Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I fell in love with my work. The Doctor of Chinese Medicine program had everything I was looking for to continue to enhance my education. The combination of acupuncture, herbs, massage, nutrition and much more seemed to be the perfect complement in order to help my clients further their progress to achieve maximum health.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I undoubtedly add all of my personality into my work. Since we are all different with the same education, this would distinguish me as a unique acupuncturist. I have a fun, easy going personality, ensuring that anyone will immediately feel comfortable even when I am poking them with needles. I am passionate about my field which is a benefit to my clients. They know that I genuinely care for their wellbeing and health.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Educating clients, and seeing their surprise when they feel the results. Every day offers a new challenge with different symptoms to consider. This keeps me on my toes. Last but not least, being engaged and talking with my clients, always learning from them.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
“Acupuncture doesn’t work.” When I hear this, I like to remind clients that sometimes things come very easy and sometimes one must work harder. In the end, great results can be enjoyed and appreciated. It’s just a matter of time, patience and effort, like anything else in life.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Laughter, love, and trying anything! I like to look at the bright side of a sticky situation while keeping my smile bright. Exercise is very important to me as well as educating myself as often as possible. You can never stop learning in life. I always strive to find what modality will work in different situations and use it. There is so much out there for us to try. I believe that keeping an open heart and mind will always help me stay healthy.

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krowe.tcmd@gmail.com
backatitmassage.com
(403) 688-1561

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203-1205 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, Alberta T1W 1P5, Canada

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I’ve always been passionate about healing. Even as a child, I could often be found comforting people or animals in distress. Having always been fascinated with the mind and how what we think and feel impacts our physical being, I was naturally drawn to holistic medicine. I explored many options but when I came across acupuncture, I was immediately enamored with the concept of qi and a method of healing that utilizes resources already present (although unorganized) in the body. A system of healing that could provide symptom relief, respond to existing disease and prevent further disease was intriguing.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I encourage my patients to have an active role in their own health and wellbeing. I view my job to not only include healing but also teaching. I try to find ways to explain my process clearly to my patients and I’m always open to answering any questions they may have. The more a patient understands about their particular imbalances the more they are able to take steps towards maintaining balance by making positive changes in their daily lives. My goal as a practitioner is to help my patients discover a state of balance where acupuncture treatment becomes a form of prevention instead of a response to disease.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
More often than not, patients try acupuncture as a last resort. That means that many of my patients have been told by other health practitioners that medication is their only option or that a diagnosis is inconclusive due to negative test results. I think that being able to help some of those who have been told “there is nothing else we can do” is the most satisfying part of the job. A close second is witnessing the transformation acupuncture patients make, into a better place of mental-emotional balance.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That acupuncture is only effective for pain. Working in a wellness clinic that emphasizes sports medicine, many of my patients start coming to me for pain-related complaints and are often stunned by the improvements that occur during the course of treatment, not only regarding their pain but also in other body systems, relieving other symptoms such as poor digestion, insomnia, low energy, tension, etc. My hope is that it will eventually be common thought to try acupuncture for many more of our symptoms.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I try to immerse myself in activities that bring me happiness, such as walking or playing with my dog and spending time with family and friends. I maintain a healthy diet rich in whole foods (but I’m not afraid to indulge in a tasty treat now and again) and I frequent trusted health practitioners in a variety of fields, including acupuncture, to ensure my body stays in balance. Most importantly, I believe that an active mind is a healthy mind, so I push myself to learn or experience something new every day.

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performancechiropractic.ca
dani@performancechiropractic.ca
(604) 535-7705
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110-15252 32nd Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia V3S 0R7, Canada

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I was living in Hong Kong in 1996, and a couple of acupuncture visits got me out of some serious pain. That caught my interest and led to a career change. I practiced privately until 2009, when I learned about the community acupuncture model. I restructured my practice and never looked back! Brenna Lewis and I opened Toronto Community Acupuncture (ToCA) in 2011 to serve Toronto’s east end.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
At Toronto Community Acupuncture (ToCA) we treat in a group setting. We try to make it easy for people to take care of themselves with acupuncture. We charge affordable rates, and we take online bookings and accept walk-ins whenever possible. People can stay as long as they like for their treatments because we have plenty of comfortable recliners.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love the community acupuncture model because I get to see and treat a lot of people from many backgrounds, with a wide variety of complaints. I love working in a space where people arrive to take care of themselves and take a break from their busy lives. It is so rare in our society that we stop and take time to be still, and there’s nothing quite like being around that kind of peacefulness whenever you go to work!

