A wave of success for holistic business

Jun 5, 2022 | 8:00 AM

A move to Vernon to study massage therapy turned into a business adventure for Katherine Reiber. She is the founder of Tidal Elements Healing Arts Studio near Freshco on 31st Avenue in downtown Vernon.

“I picked Vernon, Vernon picked me, I came here to develop some massage therapy skills, as a registered massage therapist and I fell in love with the mountains, the rivers, the lakes and all the fun activities there are to do outdoors here,” Reiber said.

Tidal Elements started business in 2012 and will celebrate 10 years this July. The original massage therapy practise expanded to other disciplines like reiki, vibrational sound therapy, various massage types, counseling and one of the more unique features float therapy.

There are now 15 staff and practitioners.

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Float Therapy, also known as R.E.S.T. (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) involves laying in a large tub of water filled with over a thousand pounds of Epsom Salts, in a lightproof and soundproof tank, which allows you to float in an environment that is free of sensory stimuli.

With a saltwater density that is denser than the Dead Sea, the body remains effortlessly buoyant providing the sensation of being weightless and unperturbed by the physical pressures of gravity.

These float tanks were originally used in the 1950s to test the effects of full sensory deprivation. From these tests, many positive side effects were observed in addition to sensorial rest, attributed to the high levels of magnesium sulphate in the saltwater solution, which is known to provide significant reductions in muscle tension, joint pain, to improve physical function, and allow more ease of movement.

The soundproof and lightproof float tank contains both saltwater and air which are measured to be the same temperature as your skin, providing a sensation of being unified with this darkened and silent environment. Additional benefits of resting in this kind of environment have been documented as reducing stress and anxiety, increasing feelings of relaxation and well-being, increasing sustainable energy levels, and helping to regulate mood.

Clients can have lights and music or total solitude, the company also offers a tandem float.

Reiber tells Vernon Matters that the past two years have been challenging, but her team pulled together and found different ways to deliver services to their clients.

For more information on services offered by Tidal Elements click here.

by Kevin Rothwell

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