Zen & Tonic

Practitioners

April Cockshutt

CLINICAL HERBALIST, CERTIFIED NUTRITIONAL PRACTITIONER

April is a clinical herbalist and Certified Nutritional Practitioner (CNP). April graduated with honours from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University in International Business and Marketing. After working in corporate, she knew she hadn’t found her true calling. When she tried acupuncture and herbal medicine, however, she discovered something that she could truly believe in. Her passion is using pure, natural and holistic methods to help individuals reach their optimal health, as this is how she cured her own digestive complaints. April’s goal is to provide her clients with the tools and education needed to heal their underlying issues in order to lead a life full of energy, vitality and positivity for year to come. With the use of hand blended herbal remedies, supplementation, key nutritional and lifestyle changes, April partners with her clients to provide them the ongoing support they need to succeed! Outside of Zen & Tonic, April is an avid athlete, participating in a variety of adventure sports, including obstacle course racing, marathon running, and cyclocross. She also loves travelling the world and spending time with her partner and furry child, Mojito.

Robert Helmer R.TCMP, R.Ac

Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Registered Acupuncturist

Rob Helmer specializes in the treatment of chronic, difficult to treat medical conditions that other doctors and alternative medicine providers are unable to help. His primary form of treatment to achieve this is customized Chinese herbal medicine formulas and acupuncture protocols. Rob’s recent research and subsequent published articles have focused on the area of insomnia due to the increase in mental-emotional health problems (anxiety and depression) since the beginning of the pandemic.

He originally graduated from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) school in Toronto 1998 and completed his Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. To obtain doctorate level knowledge learned to read medical Chinese and spent many years translating Chinese medical journal articles into English to share with others.

He has completed clinical practice/internships in China (four times), Germany and USA. Rob is currently a professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine at OCTCM in Toronto and has previously taught at a number of TCM schools in Canada and the US and also has developed and taught post-graduate courses on insomnia, pediatrics, asthma and dermatology based on his own clinical experience and research. Rob is a published author and has previously appeared in various TCM journals (including numerous times in the Journal of Chinese Medicine and The Lantern) and published a book by Blue Poppy press in 2006 on the TCM treatment of pediatric bedwetting. Lastly, he has been a student of many well respected doctors of TCM over the years in different countries including Dr. David Lam in Toronto, Bob Flaws and TCM dermatologist Mazin Al-khafaji (https://mazin-al-khafaji.com/) including working at his clinic in England.

Keegan Morris

Registered Massage Therapist

Keegan Morris graduated from Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy in
2017. He is in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Keegan has been certified in Dr. Wu’s Head Massage based on traditional Chinese
acupressure techniques through the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
institute. For over three years, he has been a part of the amazing team of
practitioners at Zen & Tonic and thoroughly enjoys working with all of his diverse
clients.
Since a young age, Keegan has practiced martial arts and later, he embarked on a 14-
month journey to rural China to develop his skills in Shaolin Kungfu. They included
both soft and hard forms such as the Taichi, Qigong and sanda. As a result, Keegan
now brings a uniquely powerful healing touch to each session. His deeply relaxing
and effective RMT work has benefitted hundreds of clients over the years.

Dora Torok

Registered Massage Therapist

She has a versatile amount of techniques to make you feel loose, rejuvenated and most of all, feeling less pain!

She works well with finding a flow and understanding how much pressure is needed.

From your deep tissue massages, to her HOT stone massages that will help with sleep, muscle tension/pain, and boost your immunity! She always wants you to leave feeling miraculous.

Dora is very active and enjoys long bike rides, running, hiking, and yoga.

Fun Fact: Dora was a national champion in gymnastics/aerobics in Hungary.

Nathanael (Nate) Tsang BSCH.KIN, MSC.PT

REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST, MANUAL THERAPY, CONTEMPORARY MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE

Nathanael (Nate) Tsang is a graduate of the Masters of Physical Therapy program at Queen’s University (2015). Prior to this, he graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Kinesiology degree, also from Queen’s University (2012).

Nate is an enthusiastic physiotherapist who utilizes a functional, comprehensive assessment approach to determine the cause of his patients’ condition. Being a competitive distance runner himself for ASICS Canada and his club team Pace and Mind, he has developed an expertise in treating runners of all levels, in addition to treating people who suffer from other common work-related or sports injuries. Nate’s treatments focus in on manual techniques, exercise-based rehabilitation, contemporary medical acupuncture, kinesio-taping, running shoe prescriptions, and patient education. Nate is the head lead for the Athlete’s Care Runner’s Program – a program designed with runners in mind for all levels – which is available at both of his clinics.

Daina Patel

Chiropractor

Dr. Daina Patel is a chiropractor with a focus on chronic pain conditions as they relate to the spine.

