Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture is just so damn magical and amazing. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile, disposable needles into various points on the body. These needles stimulate a biochemical response to facilitate the healing of many disorders, including pain, insomnia, digestive and reproductive problems - as well as stress, fatigue, anxiety and other mood dysfunctions - with virtually no negative side effects! Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical therapies in the world and is proven to be exceptionally safe.

 

I practice Balance Method Acupuncture in the lineage of the late Grandmaster Dr. Richard Teh-fu Tan. This exceptionally effective style of acupuncture is based in the theory of the meridian system and usually involves placing needles away from the areas of discomfort or pain (as Dr. Tan used  to say "Don't spank a crying baby!" - meaning if a part of your body is hurting, don't hurt it further by putting needles there!) This also keeps the area of focus free for hands-on treatment like massage, acupressure and energy work.

 

In terms of theory, the intent of acupuncture is to move energy or "Qi" throughout the body, smoothing it where it may be stuck, strengthening it when it may be weak, and returning our bodies to a homeostatic balance. However, the most amazing thing about acupuncture is that it's simply a way of reminding a body how to do what it already knows –  to heal itself. A large part of this is done by regulating the nervous system - by bringing bodies out of fight/flight/freeze states and into rejuvenating rest and restore states. Sessions become a practice for the body - as the nervous system learns to down-regulate and calm during treatments, it is better able to bring this capacity into everyday life also.

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We begin sessions with counselling, checking in on what's been going on for folks, often involving somatic exploration to draw forth your own inner, body-based wisdom. On the table, I incorporate massage, acupressure and gentle touch to facilitate relaxation, settle the nervous system, and unwind pain or tension. I might also offer herbal, dietary or supplementation suggestions or practices for you to try at home.

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Massage

This is involved in every session, mostly in the form of gentle touch and manipulation to facilitate relaxation, settle the nervous system, and unwind pain, tension, and trauma. I usually work through peoples clothes, but sometimes use massage oil on bare skin in local areas. My training in massage and bodywork includes Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage), Acupressure, Reiki, and Qi Gong.

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Massage is incorporated into acupuncture sessions, but may also be done alone or with moxibustion/smoke medicine or journey/ritual for needle-free treatments.

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Counselling 

 

My counselling approach is to cue folks to return to their bodies and connect to their inner sense of wisdom and what they know they need. I'm a huge advocate of Self-Compassion, and often work with folks in this area, as well as creating space and allowing for necessary emotions to surface and be held. And sometimes we incorporate a more clinical Cognitive/Behavioral Approach and work with shifting/challenging our thought patterns or focusing on setting goals for change. Our focus might also be on more tangible self-care, chatting nutrition and herbal or lifestyle supports. Sometimes we're enlisting support from and connection with the wider-than-human natural world, or working with ritual or ceremony.

 

As someone with lived experience of all the flavors of mental illness I can truly say I've been there and that it really can get so much better. I honestly believe that mental health challenges grow us in ways nothing else can and that we come out so much stronger and richer on the other side. I work with folks in person and online. 

 

*Please note I am not a Registered Clinical Counselor and can only offer receipts for insurance reimbursement if you have coverage for acupuncture services. 

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Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Support

 

Supporting new parents is an absolute passion of mine. Acupuncture is a fantastic tool for the myriad of discomforts that come up throughout pregnancy, and is so very helpful for birth preparation - position of the fetus, physical ripening and softening of the cervix, addressing mental/emotional/spiritual readiness.

 

Acupuncture and acupressure are wonderful supports in labour - for pain relief, hastening dilation, optimizing baby's position and descent, strengthening contractions, re-energizing fatigued birthing parents. I love attending births and will happily be available for in-home or hospital support. 

 

I offer postpartum support for breastfeeding challenges like milk production, blocked ducts, mastitis, and surgical and/or perineal/pelvic floor healing; with in-home or office visits. These treatments often involve acupuncture or acupressure, but also dietary, herbal, lifestyle support, and can also be geared towards baby if there's issues with digestion or colic.

 

Be in touch to build your own pre and postpartum package, which might include:

Repositioning treatments for breech babies at or after 34 weeks 

Labour preparation - weekly in-office treatments at 38+ weeks 

Prenatal in-office visits for labour prep and acupressure in labour education 

Birth support - Home or office visit for acupuncture in early labor, follow up support in advanced labour at home or in hospital if desired.

Postpartum home visits - acupuncture treatment, bodywork; breastfeeding support; herbal, dietary and lifestyle resources.

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