Acupuncture for ICBC Claimants

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident on or after April 1, 2019, you are automatically pre-authorized for up to 12 acupuncture treatments within the first 12 weeks of your accident date. These 12 acupuncture treatments can be directly bill to ICBC on your behalf.

This means no doctor's is note required and no upfront payment is needed!

Many different types on injuries can occur during a car accident, whiplash being one of the most common. Watch out for these symptoms of whiplash after a car accident: dizziness, headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, insomnia, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and PTSD.

Common Questions about Acupuncture and ICBC:

1. Do I need the approval of my ICBC adjuster and a doctors' referral to receive acupuncture?

No, these are not required. All that is needed is your claim number and care card number.

2. What is the cost of an ICBC related acupuncture treatment?

ICBC will cover $105 for initial treatment and $88 for subsequent treatment, which will be directly billed to ICBC. No additional cost will be billed to the patients covered under ICBC.

3. What types of treatment might I receive?

You will receive a combination of acupuncture, cupping, and/or life style recommendations depending on your specific injury.

4. Can you combine physiotherapy, chiropractic and massage therapy with acupuncture?

Yes definitely, combining different modalities can help speed up your recovery rate.

5. What is the frequency of treatment?

It is usually recommended to have treatments twice per week for the first few weeks. Then treatment frequency can be adjusted as your body begins to heal.

6. After the accident, I began having signs of PTSD such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and loss of appetite. Can acupuncture help with that?

Yes, acupuncture can help treat these psychological symptoms along with your physical pain.

7. Can children receive acupuncture if they have been injured in the car accident as well?

Yes, children and infants can be treated with acupuncture. Specialised needles are used as well as special paediatric techniques.

Email us for details.

Supplements for Fertility

While the majority of your nutrients should be in your food, when that’s not possible, supplements are needed. Like everything you put in your body, you must be critical when choosing supplements as they can be manufactured with cheap synthetics and laced with hidden ingredients. The quality of your supplements play a major role in their effectiveness and in helping to correct the imbalance they were intended for. Remember to always talk with your health care provider before taking any supplement. 

Preconception must haves:

Prenatal Multivitamin: A good prenatal should be taken 3-6 months prior to trying to conceive. This is very important in making sure your body is healthy from the very beginning of pregnancy. Most prenatal vitamins will have folate in them which is key in the very first weeks in fetal development. The better quality prenatals will have a non-constipating form of iron and will be easily absorbed as not to add any digestive issues to your pregnancy. 

Probiotics - Probiotics replenish intestinal flora (healthy bacteria) and promote overall digestive and immune health (amongst many other health benefits). The road to health is paved with good intestines. Quality is key with probiotics. A therapeutic dosage of probiotics should be > 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) per day. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum are the two strains that best address both small and large intestine. Probiotics work best if the consumer also has regular intake of prebiotics (which feed the probiotics) such as legumes and fruit. *Be sure to drink filtered water as chlorine (an antibiotic) will destroy the probiotics. 

General health:

Vitamin D - For general overall health and immune function. Vitamin D works synergistically with other vitamins and minerals (without Vitamin D, calcium won’t be absorbed in the hard tissues like the bones and teeth which is essential if you want to get pregnant). It also supports the 'killer cells' of the immune system which may lower your risk of cancer cell growth and help regulate autoimmune conditions. Additionally, Vitamin D may play an instrumental role in changing AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) levels - especially in winter - as well as being vital to the proper growth of the uterine lining. There is also some suggestion that a deficiency of Vitamin D may play a role in the development of metabolic syndrome - therefore supplementation for women with PCOS is indicated. 

Iron deficiency and vegetarians:

Iron - Whole food easy to digest non-constipating iron supplements are key, especially for pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency. These supplements should also include folate and B12 as deficiencies of these vitamins can cause or further exacerbate an iron deficiency. Supplementation is especially important for most vegetarians or vegans. Iron helps carry oxygen to every cell in your body. If you are iron deficient, your cells (and your little embryo) may not be receiving the essential life force from the breath you are taking.

