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TOGETHER, LET'S FIND YOUR OPTIMAL.

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture
Nutrition Therapy
Cupping
Gua Sha
Botanical Prescriptions

Live seasonally.
Your body will thank you.

Live seasonally.
Your body will thank you.

Feels like Magic 🪄

Feels like Magic 🪄

In Traditional Chinese Medicine covering the head and neck specifically is very important to avoid a wind invasion.
A wind invasion is when wind enters the body and disrupts the natural flow of Qi. This can often result in headaches, a stiff neck or a cold/flu. (Just a few of the many possible disruptions)
Stay prepared, bring layers and let your Qi flow smoothly.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine covering the head and neck specifically is very important to avoid a wind invasion.
A wind invasion is when wind enters the body and disrupts the natural flow of Qi. This can often result in headaches, a stiff neck or a cold/flu. (Just a few of the many possible disruptions)
Stay prepared, bring layers and let your Qi flow smoothly.

Sharing things I love ❤️
First summit in my new Lone Peak All-Weather shoes. Great trail shoe with a perfectly wide toe box. Strong feet = a strong foundation.
@altrarunning #stayoutthere

Sharing things I love ❤️
First summit in my new Lone Peak All-Weather shoes. Great trail shoe with a perfectly wide toe box. Strong feet = a strong foundation.
@altrarunning #stayoutthere

There is magic in the simple things. 🪄
Movement is medicine.

There is magic in the simple things. 🪄
Movement is medicine.

- - - -
Move with intention.
Feel the Qi and Blood flowing through your body.
Stay present.
Control your breath.
Connect with nature.
Allow healing.

- - - -
Move with intention.
Feel the Qi and Blood flowing through your body.
Stay present.
Control your breath.
Connect with nature.
Allow healing.

One easy tip for falling asleep if you find that your mind is racing when your head hits the pillow.
Acupuncture and customized herbal prescriptions can also help. Please reach out if you have any questions.

One easy tip for falling asleep if you find that your mind is racing when your head hits the pillow.
Acupuncture and customized herbal prescriptions can also help. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Here’s a little glimpse into an appointment with me. Each appointment is customized to the needs of the individual.

Here’s a little glimpse into an appointment with me. Each appointment is customized to the needs of the individual.

Food and movement are the foundation of healing. Sometimes we need a little extra help from other modalities. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs complement each other beautifully. Let’s get you feeling great!

Food and movement are the foundation of healing. Sometimes we need a little extra help from other modalities. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs complement each other beautifully. Let’s get you feeling great!

This space is light, bright and can be a part of your healing journey.

This space is light, bright and can be a part of your healing journey.

Instagram vs reality

Instagram vs reality

Take a load off. ☕
Enjoy a cup of tea while you wait for your appointment or take one to go.
In Traditional Chinese medicine, drinking warm beverages improves digestion and elevates energy.
Let’s chat about the power of warmth the next time you come in!

Take a load off. ☕
Enjoy a cup of tea while you wait for your appointment or take one to go.
In Traditional Chinese medicine, drinking warm beverages improves digestion and elevates energy.
Let’s chat about the power of warmth the next time you come in!

- - - - - - - - ✨WHAT IS SHEN?
Shen has to main components. In a general sense, it is indicative of a person’s vitality. More specifically, it refers to the mental-spiritual-emotional state of a person.

Most commonly shen is translated as spirit. There are some texts where it is also translated as God, soul, energy, vitality, consciousness or mind.

The state of the shen can be observed in a person’s breathing, complexion eyes and way of thinking.

When the shen is weak, breathing is laboured, the complexion lacks luster, the eyes are dull and cloudy and the mind is foggy and depressed. The opposites are seen when the shen is strong.

Nourishing the shen can be done by connecting with nature, immersing yourself in hobbies or projects which you are passionate about, mindful movement and breathing, acupuncture and human connection.

