What To Expect In A Session

Conversation

A standard acupuncture session with me begins with a conversation where you’re invited to share your reason for coming in, and what has happened for you since we last met. At the initial session, we’ll spend more time talking to allow me to become acquainted with your particular concerns.

Pulse + Tongue Diagnosis

Next, I’ll feel your pulse and look at your tongue. These are key ways Chinese medicine practitioners observe patterns in order to create a diagnosis. During the pandemic while we’re wearing masks, please take a photo of your tongue before the session. We’ll look at it together when you arrive.

Palpation

I may then palpate your channels to gain a deeper understanding of your structure. This will likely feel like a gentle massage on your arms and legs. I’ll share what I’ve observed and we’ll talk about how to proceed with the treatment. My approach is gentle and conversational: you always have choice about where the needles are inserted, and for how long. I stay in the room during sessions.

Treatment

The beauty of Chinese medicine is that there are many different ways to work with what you’re experiencing. Your session may also include cupping, Chinese massage, and other indicated approaches that fall within my scope of practice.

Throughout our time together, I’ll work with you to gain insight into how patterns of your body interact with various facets of your life. I’ll aim to support you to establish patterns that improve your sense of wellbeing.

Like the broader world around us, we are constantly in flux, and so the practice of Chinese medicine is a dance: how you feel one day may be very different than how you feel the next, and so my approach in working with you will shift in relation to how you grow, change, and integrate your experience.

Inclusivity

I celebrate the spectrum of genders, colours, and orientations that make up the rich diversity of human experience, and aim to create a welcoming space for everyone who walks through my door. My lens as a white, queer, non-binary person from a middle class background who was/is socialized as a girl/woman shapes how I see the world, and I’m always working to broaden my perspective so I can show up with more compassion, humility, and awareness in my work and my life.

Accessibility

Although the clinic is on the ground floor of the building, it is unfortunately not adequately accessible. From the back east side, a concrete ramp leading to the side door at 303A where my office is located can be accessed through the wooden gate. From the front of the building, there is no curb cut leading up to the ramp, and the ramp is steep. Please be in touch further if you have questions.

Children & Infants

I love kids and babies! You are always welcome to bring your children and infants with you if that best suits your needs. Just give me a heads up if you can so I can put my dog in the car or leave her at home.

Parking

Parking downtown around Hawkins House can be tricky! Please note that the parking spaces behind the building are reserved for clients and patients of the upstairs practitioners. There is often no parking available on Hawkins St. between 3rd and 4th ave. Parking is more reliably available a block or two away, on the side streets closer to 6th ave. There are two parking spots immediately in front of the building reserved for people who use wheelchairs to get around.