Hello, my name is Steve Cagalj, I am a registered Massage Therapist who has just joined the team here at Alliance . I would just like to let you know a little bit about myself, and my experiences that have brought me to where I am today.

I studied at Brock University where I received a baccaurlate in Physical Education. My goal when I started was to become a physical education teacher, but things quickly changed. I met a Japanese girl, who in turn introduced me to her mom Joy. Joy became my spiritual mentor/teacher/healer for the next 10 years before her passing. She taught me abo8t alternative healing, energy work, but more importantly to work with love and compassion. It was her influence that made me choose a career in the health profession. So I made my way to Toronto and enrolled at Kikkawa College, an International Complimentary Therapy Program, the course itself was quite in-depth with courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Communication, Ethics, Pathology, Clinical Assessment & Treatment, just to name a few. While I was there I had the privilege of meeting and studying with Master Mitsuki Kikkawa, who created his own healing form based on Shiatsu and Meridian/Energy work. Mitsuki much like Joy emphasized the importance of working with love and honorable intentions. I quickly fell in love with my chosen profession to say the least.

Massage is the most ancient heritage of all healing forms. Early historic records denote people touched and rubbed themselves in order to combat discomfort and pain.Massage is derived from and Arabic word “mass’h”, which means to press gently. Basic forms of massage have been around since the beginning of man with reference to it in literature, art and medicine. Hippocrates “the father of medicine” stated that anyone wishing to study medicine must master the art of massage.

Modern day massage therapy has been aided by scientific evidence that clearly indicates the beneficial effects of massage. Our society today is fast paced and filled with physical and psychological stress, in order for our bodies to function efficiently; the body increases its demands to function. Massage therapy is unique in that it is only one of few professions were there is hand to skin contact for an extended period of time. This unique quality allows the therapist to manipulate the soft tissue and joints of the body, while providing the client with a healing sense of touch that can and does improve your quality of life.

My mission as a massage therapist is to become your partner in health, helping guide you to become a being in mind, body and soul. To awaken your internal wisdom, empowering you to enhance your body’s natural innate ability to heal itself. We here at Alliance provide high quality health care and education, promoting optimal health with compassion, knowledge and a healing touch.