Ling zhi or reish is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It nourishes the shen by tonifying the heart and calming the spirit. Please consult a DTCM or herbal practitioner before introducing ling zhi as there are some conditions that it’s use is contraindicated.

Keep your shen up! ✌️

- - - - - - - - ✨WHAT IS SHEN?
Shen has to main components. In a general sense, it is indicative of a person’s vitality. More specifically, it refers to the mental-spiritual-emotional state of a person.

Most commonly shen is translated as spirit. There are some texts where it is also translated as God, soul, energy, vitality, consciousness or mind.

The state of the shen can be observed in a person’s breathing, complexion eyes and way of thinking.

When the shen is weak, breathing is laboured, the complexion lacks luster, the eyes are dull and cloudy and the mind is foggy and depressed. The opposites are seen when the shen is strong.

Nourishing the shen can be done by connecting with nature, immersing yourself in hobbies or projects which you are passionate about, mindful movement and breathing, acupuncture and human connection.

Ling zhi or reish is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It nourishes the shen by tonifying the heart and calming the spirit. Please consult a DTCM or herbal practitioner before introducing ling zhi as there are some conditions that it’s use is contraindicated.

Keep your shen up! ✌️

TENSION - - -
In physics, tension is described as the pulling force transmitted by another object. Tension can also be described as the action-reaction pair of forces acting at each end of said elements. This puts additional strain or stress on the elements.

Tension can be seen in our physical being as well as our emotional state as a stressor.

Three ways to reduce physical tension:
1) light or brisk walking
2) gentle foam rolling
3) yin yoga

Three ways to reduce emotional tension:
1) journaling
2) mediation
3) light movement

Acupuncture has the ability to reduce both. In Chinese Medicine, we often see tension as stagnation, when things are not moving through the body optimally. Acupuncture promotes the natural flow of the body.

#acupuncture #tcm #healthylifestyle #yychealth #yyc #yycacupuncture

TENSION - - -
In physics, tension is described as the pulling force transmitted by another object. Tension can also be described as the action-reaction pair of forces acting at each end of said elements. This puts additional strain or stress on the elements.

Tension can be seen in our physical being as well as our emotional state as a stressor.

Three ways to reduce physical tension:
1) light or brisk walking
2) gentle foam rolling
3) yin yoga

Three ways to reduce emotional tension:
1) journaling
2) mediation
3) light movement

Acupuncture has the ability to reduce both. In Chinese Medicine, we often see tension as stagnation, when things are not moving through the body optimally. Acupuncture promotes the natural flow of the body.

#acupuncture #tcm #healthylifestyle #yychealth #yyc #yycacupuncture

TOTALLY TALLOW - - - FOOD FOR YOUR SKIN
🍃Great for daily personal use
🍃Can help with cases of psoriasis, eczema and acne
🍃It is a luxurious addition to any gua sha routine
🍃Totally tallow is made with organic grass-fed tallow, is rich in vitamins A, D, E and K2 and is ideal for all skin types
Now in stock! Pick one up and get ahead of the winter dryness.

TOTALLY TALLOW - - - FOOD FOR YOUR SKIN
🍃Great for daily personal use
🍃Can help with cases of psoriasis, eczema and acne
🍃It is a luxurious addition to any gua sha routine
🍃Totally tallow is made with organic grass-fed tallow, is rich in vitamins A, D, E and K2 and is ideal for all skin types
Now in stock! Pick one up and get ahead of the winter dryness.

CHANGE IS UPON US - -

In Chinese medicine, there are ways we can optimize some of our everyday habits to keep our bodies balanced during this big seasonal change.

WEAR SOCKS - The feet are a very vulnerable area in Chinese medical theory. Cold feet can drain the body’s energy and can obstruct the body’s flow of Blood (nutrition) and Qi (vital energy). For health purposes, socks and sandals take a win this time of year.