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Sadly, most people considering acupuncture assume that they won’t be able to afford it. We are glad to provide accessible treatments, because in most cases, acupuncture needs to be received regularly to make an impact on your health. For an acute problem, a few sessions might be enough, but for chronic health issues, regular treatment can make all the difference to one’s quality of life. People are not going to do that unless they can afford it.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Daily walks in Toronto’s ravines with my dog, stretching, and regular meditation. Quality time with my family. I try to have fun and see the world through my kids’ eyes. And regular acupuncture, one of the perks of my job!

What do you love about acupuncture?
I love that acupuncture can do so much with so little, and it really just reminds your body how to heal itself. It’s inexpensive to administer and, no matter what you are getting treated for, it’s calming and helps you to digest and sleep better. It helps us to manage stress, and who doesn’t need that?

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tocacu.ca
info@communityacupuncturetoronto.ca
(416) 405-8222
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Toronto Community Acupuncture (ToCA): 27 Davies Avenue, main floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4M 2A9, Canada

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I was pursuing an education in dietetics when I saw a seminar on acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I was completely fascinated by the information presented which compelled me to change my course of education to follow a career in acupuncture and holistic health. Now I can combine my love of food and its natural healing abilities with the amazing process of acupuncture and TCM.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I strive to maintain a gentle touch during an acupuncture treatment. Many people are apprehensive about the usage of needles or “pins,” causing them to be uneasy about receiving acupuncture. I always give a complimentary half-hour consultation for clients to ask any questions they may have as well as get a chance to look at the needles and experience having a needle inserted. I believe that if you are tense during a session then you are not receiving the full benefits of an acupuncture treatment. I work with the client to maintain a level of relaxation while still achieving the required amount of stimulation to get the desired results.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love being able to help people overcome their ailments before they turn to more drastic options. I can’t help but beam when a client tells me after a session that they feel relaxed and calm or that their pain is gone. More and more people are becoming aware of acupuncture and other holistic therapies and making them a part of their every day healthcare. I am proud to be a part of that movement.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that it only treats pain. Acupuncture definitely has great results with pain and muscle tension but I have also had wonderful results treating digestive disorders, nerve damage, anxiety and so much more. Often regular clients enjoy coming for a relaxing “tune up” treatment to maintain their general health and wellbeing.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I try to practice what I preach. I encourage my patients to follow through with their acupuncture treatment plans to achieve the desired results and I do the same. I receive acupuncture once a week and I love it. It gets to the point that you feel a difference when you miss a session and you can’t wait to go back. For physical activity I do high intensity circuit training and hikes. I strive to maintain a diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains but I do love to sneak in an ice cream treat every once in awhile.

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nicolelongstaff.ca
info@nicolelongstaff.ca
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Vital Health: 1855 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V6J 1M5, Canada

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I was at a crossroads in my career and knew I loved science while simultaneously working with my hands. I would spend hours in the library researching careers and what to expect from them. Acupuncture jumped out at me immediately! I booked some treatments to experience it first hand and have never looked back. Ever since I started school, I have been amazed and continuously awestruck at the incredible capabilities of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My attentiveness and one-on-one focus is one of my best attributes as an acupuncturist. I only do single one-hour consultations, which allows me to truly focus on each individual patient and their specific needs.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I truly love the fact that I can make a significant difference in people’s lives, whether it be symptomatic, emotional, spiritual or related to their mental health. To know that I can improve someone’s quality of life is the most incredible feeling in the world!

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I want people to know that acupuncture does not hurt and is not a painful experience. It can actually be very relaxing and tranquil, sometimes without the patient even realizing that needles are being placed.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I truly strive to practice what I preach. Life to me is all about balance. I live a very active lifestyle, including sports and pets, but I also try to have regular tranquil moments via yoga and inner reflection. I try to eat a clean and healthy diet but I also like my treats and coffee. After all, we all have our little weaknesses!

