Client Consent, Waiver & Terms of Service

Effective for all clients of Hilary Ma / Embody & Flow (Toronto, Canada)

Disclaimer of Services, Client Waiver & Scope of Practice

The services provided by Hilary Ma — including but not limited to Spinal Flow, Spinal Energetics, Somatic Bodywork, Somatic Counselling, and Reiki — are designed to support the body’s innate ability to regulate, release, and heal. While many clients report physical, emotional, or energetic shifts, these offerings are not a replacement for medical, psychological, or psychiatric care.

Hilary Ma is not a licensed physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or medical professional. She does not diagnose medical or psychological conditions, prescribe medication, or offer medical treatments. If you have any physical or mental health concerns, you are strongly encouraged to consult with an appropriate licensed healthcare provider.

All participation is voluntary. While every effort is made to hold a safe, attuned, and trauma-informed space, there are no guaranteed outcomes, and each individual’s process is unique.

Potential Effects

As your system integrates, you may experience effects such as:

• Increased energy or clarity

• Improved sleep or mobility

• A sense of calm and reconnection

You may also temporarily experience effects such as:

• Fatigue

• Emotional sensitivity

• Mild dizziness

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Flu-like symptoms

• Soreness or body aches

All These are commonly understood as signs of regulation and integration, as the nervous system re-patterns. You are encouraged to leave time after your session for rest and self-care, and to plan ahead (e.g., transportation or emotional support) as needed.

Essential oils or gentle sensory tools may be used. Please notify Hilary in advance if you have any allergies or sensitivities.

Client Consent & Waiver

By booking or attending a session, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

• I am participating voluntarily and take full responsibility for: my physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, the appropriateness of these sessions for me, and any unforeseen circumstances while I am involved in these sessions. I have freely decided to undergo this healing work and by participating in the session/s, I hereby give my full consent to the treatment.

• I understand this work is complementary in nature and not a substitute for professional healthcare.

• I have disclosed any relevant medical or psychological conditions that may affect my ability to safely participate.

• I understand that sessions may involve physical or energetic contact, emotional release, or spontaneous movement.

• I understand that responses vary and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

• I will ensure I allow enough time after each sessions to take care of myself and make sure that I have any physical or emotional support I feel I may need after the session.

• I understand Hilary Ma reserves the right to discontinue or decline a session if she believes it is in my best interest.

• I consent to participate in these sessions with full understanding of the above.

Terms of Service

1. Payment

Full payment is required to secure your appointment. Sessions are confirmed once payment is received.

2. Time & Punctuality

Please arrive on time. If you anticipate being late, notify Hilary as soon as possible. Sessions may still end at the scheduled time.

3. Cancellations & Rescheduling

Life happens, and sometimes you might not be able to make it to your session. I absolutely understand, and I'll do my best to offer flexibility where possible.

• That said, please honour the following:

  • 48 hours’ notice is required for all cancellations or rescheduling.

  • Less than 48 hours’ notice will result in the full session fee being charged.

  • This is simply because, with short notice, it’s unlikely I’ll be able to offer that time to someone else who may be waiting for care.
    

  If something comes up and you can’t make your session:

  • I’d much rather you reschedule than cancel altogether. If you’ve paid and give less than 48 hours’ notice, I’m happy to offer a one time reschedule of that session time.

  • That make-up session must be booked in addition to any future sessions you may already have scheduled (not as a replacement for your next one).

If I’m able to fill your vacated spot with another client, I’ll gladly apply your payment as a credit to your next session or issue a refund.

Thanks for understanding and for respecting the time and energy it takes to hold space for this work. All refunds and credits are discretionary.

Group sessions are non-refundable but transferable to another person with notice.

4. Session Structure & What to Expect

Sessions are personalised and done fully clothed. They may include:

• Spinal Flow: Light contact on spine and body (mainly the sacrum, tailbone, thoracic and lumbar regions, occiput, arms, legs, feet, sphenoid area).

• Spinal Energetics: Light contact on spine and body and interaction with clients energetic field/ biofield.

• Somatic bodywork: Can be a combination of tools. Through gentle touch, Interaction with the clients' energetic field, energetic presence, and intuitive listening, I help guide your awareness to areas that need your awareness to process tension.

• Somatic Counselling: Intuitive, body-based approaches that works with active awareness to discern, process and integrate bodily sensations and emotions. Involves talking.

• Reiki: Light contact and (off body contacts) that works with the physical body and its' energetic field to support balance, clarity, and ease.

• Remote Sessions: Conducted via Zoom while you are in a quiet, private space

Clients under 18 require parental/guardian consent and presence.

5. Contraindications

Clients must disclose all medical or psychological conditions in advance. Hilary practices a number of modalities, and some such as Spinal Energetics have contraindications while others, such as Spinal Flow, do not have any contraindications.

Contraindications for Spinal Energetics

Also applies when Spinal Energetic sessions are used in combination with Spinal Flow or other modalities.

The following situations and conditions must not be treated by Spinal Energetics:

• Are under 12 years old

• Are over 75 years old (or between 70–75 without assessment of mobility)

• Currently on heavy medications or the use of multiple medications together affecting brain chemistry (e.g. antipsychotics, high-dose antidepressants)

• Are diagnosed with:

  • Severe PTSD

  • Severe mental health issues (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis)

  • History or diagnosis of aneurysms

  • Heart conditions

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • History of seizures

  • Epilepsy

  • Severe asthma

  • Have recent physical injuries or surgeries

  • Have been hospitalised for psychiatric crises or spiritual emergence within the past 3 years

  • Any condition impairing their capacity to engage with emotional or energetic processing
    

Pregnancy and Postpartum:
Spinal Energetics is unsuitable in the 1st or 3rd trimester. In the 2nd trimester, it is only recommended if the Spinal Energetics practitioner is also a licensed chiropractor, physiotherapist, or GP. Hilary Ma is not a licensed medical professional.

Spinal Energetics is also unsuitable during the first 3-6 months postpartum.

6. Conduct & Communication

Hilary is committed to holding a space that is safe, respectful, and professional. Disrespectful, unsafe, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated. The session may be paused or ended at her discretion.

7. Right to Decline or Withdraw Services

Hilary reserves the right to decline or end services if

• The session is unsafe or inappropriate for the client

• Necessary information was not disclosed

• The client behaves in a way that is unsafe or disrespectful
  

In such cases, she may offer a referral to another practitioner where appropriate. In the instance that treatment during a session needs to be closed, She will notify you of the reason, with an explanation. This will be done with your best interest at heart.

8. Complaints & Feedback

Hilary welcomes open dialogue. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re encouraged to bring it forward. I may ask you to put it in writing. However I believe that these situations are best addressed in person through healthy communication. Concerns will be met with care and a willingness to arrive at a resolution.

A Personal Note

Your care, safety, and autonomy are at the heart of everything I do.

This work can be powerful, subtle, and sometimes unexpected - and it’s important to me that you feel informed and supported every step of the way. This document is part of my duty of care to you. It outlines the nature of our work together, what you can expect, and the boundaries that help us both feel safe and respected in the space.

The fine print is here to foster trust, clarity, and consent - so that you can come into session feeling grounded in your choices, and I can meet you with full integrity.

If anything here brings up a question, or if you’re unsure about anything, I’m always happy to talk through it with you.

Thank you for being here, and for trusting me with your care.

Hilary
Embody & Flow