ACUPUNCTURE
About
Acupuncture has gained enormous popularity as a modern therapy to improve performance and rehabilitation as well as treat a variety of ailments. There are many different systems now in practice but Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was the first modality to use Acupuncture to naturally treat pain and disease. Using a combination of ancient techniques including Tuina massage and Cupping, TCM Acupuncture applies needles to stimulate energy qi flow along meridians that network the body.
Rooted in Taoist philosophy and spiritual tradition, the principles of Yin and Yang emphasize the importance of living in balance with the Universe to restore health, vitality and longevity. According to the Tao, when you restore harmony within yourself and the body, you strengthen your connection to the natural rhythm and cycles of nature all around you.
By adding acupuncture to your health regime, you can expect to regain overall function and mobility as well as improve your own flow and quality in life. Acupuncture can also assist through various stages and life transitions as well as support fertility, pregnancy and menopause.
Conditions treated:
Fertility
Menstrual Wellness
Perimenopause and menopause transitions
Labour and Birth preparation
Induction of labour
Fourth trimester and recovery/lactation support
Mood regulation, panic attacks and PTSD
Injury, Accidents and Chronic Pain
Insomnia and Poor Sleep
Fatigue and Lack of Motivation
Headaches and Migraines
High Blood Pressure
Hay fever and Allergies
Poor Memory and Lack of Focus
Weak Immunity and Frequent Colds
Digestive and Elimination challenges
More
Modalities
Cupping :
Cupping is one of the original ancient forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We use glass cups of various sizes. These cups we safely warm up with fire ( that never comes near you). This warming of the glasses produces a soothing suction that we then make contact with the body. As the warmed glass comes into contact with the body – the suction gently lifts the fascia externally, creating room for blood, lymph, and Qi circulation.
There is a saying that says :
“Where there is stagnation there will be pain. Remove the stagnation, remove the pain”
Cupping’s purpose is to create movement with these three vital substances blood/lymph/Qi to promote wellness. It can support healing for:
- Pain relief
- improved range of motion
- reduced inflammation
- immunity to colds/flus
- removing toxins
- easing anxiety
- livening depression
Gua Sha:
Another ancient Traditional Chinese Healing modality to release stagnant toxins, heat, qi and/or blood.
‘Gua’ , meaning scraping. ‘Sha’ means the redness, release of bruising left behind, releasing the toxins and/ or stagnation. A thin jade or quartz crystal tool is used, in combination with oil to release any tension on the muscles. We are all hearing about the craze of Gua Sha for facial rejuvenation, this modality moves lymph up to create a more hydrated and lifted face.
Medicinal Gua Sha is an excellent compliment to Fire Cupping for:
- facial rejuvenation
- mobility
- tension release
- chronic pain
Depending on the severity of your chief complaint, your acupuncturist will recommend a consistent treatment plan when necessary. Otherwise, the benefits of Acupuncture can be applied as needed to promote a deep sense of calm and tranquility.
Meet Angelique Baker R.Ac, Bachelor of Midwifery
Angelique (she/her) is a Registered Acupuncturist, who is offering Traditional Chinese Medicine Modalities and Acupuncture Treatments to those who are moving towards a deeper reality of wellness within themselves. She holds a non judgmental, inclusive space, as we continue, to lead each other back Home to wholeness.
She was born and raised on the unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan first nation (Kelowna B.C.). Angelique gained her Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at Pacific Rim College here in Victoria B.C. She expresses an ongoing reverence and gratitude for her many teachings that are outside of her ancestral lineages.
Angelique is entering into Acupuncture practice following a lengthy career as a Registered Midwife. She gained her training at Otago Polytechnic in Aotearoa New Zealand, a land which is ever precious to the tone of her soul. She provided care for families during the childbearing continuum throughout British Columbia and internationally. She maintains a deep reverence for the complexity of the womb space – before, during and after the child bearing continuum. She holds additional acupuncture training specific to this child bearing year. She is passionate and knowledgeable about healthy and conscious menstruation. She holds an interest in the menopausal journey being reclaimed as a new beginning rather than a punctuated end.
She endeavors to weave her rich midwifery knowledge base together with her ever expanding, and ever diverse foundation of the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is currently exploring the ancient art of TCM Facial analysis/Diagnosis and hopes to incorporate cosmetic acupuncture into her tool belt during the upcoming year.