30+ women:

CoQ10* (ubiquinone, ubiquinol) - A naturally occurring enzyme in each of our cells that helps the mitochondria produce ATP (Turunen, 2004), or cellular energy. Recent research from Toronto, Canada shows that CoQ10 may improve egg quality (Bentov, 2013) through the mechanism of mitochondrial ATP enhancement - the same way some Chinese herbal medicines are thought to increase fertility, as well as being a heavily researched antioxidant extremely beneficial for heart health. Antioxidants such as CoQ10 (commonly seen in skin care products) are thought to slow down or even reverse your biological/ cellular age and can be of great benefit when trying to conceive. CoQ10 has also been shown to improve sperm motility. Researchers from Spain recently performed a ‘meta-analysis’(a study of existing studies on the particular topic of CoQ10 and sperm) and found a global improvement in sperm parameters (Lafuente, 2013). CoQ10 should be in a capsule that contains an oil base and is to be taken with food for optimal absorption. The ubiquinol form of CoQ10 is thought to be better absorbed than the ubiquinone form, but many companies today are patenting forms that are said to have better absorption rates, despite the actual form used. *Currently there is insufficient evidence of CoQ10’s safety during early pregnancy; avoid using. 

Folic Acid (folate, B9, 5-MTHF) - Folic acid is used by the body to manufacture DNA, which is required for rapid cell division and organ/ tissue formation in the developing baby. Most expectant mothers are aware of the need to supplement with folic acid during pregnancy to prevent neural tube developmental problems in the fetus. To my knowledge, it may be the one and only supplement recommended by most doctors. 5-MTHF is the most bio-available form of folate available and is what I recommend. The liver and intestines must be healthy for proper absorption of folate (again suggesting the importance of probiotics). 

PCOS and Endometriosis:

Omega-3 Fish Oil (EPA and DHA) - Regulates inflammation, promotes circulation and delivers required fats for the proper production of sex hormones - to help normalize your cycle. Reduces inflammation in the pelvic area which is especially important for fertility. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce sensitivity to prolactin (which can suppress ovulation), increase cervical mucus to help the sperm reach the egg and blood flow to the uterus to help with development of the uterine lining. Strong caution should be taken when choosing a brand of fish oil. Testing for heavy metals, rancidity and purity, as well as ethical fishing practices should all be standard.

Folate/ B12 (homocysteine) - It is thought that women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or recurrent loss may have high homocysteine levels (a substance in our body that can cause problems with our circulatory system) due to conversion in the liver. B6, folate, & B12 in combination help convert homocysteine into a non-toxic substance and may help reduce the chances of miscarriage. Interesting to note, Metformin, a blood sugar regulating medication given to women with PCOS and insulin resistance, may actually increase homocysteine levels. This blend of B vitamins is safe and encouraged to be taken during pregnancy if you have tested positive for raised homocysteine levels, have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or have been diagnosed with PCOS. Folate and B12 are also well known vitamins required for the production of blood and important in women who may suffer from anaemia, another possible cause of difficulty getting and staying pregnant.

Calcium D-glucarate, Indole 3 Carbinol - Both of these supplements have been researched for their use in the treatment of cancer as they aid the liver in the elimination of excess estrogens manufactured from excess adipose tissues or environmental toxins (which in some cases can encourage the growth of cancer). This mechanism may also be helpful in many reproductive health issues that have hormonal imbalance involving excess circulating estrogens (cysts, endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, post administration of gonadotropic hormone medications used in fertility treatments such as IVF). This can also prevent cellular damage and benefits the body's immune system. 

Inositol (Vitamin B8) - Myoinositol has been shown to restore regular ovulation, lower insulin and decrease androgens. Also, can aid in the treatment of anxiety/ panic attacks, insomnia, depression, mood regulation and high cholesterol. This is an important supplement for women with PCOS. 

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) - Increase insulin sensitivity and lower androgen levels. A recent study using NAC on women with Endometriosis (500mg 3x/ day for 3 consecutive days per week, i.e., Monday to Wednesday, then a break for the remaining 4 days) showed reduced inflammatory and pain signalling factors, helped keep cells from becoming invasive, kept cysts from growing and even reduced their size (Porpora, 2013). NAC may also protect against health problems such as diabetes, reinforcing its use in PCOS women. 

Thyroid issues:

Thyroid Blends - Supplements containing iodine, selenium and tyrosine are known to help support thyroid health and function. It can help manage symptoms of a sluggish thyroid such as: weight gain, feeling tired and cold all the time, hair (including eyebrow) and memory loss, brittle nails/ hair and leg swelling, and most importantly, difficulty conceiving and carrying to term. Be sure to rule out thyroid autoimmune Hashimoto’s (raised TPO antibodies) before taking iodine as it may cause a flare of immune function resulting in destruction of thyroid tissue. In the case of Hashimoto’s autoimmune, thyroiditis supplements for the immune system and inflammation should be emphasized such as Vitamin D, fish oils and probiotics.

Information summarised from "Being Fertile" -Dr. Spence Petland

How to use Moxibustion Sticks to turn a Breech Baby

Please do not attempt the following unless you are under the supervision of a registered acupuncturist and you have permission from your doctor or midwife. 