PROTECT THE BACK OF YOUR NECK - The nape of your neck is another crucial area to protect. This is especially important after exercising, when your pores are open as you are more susceptible to a wind invasion (catching a cold). This is also applicable when it comes to working out outside or going to bed with wet hair.

EAT WARM FOODS- Increasing consumption of cooked stews, warm soups and everything pumpkin spice when it is cold outside can improve your digestion while strengthening and nourishing the body.

#yyc #yychealth #tcm #healthylifestyle

CHANGE IS UPON US - -

In Chinese medicine, there are ways we can optimize some of our everyday habits to keep our bodies balanced during this big seasonal change.

WEAR SOCKS - The feet are a very vulnerable area in Chinese medical theory. Cold feet can drain the body’s energy and can obstruct the body’s flow of Blood (nutrition) and Qi (vital energy). For health purposes, socks and sandals take a win this time of year.

PROTECT THE BACK OF YOUR NECK - The nape of your neck is another crucial area to protect. This is especially important after exercising, when your pores are open as you are more susceptible to a wind invasion (catching a cold). This is also applicable when it comes to working out outside or going to bed with wet hair.

EAT WARM FOODS- Increasing consumption of cooked stews, warm soups and everything pumpkin spice when it is cold outside can improve your digestion while strengthening and nourishing the body.

#yyc #yychealth #tcm #healthylifestyle

EVENING ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS - - 🌙
There is something magical about the stillness of the clinic in the evenings. Patients seem to sink just a little deeper into the table, breathing gets slower and deeper.
Come enjoy a relaxing evening.
Booking link in bio.

#yyc #yycwellness #acu #acupuncture #yycacupuncture #yychealth #yychealthyliving

EVENING ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS - - 🌙
There is something magical about the stillness of the clinic in the evenings. Patients seem to sink just a little deeper into the table, breathing gets slower and deeper.
Come enjoy a relaxing evening.
Booking link in bio.

#yyc #yycwellness #acu #acupuncture #yycacupuncture #yychealth #yychealthyliving

Yintang
In english, this point can be translated to Hall of Impression.
Some see Yintang as reference to the third eye and one's intuitive abilities.

Yintang is located in the centre of the forehead, at the midpoint between the two ends of the eyebrows.

Applying pressure to this point can help calm stress, lower blood pressure, alleviate anxiety, agitation and insomnia. It can also relieve pain, congestion and sinus issues. To do acupressure on this point for yourself, simply your thumb or forefinger between your eyebrows. You can apply constant pressure or massage in a circular motion.

#acupuncture #zen #yychealth #yintang

Yintang
In english, this point can be translated to Hall of Impression.
Some see Yintang as reference to the third eye and one's intuitive abilities.

Yintang is located in the centre of the forehead, at the midpoint between the two ends of the eyebrows.

Applying pressure to this point can help calm stress, lower blood pressure, alleviate anxiety, agitation and insomnia. It can also relieve pain, congestion and sinus issues. To do acupressure on this point for yourself, simply your thumb or forefinger between your eyebrows. You can apply constant pressure or massage in a circular motion.

#acupuncture #zen #yychealth #yintang

Does acupuncture hurt?

If we have spoken about health and healing you may recall my constant emphasis about there being no absolutes. Here is another one of those instances.
Let’s talk about variables.

Every body is different. Sensations are often our body’s way of communicating and responding to the treatment. They can be surprising and unknown. Taking the time to sit with them is important as it may be tingling, release, pressure, or itchiness that you did not expect.

Relaxation is also very helpful. The more tense we are, the more difficult it may be for the needles to enter smoothly. This is why I do my best to make sure you are comfortable before we begin. I also always begin my treatments with relaxation points, both for the spirit and the body.

Some locations are a little more “spicy” than others. When we choose these spots, we believe that the moment of slight discomfort will be overpowered by the symptomatic relief that the point will provide.