Her mission is to help busy people go from having their pain dictate what they can or cannot do to being confident in their bodies and moving with ease through their day. Instead of focusing on temporary relief solutions, she focuses on a sustainable holistic approach to getting rid of pain naturally for long-term results that fit your lifestyle using a combination of chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, lifestyle and nutritional advice, as well as other modalities. She empowers people to make better health choices.

In addition to her practice, she also loves to spend time in the kitchen using all the tools and gadgets to make delicious food, especially to experiment and play around with recipes to make them healthier.

"Instead of just surviving from day to day, I'm starting to thrive.”

Katie Hauck

Physiotherapist

April is amazing! After struggling with an array of changes from hormonal issues, including acne on top of health changes from a third concussion, I was feeling at a loss. April was both knowledagble and patient as she laid out an incredible, easy to follow plan combining teas, tinctures and diet/lifestyle suggestions. I’m now begining to feel more like myself again. Instead of just surviving from day to day I’m starting to thrive. Thanks April for you constant support!!!

"I can't recommend Zen & Tonic any more highly.”

James Appleton

Professional Race Athlete

After years of struggling with an old injury that often became aggravated during racing and top-intensity training, Zen & Tonic was not only able to identify a possible cause where many others had been at a loss, they also expertly applied their knowledge to create a temporary “stay” that instantly took pressure away from the area and allowed me to race worry-free. I can’t thank Zen & Tonic enough, nor recommend them any more highly.

"Going to Zen & Tonic makes me feel supported and cared for. I would highly recommend it!”

Marianne L.

April is so compassionate and thorough in her treatments. She really took the time to listen and try to understand the full picture of my health. I loved how she always sent me a follow up email with homework and checked in regularly to see how I was feeling. April’s extensive knowledge and her personal approach make her an amazing Holistic Nutritionist!

After years of digestive problems, Zen & Tonic restored the balance within weeks. So I kept coming back for any other complaint I had! I love how he listens carefully and always checks in during the week after the treatment so see how I’m feeling. Going to Zen & Tonic makes me feel supported and cared for. I would highly recommend it!

"Within the first 2 sessions I could feel my body beginning to heal and I immediately had less pain in my lower back”

Conor Stief

Disk Jockey

After years of being on my feet working, everything finally caught up to me and I began having lower back pain that would not go away. I came to Zen & Tonic for relief and he recommended I try acupuncture and…….. within the first 2 sessions I could feel my body beginning to heal and I immediately had less pain in my lower back and could perform longer and more effectively. Zen & Tonic is where its at!

"Thanks for helping me heal quicker!”

Elise DePasquale

Zen & Tonic’s Repair Salve was an incredible aid to me while recovering from a broken leg and ankle. Not only did it help fight swelling and encourage healing, it also soothed my irritated post-cast skin and smelled great, too. I can’t recommend it enough!

"I always leave feeling like a million bucks!”

Jesse Bruce

Founder of One Academy

I saw Zen & Tonic after a nagging foot injury that left me unable to run and I was amazed how much better it felt even after just one treatment. It wasn’t long after that I was back doing what I love again. I’ve been a believer ever since! Zen & Tonic offers a professional service and a truly relaxing experience. I always leave feeling rejuvenated and feeling like a million bucks!

"Amazing products and customer service!”

Dr. Wishloff

Chiropractor

I am so happy I found Zen & Tonic! As a chiropractor, being able to create unique therapeutic salves enhances my patient’s therapy experience. April creates custom blends of essential oils and healing herbs to accelerate the recovery of my patients. From anti-inflammatory to wound-healing, she has created custom salves for all of my needs. I am able to customize the scent, thickness, and collaborate to create unique therapeutic blends.

I highly recommend working with Zen & Tonic to create your unique therapy products.”

"Friendly and professional.”

Renee Abrenica

Athlete

I put my body through quite a bit with all the training I do, and Zen & Tonic has helped me out on many occasions. I was new to some of the therapies and a little bit skeptical but their treatments have become an integral part of my training and recovery. Their background in sports gives me the confidence that they understand my concerns, and their friendly and professional demeanour make me feel at ease. I highly recommend Zen & Tonic for any of your health concerns.

"A game changer.”

Kim Beregon

Triathlete

As a marathoner and a triathlete, I’ve spent many years looking for the right type of treatment to keep me injury free. After seeing many types of specialists, I decided to try Zen & Tonic and it was a game changer. Their holistic approach to treatment has kept me healthy and active. The Zen & Tonic method is not a band-aid solution, but a long-term commitment to my overall wellness. I can’t recommend them enough!

"Zen & Tonic genuinely cares about your well-being.”

Marie Claude-Bouchard

Teacher and athlete

I had pain in my shoulder for years due to a pinched nerve. I saw a lot of different therapist that told me they couldn’t do anything for me and tried different things that didn’t work, but Zen & Tonic was able to fix my shoulder. For the first time in years I was finally able to train without pain. Zen & Tonic genuinely care about you and your well-being. They want you to totally heal and be able to do what you enjoy doing. I recommend this service to everyone.

"It’s always been a great experience!”

Claude Godbout