Preparation:

Moxa sticks are made from the leaves of a plant (Artemisia argyi) and used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate acupuncture points. The moxa you will most likely be given has undergone a charcoal process to produce a stick that produces less smoke, making it ideal for use at home. 

Before using moxa you will need to prepare the following:

• A cigarette lighter and a candle
• A small ceramic or glass dish to place any ash in that may form on the moxa stick during treatment
• A small old towel to place under the area being treated in case any ash is dropped
• A glass screw-top jar to with a layer of rice in the bottom to extinguish the moxa when the treatment is finished

How to use the moxa stick:

• Simply light one end of the moxa stick by holding it over a candle. With smokeless moxa it may take several minutes to light. When the stick is correctly lit, you will be able to hold the lit end two to three centimeters from the back of your hand and feel a pleasant radiating warmth. Hold the lit end of the stick over the area to be treated, maintaining a distance of at least two to three centimeters so that there is never any direct contact with the skin. The moxa stick is then moved slowly over the area being treated, this will begin to feel pleasantly warm.
• When using to turn a breech or posterior positioned baby, the therapeutic time for moxa use is 20 minutes for each acupuncture point. During this time the moxa is briefly lifted away from the point Zhiyin BL- 67 (found on the outside corner of the nail on the little toe) each time it becomes hot, before resuming treatment (the pecking technique).

• Suggested sitting positions

 

• When treatment has finished, place the moxa stick in a glass jar lined with dry rice to prevent the heat from cracking the glass bottom. When the lid is screwed on firmly, the moxa stick is deprived of oxygen and cannot continue to burn. The moxa stick can then be re-lit for repeated treatments.
• Some women feel an increase in the baby's activity after treatment.

Treatment:

• Repeat treatment once a day for ten consecutive days. This is one course of treatment. If baby does not turn, take a few days rest and then begin another course of treatment. If baby turns before the ten days are finished, continue with treatment until all ten days are complete. Baby will more likely remain in an optimum position if the ten days are completed.
• It is best to start treatment as early as possible once it is known that baby is breech. Best results are seen at 34-37 weeks while there is still room for baby to turn. However, I have seen babies turn last minute just before an induction is scheduled. 
• Durning the ten days, see your acupuncturist as often as possible. She will needle other points to help turn baby as well.

Source: "The Essential guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Debra Betts © 2010

Acupuncture and Prengnacy

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for many common issues that may arise during pregnancy including:

Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting, commonly referred to as morning sickness, occurs in approximately half of all pregnancies. Its onset is usually in the 5th to 6th week of pregnancy and subsides by the 14th to 16th week, however, it can appear as early as a woman’s first missed period and last well into the second trimester. As the body changes, hormone levels as well as blood sugar levels fluctuate contributing to the nausea. In addition to this deficiencies of B Vitamins and zinc can be causative factors. Other common triggers include stress and fatigue. Although nausea and vomiting are common experiences in early pregnancy they are still not pleasant. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help ease this period by decreasing the sympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and calm the mind. By relaxing the body and returning it a more “rest-and-digest” state where our parasympathetic is more active, blood circulation is improved to the digestive system allowing the stomach to calm and settle.

Bleeding and Threatened Miscarriage

Bleeding, low back pain and cramping occur in about 40% of pregnancies in the first trimester but can also happen at any stage of a pregnancy and should always be taken seriously. Most women who report bleeding but have a closed cervix and a fetal heartbeat are simply sent back home and told to ‘wait and see’, this often leaves women feeling helpless, lonely and anxious. Research has shown that having continuous support as well as reduced stress levels helps to significantly reduce the chances of miscarriage when bleeding is present. Acupuncture helps by promoting relaxation and balancing hormone levels as well as inhibiting uterine contractions. For many women in this situation just being able to come in and have someone listen to them and provide lifestyle advice as well as relaxation methods is enough to make a difference.

Sciatica, Pelvic and Hip Pain

As your pregnancy progresses your body releases the hormone Relaxin, which helps your tendons and ligaments loosen to allow widening of the hips and the pelvic outlet. This process can often lead to sciatica and hip pain which can be debilitating and reduce the mothers mobility as well as her sleep. With acupuncture we can target the specific muscles involved in sciatica and hip pain and help them relax, reducing inflammation and pain and allowing women to resume their daily activities.

