Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Victoria, BC
Supporting you in your Return to your body
Conditions can manifest from the nervous system of our Mother when we were in utero, lived childhood experiences and wounding, and generational trauma
I have a gentle approach towards the first meridians and channels that are formed when we are developing in utero, called the Extraordinary Vessels. They are known as the reservoirs within our body, and sometimes where the root of our suffering exists.
● Services & Fees
Acupuncture
You can expect a detailed and intentional conversation about your health history, concerns, and goals for your first visit. In a follow-up visit we will build upon your initial visit. Acupuncture treatments include insertion of thin, single-use, sterile needles into specific points on the body, and depending on your diagnosis, your treatment may consist of moxibustion, cupping, tui na, or gua sha.
Pediatric Acupuncture
This treatment is for patients who are 16 or under. The treatment may include acupuncture, acupressure, tui na, cupping, or gua sha. When using acupuncture techniques on infants, children, and teenagers, needles are retained for a shorter duration, and fewer, smaller needles are used.
• Policies
PAYMENT
Debit, Credit, E-transfer, and Cash (please note, I do not carry cash on me but I’m happy to e-transfer your change, or add it as credit to your next visit).
INSURANCE & DIRECT BILLING
I do offer direct billing to most Telus Health Insurance providers, Pacific Blue Cross, and Green Shield (Opal Wellness only).
CANCELLATIONS & NO SHOWS
48-hour notice is required for a cancellation. If there is a late cancellation, or a no show, a fee will be applied at the full appointment cost.
Emergencies and unpredictable events happen, which may be an exception to the appointment fee. Please reach out and let me know if this is the case, however, if I notice a pattern please understand that a late cancellation or no show fee cannot be waived.
● What to expect
FIRST APPOINTMENT
To begin our first visit we’ll have an in-depth and intentional conversation around your intake form and primary concerns. This intimate conversation helps me get to know you better, as well as build a foundation of trust between us. I may suggest some food therapy, or referrals to other practitioners for support. Once our conversation is complete I will take your pulse and look at your tongue for further pattern differentiation(it is okay if you didn’t brush your teeth before the appointment, in fact that gives me a more accurate read of your tongue). Once intake is complete, I will give you privacy to optionally remove garments, and then get comfy underneath the draping provided.
TREATMENT
To begin treatment I will swab with alcohol the areas I will be needling. Needles may be inserted into your limbs, torso, face, and head. I will let you know where I will be needling during our session. What you will feel is heaviness, dispersing, warmth, slight tingling,or itching. This is the sensation of Qi and blood moving. You may feel calm, sleepy, and some emotions may present themselves. I encourage a cry if needed. It is totally normal as we are moving stagnation.
Depending on your diagnosis, I may also use moxibustion, fire cupping, tui na, and gua sha.
LENGTH
Our first session will be 75 minutes, and needles are usually retained anywhere from 15-30+ minutes.
FREQUENCY
Chinese medicine is used for new acute issues, chronic conditions, and as a preventative medicine.
With new acute issues, or a flare-up from a chronic condition, frequent appointments are suggested – Once a week and slowly spreading appointments out from there depending on your progression.
With on-going and chronic issues, appointments can be every 2-3 weeks, and then spreading appointments out from there depending on your progression to every 3-4 weeks.
MAINTENANCE & PREVENTATIVE CARE
Appointment frequency may be once a month to once every season change.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Please eat before your appointment, whether it’s a full meal an hour before, or a light meal/snack beforehand.
Wear loosely fit clothing, especially if you prefer to keep garments on during treatment.