Our bodies are more sensitive in times of heightened stress. The exact same point can feel a little different on different days. This can be influenced by a sleepless night, dehydration, standard diet deviations and so much more.

Dry needling is a technique that can cause a deep ache which can linger for one or two days after treatment. Your acupuncturist should mention this as this is not the desired effect with all types of acupuncture. An epsom salt bath or magnesium supplementation can help immensely in these cases.

It is important to communicate with your practitioner the styles that you prefer. Let them know if something is too painful for you. Your body is not in its most optimal healing space if it is in survival mode.

Relax and enjoy the healing process.

#acupuncture #tcm #yychealthyliving #yychealing #yychealth #yyc

Does acupuncture hurt?

If we have spoken about health and healing you may recall my constant emphasis about there being no absolutes. Here is another one of those instances.
Let’s talk about variables.

Every body is different. Sensations are often our body’s way of communicating and responding to the treatment. They can be surprising and unknown. Taking the time to sit with them is important as it may be tingling, release, pressure, or itchiness that you did not expect.

Relaxation is also very helpful. The more tense we are, the more difficult it may be for the needles to enter smoothly. This is why I do my best to make sure you are comfortable before we begin. I also always begin my treatments with relaxation points, both for the spirit and the body.

Some locations are a little more “spicy” than others. When we choose these spots, we believe that the moment of slight discomfort will be overpowered by the symptomatic relief that the point will provide.

Our bodies are more sensitive in times of heightened stress. The exact same point can feel a little different on different days. This can be influenced by a sleepless night, dehydration, standard diet deviations and so much more.

Dry needling is a technique that can cause a deep ache which can linger for one or two days after treatment. Your acupuncturist should mention this as this is not the desired effect with all types of acupuncture. An epsom salt bath or magnesium supplementation can help immensely in these cases.

It is important to communicate with your practitioner the styles that you prefer. Let them know if something is too painful for you. Your body is not in its most optimal healing space if it is in survival mode.

Relax and enjoy the healing process.

#acupuncture #tcm #yychealthyliving #yychealing #yychealth #yyc

Life is about so much more than surviving.

A few things you can do to help manage your mental and physical health:

- Daily Movement: I recommend walking outdoors to all of my patients. Being outdoors allows you to reconnect with nature and can put you in a different mindset. Exercise can be nourishing or depleting. Walking is nourishing: we are nourished from light movement and depleted from vIgorous activity. While there is a time and place for both, when we are already in survival mode, intensity can be more damaging than good.

- Connection: Call a friend or family member. This is not always about telling them what is on your mind. That is an option but sometimes it's important to just be aware that there are people who are there to support you.

- Meditation: I've just recently learned that meditation isn't always about silencing your thoughts but sometimes about processing them. If thoughts come up during meditation, think them through. Get comfortable being in your mind.

- Acupuncture: With acupuncture we are able to subdue the excesses and nourish the deficiencies of the body. This helps with emotional and physical balance.

#acupuncture #tcm #yyc #health #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #yychealth #yychealthyliving

Life is about so much more than surviving.

A few things you can do to help manage your mental and physical health:

- Daily Movement: I recommend walking outdoors to all of my patients. Being outdoors allows you to reconnect with nature and can put you in a different mindset. Exercise can be nourishing or depleting. Walking is nourishing: we are nourished from light movement and depleted from vIgorous activity. While there is a time and place for both, when we are already in survival mode, intensity can be more damaging than good.

- Connection: Call a friend or family member. This is not always about telling them what is on your mind. That is an option but sometimes it's important to just be aware that there are people who are there to support you.

- Meditation: I've just recently learned that meditation isn't always about silencing your thoughts but sometimes about processing them. If thoughts come up during meditation, think them through. Get comfortable being in your mind.

- Acupuncture: With acupuncture we are able to subdue the excesses and nourish the deficiencies of the body. This helps with emotional and physical balance.

