Health Update: Rooted in research: A new approach to functional wellness in Nelson – What Experts Say

Rooted in research: A new approach to functional wellness in Nelson

Published 6:00 am Monday, February 16, 2026

New AraWave Wellness clinic offers Health Canada- and FDA-approved non-invasive HIFEM therapy treatments to the West Kootenays

When AraWave Wellness opened its doors in Nelson this past November, the focus was not on trends or quick fixes.

Instead, founders Dr. Rebecca Dix and Zarchi Shein focused on providing evidence-based, medical-grade technology to a community that often has to travel for advanced care.

Seeing a gap in non-invasive treatments for common muscle health-related concerns, the two like-minded women founded AraWave to serve West Kootenay communities.

“On average, we lose three to eight per cent of our muscle mass per decade, and with the demands of career and family, prioritizing our health can be challenging,” Dr. Dix says. “Muscle health is vital in ensuring our longevity, metabolism, fat cell regulation and functional independence.”

Acting as a critical reservoir for protein and a driver of energy expenditure, studies have shown that maintaining muscle mass is vital for bone health, increases resting metabolic rates, aids in blood sugar regulation and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

AraWave is currently the only clinic in the area offering Health Canada- and FDA-approved treatments with EMSCULPT NEO and EMSELLA.

German-engineered and European-manufactured in Prague, these medical-grade devices are changing the way patients approach a diverse range of health concerns.

“These devices allow us to support muscle and neuromuscular health without surgery or medication,” Dr. Dix says. “For many patients, these treatments change what feels possible and improve overall quality of life without any downtime.”

EMSCULPT NEO

Used under medical supervision, EMSCULPT NEO combines high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy with radiofrequency technology.

EMSCULPT NEO stimulates deep muscle contractions while increasing blood flow and can help eliminate stubborn visceral fat.

“Clinical studies report an average of 30 per cent fat loss, a 29 per cent increase in strength and 25 per cent more muscle mass after a series of treatments,” she says.

Backed by more than 40 peer-reviewed studies, it’s used worldwide for muscle strengthening, rehabilitation and, more recently, pain management and mobility concerns.

“A helpful way to think about these treatments is the difference between brushing your teeth with a manual toothbrush and an electric one,” says Zarchi. “Daily brushing matters either way, but an electric toothbrush delivers a level of consistency and effectiveness you simply can’t achieve by hand.”

EMSELLA

The EMSELLA system focuses on pelvic floor health, using HIFEM to deliver 11,000  contractions in a single session.

It’s used to treat urinary incontinence, pelvic weakness, organ prolapse and related quality-of-life concerns for both men and women, without downtime.

“A helpful way to think about these treatments is the difference between brushing your teeth with a manual toothbrush and an electric one,” says Zarchi. “Daily brushing matters either way, but an electric toothbrush delivers a level of consistency and effectiveness you simply can’t achieve by hand.

HIFEM technology works the same way. During an abdominal treatment, muscles undergo the equivalent of roughly 20,000 supramaximal contractions – something that just isn’t possible through conventional exercise alone. The combination of the Emsella and Emsculpt Neo abdominal treatment is a game changer in pelvic health and core stability”

AraWave has intentionally taken a measured approach assessing each individual’s needs. 

Zarchi notes that patients who commit to four to six sessions often report more consistent and lasting results. Functional rehabilitation may require less treatments really depending on the individual’s case. 

“We believe in investing in the overall health and wellbeing of our community,” Dr. Dix adds. “Bringing these tools closer to home supports patients in reaching their current and long-term wellness goals.”

Start your wellness journey online at arawavewellness.ca or in person at 402 Baker St. #204, Nelson.