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acupuncturebycindykokoski.com
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cindy@hunterhornmassage.com
(403) 614-9152
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Hunterhorn Center of Therapeutic Massage: 6638 4th Street, NE Calgary, Alberta T2K 6H1, Canada

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
In my experience, life leads you along certain paths for a reason. I truly believe that the way I fell into my passion for acupuncture is proof of this. I grew up in Northern Ontario roaming through forests and swimming in cool waters with no knowledge of acupuncture. It wasn’t until I moved to South Korea to teach ESL and began suffering from constant migraines that I was introduced to acupuncture by a concerned co-worker. She suggested going to see her acupuncturist and I hesitantly agreed. After only a few treatments, my migraines subsided and my passion for acupuncture was ignited. I returned to Canada to begin my studies in acupuncture and never looked back.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
For me acupuncture is about creating community. This is why I chose to open a community style acupuncture clinic. I really wanted to make acupuncture available to everyone and create a space where people want to gather and heal together. In practice, I prefer to use Five Element style acupuncture because it addresses all levels of the patient including the physical, emotional, and spiritual. As a practitioner, my journey continues and every day I am furthering my studies in other healing modalities including Reiki, Acutonics, and the teachings of the Medicine Buddha.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
What can I say…I love my job! I wake up in the morning and I am actually excited to go to work. I am just so grateful to have found a profession that inspires me to be a better person on a daily basis and to be able to help others at the same time.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Acupuncture mainly treats pain. There are so many conditions that acupuncture can treat, from digestive issues to insomnia to menstrual irregularities. Many patients are unaware of this. It is always interesting when a patient comes in for some type of pain problem but with further discussion other health issues are brought up that can also be treated with acupuncture. I love seeing patients’ eyes light up when they ask, “Acupuncture can help me with that too?”

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I enjoy going for rides on my retro bike (makes me feel like a kid again!) and furthering my not-so-good flexibility in yoga as my main forms of physical health. As for my mental health, I try to partake in daily meditation and pour myself into my passion for photography and vintage cameras.

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gatheredrootsacupuncture.com
gatheredrootsacupuncture@gmail.com
(604) 521-6639
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328 Columbia Street, New Westminster, British Columbia V3L 1A6, Canada

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
In many ways I feel like this field chose me. Growing up macrobiotic and practicing yoga as a child with my grandmother, I had been exposed to alternative health all my life. Over the years, in dealing with my own pain and struggles, I found Traditional Chinese Medicine to truly heal my emotional pain as well as the bodily manifestations that came along with it. In amazement from my own healing, I have completely embraced this form of medicine and ever since have wanted to share it with others.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I’m curious and I always look deep as to why an individual is experiencing the symptoms that they are. My goal is to help someone become deeply connected with their authentic self. I want to peel away the layers of negative self talk and doubt they may embody, so that they can blossom into the free, expansive, and happy person that they are. I believe we need to nourish ourselves in many different ways. Taking time to rest and relax, engaging in activities that fill you with a passion and a zest for life, and truly connecting with others in your life.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love connecting with others—this is one of the reasons I chose to open a community health clinic. I love being able to share our stories together and for my patients to know that I’m here to support them. In addition, I feel it is such a gift to be a part of their healing path. I have had the great fortune to have been supported by some amazing practitioners throughout my life. Now that I’m a practitioner, I can honestly say it is equally as rewarding of an experience to be on the other end.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That acupuncture only treats pain. Acupuncture treats so much more with wonderful results. Stress, over thinking, worrying, sleeplessness, digestion, and low energy are just some of the things that I find TCM can help with. Prevention of illness is another big one. We’re here to help you stay healthy!

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
How I treat my patients is also how I treat myself. I believe it’s so important to give myself the time and space to nourish myself. Yes, sometimes life gets out of hand, but I always come back to this. I love to dance and practice yoga as often as possible. I also love to eat delicious foods that make me feel great. I regularly give myself ample time to sleep each night (between 8 and 9 hours). And I always treat myself each week to indulge in something fun.

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gatheredrootsacupuncture.com
gatheredrootsacupuncture@gmail.com
(604) 521-6639
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328 Columbia Street, New Westminster, British Columbia V3L 1A6, Canada

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