#acupuncture #tcm #yyc #health #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #yychealth #yychealthyliving

Large Intestine Four (LI4)
If you have had an acupuncture treatment, chances are high that you have had LI4 needled. It is very effective for treating many types of pain and any upper orifice issues (eyes, ears, mouth, nose). It has been said to be the point of release. This can be physical or emotional.
“When full of anxiety, distress and confusion, this point can clear the system and revitalize the Qi with fresh clear energy and bring our thoughts back to the understanding of the heart” (Debra Kaatz, 2012)

To locate the point for acupressure, find the fleshy depression just behind the meeting point of the thumb and the first finger.
This point is typically achy, which confirms you are in the right spot. Use a small circular motion to massage the area with gentle to moderate pressure. If you are using this point to stop pain or encourage bowel movements, you may need to apply pressure a few times per day.

Large Intestine Four (LI4)
If you have had an acupuncture treatment, chances are high that you have had LI4 needled. It is very effective for treating many types of pain and any upper orifice issues (eyes, ears, mouth, nose). It has been said to be the point of release. This can be physical or emotional.
“When full of anxiety, distress and confusion, this point can clear the system and revitalize the Qi with fresh clear energy and bring our thoughts back to the understanding of the heart” (Debra Kaatz, 2012)

To locate the point for acupressure, find the fleshy depression just behind the meeting point of the thumb and the first finger.
This point is typically achy, which confirms you are in the right spot. Use a small circular motion to massage the area with gentle to moderate pressure. If you are using this point to stop pain or encourage bowel movements, you may need to apply pressure a few times per day.

Hello Springtime! Spring is Liver season in TCM. Above, you can find a few quick and easy ways to support your Liver. There is also a list of symptoms that may be your Liver’s way of telling you it’s a little out of balance.
Acupuncture and botanical prescriptions are a great way to balance your body as the seasons change.

#yychealth #yyc #yychealing #tcm

Hello Springtime! Spring is Liver season in TCM. Above, you can find a few quick and easy ways to support your Liver. There is also a list of symptoms that may be your Liver’s way of telling you it’s a little out of balance.
Acupuncture and botanical prescriptions are a great way to balance your body as the seasons change.

#yychealth #yyc #yychealing #tcm

What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture's main role is to regulate the central nervous system. This in turn facilitates healing within the body. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to see if this is the right healing journey for you.

What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture's main role is to regulate the central nervous system. This in turn facilitates healing within the body. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to see if this is the right healing journey for you.

Pericardium Six (PC 6)
This point unbinds the chest, calms the spirit, regulates the Heart, and calms the Stomach. If you are experiencing chest tightness, anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, fear/fright, sadness, or nausea, this is a great point to do self acupressure on. This point is located in between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis. It is the distance of your three fingers away from your wrist crease. This is specific to your anatomical composition. That is why we do not use standard modes of measurement such as inches or centimetres. When feeling any of the symptoms listed above, put some pressure in the area and focus on your breathing. This can be done with your index finger or whatever feels more comfortable.

Pericardium Six (PC 6)
This point unbinds the chest, calms the spirit, regulates the Heart, and calms the Stomach. If you are experiencing chest tightness, anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, fear/fright, sadness, or nausea, this is a great point to do self acupressure on. This point is located in between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis. It is the distance of your three fingers away from your wrist crease. This is specific to your anatomical composition. That is why we do not use standard modes of measurement such as inches or centimetres. When feeling any of the symptoms listed above, put some pressure in the area and focus on your breathing. This can be done with your index finger or whatever feels more comfortable.

Open Family Day!
Things can get so busy in life. For some, long weekends are the only moment they feel that they are able to take a breath. That's why I will be taking patients this coming Monday. Let's find your optimal!

#yyc #yychealth #yychealthyliving #acupuncture #tcm

Open Family Day!
Things can get so busy in life. For some, long weekends are the only moment they feel that they are able to take a breath. That's why I will be taking patients this coming Monday. Let's find your optimal!

