To learn and to practice on occasion what one has learnt—is this not true pleasure? ~ Confucius
EDUCATION
Many years ago my family and I were in a car accident and my mom got severe whiplash. I remember her getting migraines and back pain constantly, it breaks my heart to see people I love in so much pain. I would rub her back and neck to help relieve the pain and she always used to say I had magic fingers. I believe this is one of the reasons why I became interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In 1996, I began my journey in natural health by entering the 2 year Diploma program at Toronto’s Shiatsu School of Canada. After graduation, opportunity brought me to Alberta. I loved working in the field of body work, but found that I was limited in what conditions I could treat. So in 2001, I sought out an education in acupuncture.
I have been a Registered Acupuncturist with the College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAAA) since 2005 and hold a three-year Diploma in Acupuncture from Grant MacEwan University.
I bring to my practice a wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated over the past 15 years, and my journey continues through ongoing studies.
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Five years ago I injured my knee on vacation in Mexico. Having a background in medicine, I could tell I didn’t break anything, but because of the swelling, I knew something was wrong. So ice and relaxation was enough until we arrived safely back in Canada.
I went to a medi-center where they requisitioned an MRI, which was scheduled in 3 months. During that time, I proceeded to do acupuncture on myself every few days and supported my knee with a brace. After the MRI, I learned that I had a complete ACL tear and a moderate MCL tear. My family doctor referred me to an orthopedic surgeon, which took another two months before I could get in to get to see him.
It was almost 6 months from my original injury date by the time I saw the surgeon. After doing some manual tests, he told me that my knee appeared to have healed and that I should strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee to support it better. He also mentioned that if I were to get surgery, I would most likely get arthritis within 5 years.
To this day I have no pain whatsoever and continue with yoga exercise to strengthen and support my knee. Without the acupuncture I would most likely have had to get surgery. I personally know what acupuncture is capable of, not only in relation to pain, but in so many other aspects.
TREATMENT APPROACH
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime ~ Chinese proverb
It is my personal mission to see smiles on my patients’ faces again. I cannot tell you how very gratifying it is to see my patients’ smiles when they tell me how much better they feel – how the acupuncture has ‘gotten their lives back’.
Our lives are impacted by pain, whether it’s through our play, work, sleep or family time. When we’re in pain, we want immediate relief. It’s easy to reach for a pill, but what happens if it becomes chronic?
In my approach to each patient, I examine all aspects of their life to create a picture of the whole person. The many systems in our bodies interact with each other and multiple symptoms can be related to the same root cause.
This is the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – looking at the tongue and feeling the pulses, and really being able to see beyond the symptoms experienced, getting to the root of the problem and resolving the accompanied symptoms. The organ systems have such an interaction with each other, with the emotions we feel, the food we eat, and the environment we live in. It is truly amazing what we can find out if we ask the right questions and look in the right places. Nutritional and lifestyle counseling is very often a part of treatment to maintain optimal health. Very often small changes can make a world of difference.
It is my goal and my pleasure to assist you to realize your full health potential. I am dedicated to supporting your needs and being a partner in your health recovery.
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” ~ Carl Bard
This career has been an evolution for me, constantly growing and expanding myself. Spiritually I feel centered. Emotionally I am content. I can see myself being 80 years old and still practicing because it’s what I love. I am forever grateful to God and to my teachers in life for inspiring me to be the person I am today. There are many paths I could have chosen and I feel that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now.
