Paul Buffel

I have been a Massage Therapist for over 29 years, practicing since graduating from Edmonton Public School's Therapeutic Massage Training in 1996. I am also a Thai Massage Practitioner having studied Traditional Thai Massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand beginning at RePlace in 1990 and continuing on with the Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai. I am also grateful for the opportunity to study and practice the unique styles of Dynamic Thai Massage and Osteothai as taught by David Lutt of France's Lulyani Thai Massage. 

Thai Massage is one element of the Thai Medical system derived from Indigenous Thai practices influenced by Buddhist philosophy, Yoga, Indian Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. Thai Massage is traditionally performed on a floor mat with the client fully clothed, but can also be adapted for work on the table. Thai Massage is often described as a combination of yoga and massage, using compression, passive range of dynamic motion, pressure point therapy and fascial manipulation. Thai Massage is a way of being present with, listening to, and dynamically mobilizing the body from a foundation of metta or loving kindness.

My practice has also been influenced by the work of Tracey Windmill who teaches the "Art of Transformational Touch." Creating an environment of safety, trust, non-judgement and care allows the possibility for change and healing by supporting connection, deep listening and trust in the body's ability to heal. 

My personal experiences of injury, and other physical and mental challenges, combined with my manual massage skills, Iyengar Yoga training, and passion for research, informs my treatments and teaching that support, enhance and strengthen health and well-being.

I use a variety of techniques tailored to client needs which may include Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Myofascial Cupping Technique™, Active Engagement Techniques, Muscle Energy, Craniosacral, Visceral, Swedish, Stretching, Joint Mobilization, Thai Massage, Dynamic Thai and Osteothai.

For the last year and a half David Sheehan of Complementary Health Seminars and founder of The Myofascial Cupping Technique™ has been training myself and Monty Churchman to be Lead Instructors for his Myofascial Cupping Technique™ Foundation Courses here in Canada. For more information on myofascial cupping you can read a recent News Article on our website.

I am a Lifetime Member, Past Board Member and Past President of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC). I am also engaged in matters of regulation through membership with the Council of Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR), completed the Executive Leadership course for Regulators, and sit on the Saskatchewan College of Massage Therapy Working Group.