Adrian Tomei
Bodywork, Movement & Mindfulness
Massage Therapy. Zenthai Shiatsu Therapy. Yoga & Qi Gong. Pu'erh Tea Ceremony. Mindfulness Training
...and more!Based in Lethbridge Alberta, Treaty 7 Territory
About
Adrian was born in Calgary and grew up in Lethbridge. After receiving his B.HSc in Addictions Counselling (2014), Adrian moved to Vancouver Island. A continual desire to deepen and develop led Adrian to become a Registered Massage Therapist, graduating WCCMT Victoria in 2019. Here he developed a keen sense of anatomy and biomechanics, technical skills he uses in every bodywork session....But isn't there more to healing than technical prowess?This continual desire for a holistic and integrated perspective on healing brought him to Australia for the 9-month Zenthai Therapist program in 2023, where he grew to love Chinese 5-Element Theory and eastern medicine healing techniques. Adrian is proud to be introducing this rare and amazing modality into Southern Alberta!A long-term love affair with all things deep, spiritual, meditative and magical has brought Adrian into contact with all sorts of interesting storylines, places, and people over the years: A year living in an intensive yoga / permaculture community in Oregon; Buddhist recovery programs in Thailand; mountaineer training in the Himalayas; plant medicine ceremonies in the Kootenays; Vision Quest and indigenous ceremony on Cowichan land; six months at a Zen monastery in New Mexico... All of which now inform his approach to therapy.And, for well over a decade now, as a continual thread throughout it all, Adrian has been practicing and teaching Yoga, Qi Gong, and mindfulness meditation. Years of practice have created a strong foundation on which his therapeutic skills can rest.Forever aligned with BIPOC, LGBTQ2+, and Neurodivergent folk, Adrian offers a safe space for all. Adrian hopes that his clients are able to benefit from the many interrelated threads that have informed his approach to therapy, and which allow him to safely and effectively treat all sorts of humans.
Bodywork
Adrian is an experienced and effective therapist, specializing in:- Chronic pain management
- Autoimmune support
- Nervous system down-regulation
- Athletic injuries
- Headache & Neck
- Lower Back & Hips
- Rehabilitation & Injury prevention
- Mythbusting & Lifestyle educationWell known for his relaxing and uncomplicated approach to therapy, Adrian ensures his clients are empowered with the knowledge and skills needed to continue their healing at home.His diverse lived experience -- spanning from extreme sports all the way to Zen meditation -- means Adrian understands the needs and demands of active people, yet understands the relationships between lifestyle habits, stress, inflammation, and pain.Whether it's a deep tissue table massage or a Zenthai session, you can be sure you'll receive a powerful healing experience.
Zenthai Shiatsu
Adrian’s most unique bodywork offering is Zenthai Shiatsu Therapy, a beautiful floor massage modality fusing the best of Traditional Thai massage, Zen Shiatsu, and Osteopathy into a relaxing, grounding, and highly effective offering. (This is a rare find -- you won't find many Zenthai practitioners in Canada!)What's it like? Zenthai happens on the ground (on a soft mat). It's very comfortable. As the client, you'll be gently moved through various positions to best open the fascia and tendons to receive healing. The therapist applies various combinations of pressure, joint mobilization, stretching, stillness, and movement using a unique sequence of gestures custom tailored to the needs of the client. There is an initial interview to gain understanding of how to apply therapy, and a post-treatment debriefing to help the integration process.
Some treatments may involve bamboo tapotement / meridian percussion, energy healing, essential oils, gua sha, or cupping. (With your permission, of course).Important: Because the therapist is working with the meridian system, every Zenthai is a whole-body experience (even if there is a specific focus!) For this reason, it is important you wear comfortable, loose pants and a shirt with sleeves. It is recommended to wear a comfortable sports bra rather than a tight or restrictive wire brassiere. All clothes stay on for the duration of treatment. There is minimal use of lotion or oils -- just on the neck, if at all.
Massage Therapy
Adrian has been practicing massage therapy since 2019, in a variety of settings from boutique spas to multidisciplinary clinics. He has left behind a long list of very satisfied clientele. (They are Not satisfied that he left for Alberta however!)Adrian has a keen ability to balance a holistic nervous system regulation approach with deep, focused, and anatomically informed tissue release. By alternating between a "zoomed in" and "zoomed out" focus during treatment, clients are able to relax deeply while their specific complaints are directly addressed.Important: Conventional massage therapy involves the use of a massage table. Clients are asked to undress to their level of comfort and sheets are used for modesty, with draping techniques employed to reveal only the area of the body where treatment is to be applied. The therapist uses lotions or oils as well as 'dry' techniques requiring increased friction. Areas of the body to be treated are discussed in an initial interview and health history, and a debrief / reassessment occurs after the treatment.
Classes & Offerings
Upcoming Events
June 21 2025: Solstice Celebrations!
