About Us

 Joining the Exeter Massage Therapy team, LaLa Dykstra brings education and experience in various wellness modalities. An Exeter practice’s focus is on Foot Reflexology, based on the belief that the foot’s areas correspond to vital systems and organs.

In addition, she also specializes in Indian Head Massage. Practiced in India for thousands of years, this uses unique techniques applied to head, scalp, face, neck, shoulders, upper arms, and upper back.

LaLa has first-hand experience with Complementary Alternative Medicine therapies that she describes as life-changing, informing her career path choices.

JOURNEY TO CAREER PATH:

With her mother’s career as a physical therapist and her father being a medical doctor, LaLa notes that “there always was emphasis on wellness and wellbeing through proper nutrition and regular exercise – a lifestyle mindset.” She shares her mother’s insight that everything is connected within the body.

While at Fanshawe College in London, preparing for an early career in Interior Design, she explored the stress/nutrition balance and sought out a Holistic Nutritionist. That experience inspired her later study and certification as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, work in a health food store, and group and individual consults. And also development of Vivi & Tom, a baby and toddler food company.

Impressed by the deep sense of relaxation attained with an Indian Head Massage, LaLa learned more about this stress-relieving modality. She began studies and training that put her on a new career path, moving from nutrition to specialization in IHM. She became a Certified Indian Head Massage Practitioner.

A few years later, a chiropractor colleague suggested she might want to explore reflexology. While researching that modality, by serendipity, she won a reflexology session. Personally experiencing its benefits was a “lightbulb” moment; she began studies and work towards her accreditation as a Reflexology Practitioner and Therapist.

PASSION FOR HER VOCATION:

“I love my work. Some clients come to me who had previous positive experiences in the past. Others are new to these modalities. When they not only continue but also recommend me to others, it is rewarding validation”, LaLa shares.

WELLNESS STUDIES:  

Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, London, ON: Registered Holistic Nutritionist

Aromatica Centre for Natural Therapies & Holistic Study, Mono, ON:

   Certified Indian Head Massage Practitioner, studies at MorningStar Healing, Strathroy, ON

   Reflexology Training Program

Yoga Alliance, Arlington, VA: Yoga Teacher Status (200 hour training with yogabycandace)

Reflexology Certification/Accreditation:

Certified Foot Reflexology Practitioner

Reflexology Association of Canada exams scheduled for accreditation of RCRT/Registered Canadian Reflexologist Therapist designation        

LEISURE TIME:

With her husband, young son, and daughter, LaLa leads an active, all-season lifestyle, summer beach days and winter skating, traveling, and walks with rescue dog Rosie, a German Shepherd/Husky/Border Collie mix. She also practices yoga and weight training. Reading is a relaxing, favourite pastime.