#yyc #yychealth #yychealthyliving #acupuncture #tcm

- - CURIOUS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE?
Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture can alleviate symptoms of many conditions ranging from musculoskeletal issues (body pain), nausea, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility. This primarily works by stimulating and/or soothing the central nervous system to activate the body's natural healing abilities.

#yyc #yychealth #downtownyyc #yycfitness #yycwellness #healthylifestyle

- - CURIOUS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE?
Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture can alleviate symptoms of many conditions ranging from musculoskeletal issues (body pain), nausea, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility. This primarily works by stimulating and/or soothing the central nervous system to activate the body's natural healing abilities.

#yyc #yychealth #downtownyyc #yycfitness #yycwellness #healthylifestyle

The weather has been changing rapidly. Such pressure changes can cause big disruptions in the body. A few things that can help balance your body:
+ make sure you are getting enough sleep
+ try to limit your screen time
+ practice relaxation techniques
+ incorporate exercise into a daily routine
+++ acupuncture can also help. DM me if you want to learn more.

#yycheadaches #yycweather #yychealth #yycwellness #calgaryliving #calgarychinook #chinook

The weather has been changing rapidly. Such pressure changes can cause big disruptions in the body. A few things that can help balance your body:
+ make sure you are getting enough sleep
+ try to limit your screen time
+ practice relaxation techniques
+ incorporate exercise into a daily routine
+++ acupuncture can also help. DM me if you want to learn more.

#yycheadaches #yycweather #yychealth #yycwellness #calgaryliving #calgarychinook #chinook

Booking link in bio. Please reach out with any questions.

Booking link in bio. Please reach out with any questions.

Today was heavy on my heart. It has marked my last day as a 4th-year student in our school clinic.
I am so overwhelmingly thankful for the people who have walked by my side on this journey.

To my teachers, who allowed me a glimpse of their brilliance, showed me patience that I didn’t know was humanly possible and celebrated every beautiful victory with me, no matter how big or small. Thank you.

To my peers, who pushed me to challenge myself and never become stagnant, laughed with me to tears either from how out of place we all felt or from the delirium of sleepless nights and the haunting repetition of flashcards. Thank you.

To my patients, who trusted me. There is not a privilege more honest and true than someone who has wholeheartedly invited you along on their journey of healing. Thank you.

These four years have changed, shaped and moulded me more than I could have ever imagined. I’ve embraced my curiosity and amazement of the world.

My road ahead is lined with a lot of uncertainty. However, If there is anything I am sure of, it’s how many gifts and opportunities being uncomfortable has given and will continue to give me. The certainty that this is my path floods through my veins. I hold my head up with wonder and awe thinking of how much that I have achieved in four short years.
May you chase your passions in life. I promise you won’t regret it.

Today was heavy on my heart. It has marked my last day as a 4th-year student in our school clinic.
I am so overwhelmingly thankful for the people who have walked by my side on this journey.

To my teachers, who allowed me a glimpse of their brilliance, showed me patience that I didn’t know was humanly possible and celebrated every beautiful victory with me, no matter how big or small. Thank you.

To my peers, who pushed me to challenge myself and never become stagnant, laughed with me to tears either from how out of place we all felt or from the delirium of sleepless nights and the haunting repetition of flashcards. Thank you.

To my patients, who trusted me. There is not a privilege more honest and true than someone who has wholeheartedly invited you along on their journey of healing. Thank you.

These four years have changed, shaped and moulded me more than I could have ever imagined. I’ve embraced my curiosity and amazement of the world.

My road ahead is lined with a lot of uncertainty. However, If there is anything I am sure of, it’s how many gifts and opportunities being uncomfortable has given and will continue to give me. The certainty that this is my path floods through my veins. I hold my head up with wonder and awe thinking of how much that I have achieved in four short years.
May you chase your passions in life. I promise you won’t regret it.

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