therapist. Her process is completely holistic in nature and her treatments are so very nurturing and healing. I had heard about Mayan Abdominal Therapy and was anxious try this ancient healing modality. When I was pregnant with my son, who is now almost 8 years old, I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts.
Although they hadn't grown in size, they were still very present and I was not satisfied with the Western medicine approach of "let's just wait and see". I have always taken my well being and self care seriously so I researched alternative options for female reproductive health and thankfully, I found Elizabeth.
Her approach is gentle and knowledgeable and the abdominal massages are amazing! I look forward to my treatments and just recently I found the space to actually acknowledge and thank my cysts and fibroids for having provided with me such an incredible healing experience.
Since seeing Elizabeth my periods and PMS are much more bearable. My cramping, bloating and overall feeling tired and stressed have all decreased considerably. I'm in awe of the results. I feel so supported having someone to talk to about my periods and my reproductive health. It's reassuring to have someone who truly cares about my well-being. I have so much gratitude for Elizabeth and feel truly blessed to have met such a wonderful healer. Kelly C.
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Jamie's Story
I took Elizabeth's prenatal belly dance classes during my third trimester, right up till my due date; the dance moves, exercises and sense of community in our small group made an enormous difference to my emotional and physical well-being at a time that I think even the healthiest women find to be a challenge. I distinctly remember dragging myself to class, haggard, aching and exhausted, and leaving refreshed and (relatively!) limber, able to move comfortably in my body again. Elizabeth really takes her students' individual needs into account and adapts her class focus and pacing accordingly. It was clear that she put a lot of thought into what each women needed, given her dance experience and stage of pregnancy. In addition to classic belly dance moves, we spent a good deal of time on stretching, flexibility and relaxation exercises, and also took time to discuss our pregnancy joys and trials. Elizabeth is very knowledgeable about prenatal topics, including nutrition, herbal supplements, maternal health issues and fetal positioning, and she will check your baby's position for you! In short, this class was a lot of fun and of real benefit, and is an excellent way to practice self care as a preparation for birth and motherhood!
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Georgia's story
Elizabeth is knowledgeable, caring, and reliable. She has helped me out with two different gynecological issues and each time her advice has been instrumental in resolving the problem. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for natural, low cost, healthy options for any gynecological issue..
Mira's story
I have had a LOT of massages! And I thought I had a lot of prenatal massages during my first pregnancy. It turns out, I was getting regular massages, except I was lying on my side. Then, during my second pregnancy, I started seeing Elizabeth Redmond for ACTUAL prenatal massages. She is trained as a midwife, and her knowledge of the pregnant female body is vast. She massaged parts of me that had been ignored my whole life and I left every session feeling as though I had more space in my body, for my baby and my relocated organs. I slept better, and I suffered fewer digestive issues, than I had during my first pregnancy. She stretched the parts of my body that would be involved in my birth, and my second baby was in a far better position during labour, resulting in a shorter labour, and far less pushing. Elizabeth also treated me in my postpartum healing and it was the care and pampering my body needed after the beautiful work it had done. Elizabeth is fantastic at what she does. You can feel the healing power that radiates from her hands. Pregnant people deserve special care, and Elizabeth provides just that.
-Mira Bell, proud mother of 2, massage enthusiast!
Chloe's story
I was fortunate to receive prenatal massage from Elizabeth throughout my whole pregnancy, and after each treatment felt as though I could breathe more deeply and move more freely. I gained an awareness of my baby's position and my body's transformations, and attribute my comfortable pregnancy, natural birth and quick recovery in large part to Elizabeth's intuitive and confident touch.
In addition to the hands-on technique Elizabeth offers, I always felt very well cared for and informed by our dialogue - given Elizabeth's extensive background in midwifery, herbalism, massage, and movement, I learned so much during our sessions. I felt both pampered and empowered to do the suggested self-care at home.
Elizabeth is offering something very specialized and unique in the prenatal health field, and as a doula, yoga instructor and new mother, I highly recommend Elizabeth for anyone wanting intelligent, personalized healing touch throughout their pregnancy. It is above and beyond a simple 'pregnancy massage'. It is woman-focused and nuanced and feels incredible!
Natalie's story
Elizabeth was so wonderful and made me feel very comfortable during the optimal fetal positioning session I had with her. Her approach was gentle and she was very receptive to what I was feeling and what my limitations were near the end of my pregnancy. She was very knowledgeable when it came to answering any questions or concerns I had regarding my experience during the session. The stretching techniques and restorative yoga positions she led me through during the session were not only helpful and practical, but very relaxing. At one point during the session, the baby moved. When I went into labour, which occurred a week following the session, the baby was in the optimal position and my delivery was shorter than the first time I gave birth. Additionally, the tips she shared about labouring positions were appreciated and very useful. Overall, my experience was excellent and I would recommend OFP sessions performed by Elizabeth Redmond to anyone interested.- Natalie Woloshyn
Resources
Know Your Rights: Empowerment and Self-advocacy
Canadian-specific
This document is inspired by the stories I’ve heard from clients surrounding their experiences in engaging with various health care providers and has been created as an educational tool for people to better understand what their medical rights are, what types of conversations, information and treatment they should expect from their care providers, and links to meaningful resources for individuals who believe that they have been neglected, coerced, mismanaged or disrespected by their primary health care
provider. The information is as up-to-date and as Ontario and Canadian-specific as possible. It is also my hope that this document facilitates holding health care providers to account and closes the gap between what regulatory professional guidelines state is appropriate ethical behaviour versus what the public is actually experiencing.
This document is to be freely copied and shared by all who desire to do so.
BIO
Elizabeth Redmond
Midwife, RMT & Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner
I am a Certified Professional Midwife who graduated from a MEAC accredited midwifery program in El Paso, Texas in 2011. Afterward, I attended births abroad in Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Kiribati, and Mali to enrich my knowledge and further develop my midwifery skills.
I am a Registered Massage Therapist, and professional practitioner of Maya abdominal massage through Tul'ix Indigenous Arts (formerly known as the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®), have completed a Bellies Inc postnatal fitness certification, "Seven Waves" essential Bellydance teacher training and "Assessment and Treatment of the Young Baby" courses 1 & 2 with Judy Green.
My birth-related specialties are movement, fetal positioning, and abdominal and pelvic floor care.
Currently,
I teach a monthly baby massage workshop at Oona and work at their Toronto clinic, as well as
offer massage therapy & holistic reproductive health services at the Om Laila sanctuary in Toronto where I assist people through bodywork, herbs, oils, and nutrition.
It is an honour to share my knowledge and I look forward to working with you
CONNECT
Ready to book an appointment? Have a question?
Write me a message below or text me at 647 465 1818 to arrange your free 15 min consultation to see if ATMAT is right for you!