Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture is an ancient healing system, involving 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.

 

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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I often begin sessions with gentle inquiry and somatic exploration to draw forth your own inner, body-based wisdom. On the table, I incorporate gentle touch and bodywork to facilitate relaxation, settle the nervous system, and unwind pain or tension. I might also offer herbal, dietary or supplementation suggestions, or breathwork/movement/inquiry practices for you to try at home.

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Bodywork

Mostly in the form of gentle touch and manipulation to facilitate relaxation, settle the nervous system, and unwind pain, tension, and trauma. My training in touch-based modalities include Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage), Acupressure, Reiki, and Qi Gong, but my current practice centers around gentle holding, providing support for the body and deep listening as it releases. 

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

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Online Sessions 

 

Everything but the needles and touch, essentially. Usually includes some form of somatic introspection, giving voice to exactly what's up in your body. And we might use questions to draw forth some dialogue here, pursuing inquiry with our wisest inner guide.

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Our focus might 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.

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Accessibility is a priority for me - if my sliding scale isn't within reach, do contact me and we'll figure something out. 

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Mental Health Peer Support

 

Currently, I'm offering peer support via online video calls. I have lived experience of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, mania, psychosis and postpartum mental illness. And through all of these experiences, I have become so very passionate about the concept of peer support. 

 

Folks with mental unwellness need more than psychiatrists who pathologize and counsellors who sympathise . We need support from those who've actually been there. Those who don't just understand that depression can be deadly, that anxiety can be crippling, that psychosis can literally turn your life upside-down; but who know it - know it intimately, know it personally and deeply. We need support, but more important still, we need to see the people who have been through similar challenges and come out the other side relatively intact.

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Together, we dive into the embodied inner terrain. We give voice to the body's wisdom, we connect with its wellness and wholeness. We hold space for the emotions and experiences trying to get our attention. And together we discover supportive practices and resources that work best for you.

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This may or may not be a fit for someone in acute crisis, an introductory consult is recommended. 

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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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