Details TBA
TBA: "Tea & Qi: Pu'erh and Qi Gong Mini-Retreat"
Qi Gong
Adrian began learning Qi Gong while living at the Salt Spring Center of Yoga in 2013, from medicine woman Ne'ith Arrow, who continues to be an inspiration to this day. Eventually he moved on to teacher Michael Smith of Soma Dao Qi Gong, of whom he remains a student to this day, having accumulating hundreds of hours of course work over the years. Adrian also spent 2 years studying Taichi with Sifu Eric Tuttle.For Adrian, Qi Gong is primarily a practice of connection, a Taoist mindfulness practice which allows us to tangibly connect with Source / Self. It is wonderful that these practices are also deeply nourishing for the skin, fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, nerves, and organs of the body!For the next couple of years Adrian will be studying and deepening his practice of the Shaolin "Warrior" Qi Gong system.
If you're trying to figure out what Qi Gong is, please read this infographic from a recent newsletter. (Feel free to download the image!)
Adrian offers Qi Gong in the following ways:Pre-registered series. An ideal way to learn Qi Gong -- commit to showing up for a duration of scheduled classes. Each series of classes will emphasize a certain aspect of Qi Gong (i.e.; "Spring/Wood Element" series, or "Shoulder Fascia Unwinding" series.)
There are currently no series on offer - check back in Fall 2025.In Person Series (one-on-one or small group). Another great method -- team up with a gang of friends with a focused intention to learn some aspect of Qi Gong for a certain amount of time. We agree upon a set number of classes, a time that works for everyone, and a specific emphasis. Pricing will vary depending on space rental costs and number of participants.Online Series (one-on-one or small group). This method is flexible and ideal for those who live away. We agree upon a set number of classes, a time that works for everyone, and a specific emphasis (Ex: 6 x 60min classes, Wednesdays at 7pm, Shoulder Fascia Unwinding.) Pricing is about $50/class.In-Person Drop-In Experiences. These classes are for those looking to sample a Qi Gong "experience". They are usually easy, basic sequences emphasizing the sensation of chi energy in order to help beginners feel the flow and get inspired. These are sporadic, one-time events offered every so often. A great way to get into it!
Past Classes
Yoga
Adrian received his RYT-200 in 2011 from the Dharmalaya / Ananda Seva yoga community, and acknowledges the power of this potent yogic lineage. In the years since, his yoga has transformed into a colorful, fun, and deep class, offering students a fusion of traditional Hatha, primal movement / animal movement, mobility and core flow, and more. Adrian's yoga classes are places of curiousity, laughter, exploration, and connection to self and community.Yoga offerings are generally in the form of weekly drop-in classes. See below for current and past options.
Dynamic Yoga
Offered as a weekly class at the University of Lethbridge Fitness Center (U of L summer break -- class restarts Sept 2025!)Fusing elements of hatha yoga, primal movement, mobility work, and mindfulness, this creative and occasionally challenging class will leave you feeling invigorated and aligned. This fresh approach to yoga is unique and fun, while still offering the opportunity for the deep and nourishing practice you're looking for.
Past Classes
Other Offerings
Adrian is happy to offer Pu'erh tea ceremony to small groups at various locations in Lethbridge, AB.What is Pu'erh? Pu'erh is black tea which has been collected, cured, packed tightly into bricks, and allowed to ferment in sealed containers, sometimes for very long periods of time. Thus, when we drink Pu'erh we drink a plethora of amazing fungi, bacteria, and yeasts that have been slowly converting the sugars and tannins into something... entirely different. The taste is unreal and hard to describe. It's not for everyone -- the very definition of an "acquired taste".Drinking the tea in a mindful way helps us connect to the spirit of the Tea plant (camellia sinensis). We work with Tea Medicine in a Good Way -- with gratitude and respect -- in order to receive the healing benefits of a "friendship with Tea". Participants often feel elevated, uplifted, and inspired during and after a tea ceremony. Conversation tends to flow in a beautiful way as the Tea works through our bodies and minds. It is a Very Good Thing... a much needed medicine during these often disconnected modern times!
Tea Ceremony
Adrian was lucky enough to live nearby to Jagasilk Tea Bar (Victoria BC), one of the best tea bars in Canada, which was the spark that started a new passion -- the art of tea ceremony. Soon after he was lucky enough to meet Erick of Cloudwalker Tea who introduced him to the world of Pu'erh and Gong Fu Cha ceremony.
Locations & Contact
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday:
Tranquility Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic.
#1 - 553 40 St S. Lethbridge AB.
Tranquility Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic has 2 float tanks, an infrared sauna, and a (very cold) cold plunge. Client can also book Acupuncture TCM with Zach Palmarin. Tranquility is very Zen -- clean, soft energy, quiet, bright, and refreshing.
Wednesday & Thursday:
The Healing Collective.
724 13 St N. Lethbridge AB.
The Healing Collective is home to TCM Acupuncturist Sara Duban. This clinic feels like a womb-like healing space, with crystals and esoteric healing energy systems all around. There is also an infrared sauna here which can be booked after a session. Clients tend to say this space feels warm, cozy, and intimate.
Additional Info
Table Massage and Zenthai Shiatsu are both available at either clinic.
Yes! Adrian offers direct billing with most extended health providers
Rates can be found on the booking portal for either clinic
Both clinics are wheelchair accessible with parking lots
Please, feel free to contact me with any inquries:
Feel free to follow my business on social media -- click the icons at the bottom of the page.
© Adrian Tomei. All rights reserved.