Heartburn and Constipation
 
Two of the most common digestive disorders we treat in pregnancy are heartburn and constipation, both unpleasant and difficult to treat with western medicine. Acupuncture combined with dietary changes offers relief of both of these conditions, quite often overnight. Women do not need to suffer with these symptoms during their pregnancy. When properly treated both heartburn and constipation are easily improved.

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections are more common during pregnancy due to the increased production of progesterone which relaxes the bladder. This combined with increased pressure on the bladder from the uterus prevents the bladder bladder from emptying fully and allows bacteria to flourish more easily. If left untreated, bladder infections may cause a miscarriage or early onset of labour. Acupuncture helps by strengthening the kidneys and the immune system and clearing heat from the bladder. It is effective as a preventative measure or in combination with antibiotic treatment.

Breech Babies and Malpresentation

Around weeks 28-34 babies will generally start to settle into a head down position in the pelvis. Baby’s can turn at any time however it occurs less often passed 34 weeks as the baby grows leaving it with less space. The ideal position for the baby in labour is one where the baby’s head is down; chin tucked towards its chest and the spine is facing outwards towards the mother’s abdomen.
In a breech presentation the baby’s bum or feet sit above the cervix rather than its head. This presentation often results in C-section due to the risks of laboring with the baby in such a position. Another common occurrence is a baby can descend head first into the pelvis but have their spine aligned with the mother’s spine. This position can often prolong labour and create more back pain as the baby’s spine is pressed against the mother’s.
For centuries Chinese Medicine has been addressing these complications with a technique called moxibustion. A Chinese herb is used to heat certain acupuncture points which influence the mother’s hormones and result in increased fetal movement that encourage the baby into a better position. Its efficacy has most recently been published in a 2010 study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Pre-birth Acupuncture (Cervical Ripening)

Pre-birth acupuncture consists of a set of weekly acupuncture sessions beginning around 36-37 weeks and continuing until the commencement of labour. They are intended to prepare a woman for a harmonious birth and positive experience. By balancing hormones, calming the sympathetic nervous system and improving blood flow to the reproductive organs this series of treatments is beneficial to ripen her cervix, calm her mind, and strengthen her blood and energy in order for her mind and body to be ripe and ready for a smooth labor and birth.
In addition, pre-birth treatments are an ideal time to safely treat many other pregnancy complaints such as heartburn and hip pain. It is also the perfect time to ensure baby is in the best possible position for an easy journey.
Studies show some very promising statistics on the positive effects of cervical ripening and we see this confirmed on a daily basis in our personal practice. These positive effects include shorter duration of labor, 35% reduction in medical inductions, 32% lower cesarean rates and even a 31% reduction in requests for epidural with an overall increase in natural normal vaginal deliveries.
In our experience our clients find these sessions deeply relaxing and enjoyable. It is also a wonderful time for prenatal education as well as an opportunity for answering questions, and offering lifestyle and nutritional counseling and support.
We strongly encourage all women to have pre-birth acupuncture and be proactive and educated in their pregnancy and childbirth choices. 

Above information is written by Debra Betts. Please visit her website for additional information  http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/acupuncture/

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

Here at Gathered Roots Community Acupuncture many people have been asking about dry needling and how it differs from acupuncture.  Usually I try to stay away from such debates but I feel this article from Meridian Acupuncture sums things up quite nicely. 

"What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique developed in the late 1970s by a physician who noticed that injections into painful muscles relieved pain irrespective of the analgesic used. With this in mind, he started using empty hypodermic needles from syringes to poke areas of knotted muscle tissue, or trigger points. Needling these trigger points causes a local "twitch" response: the muscle will involuntarily contract or "jump" due to reflexive signals sent from the spinal cord. This is believed to allow the muscle to relax and thus relieve pain, although the insertion of the needle and the local twitch response can themselves be quite painful.

Dry needling is presently performed by physical therapists and chiropractors, depending on state laws. Many have gotten smarter over the years, realizing that patients generally don't like syringes inserted into their muscles, so they've started using the same solid, filiform needles that we acupuncturists use.

What's the Difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

Essentially, practitioners using dry needling are performing rudimentary acupuncture. The technique of needling directly into an area that is painful upon palpation is outlined in the earliest foundational text about Chinese medicine and acupuncture, the Huang Di Nei Jing (黄帝内经), written around the 4th century BCE. Acupuncture has been further refined over the centuries to high levels of sophistication; dry needling represents, at best, the crudest and most elementary form of acupuncture techniques and, at worst, non-acupuncturists attempting to rebrand an ancient medical technique for modern insurance billing purposes.

Here are some of the advantages of acupuncture over dry needling:
1) Dry needling aims for trigger points and knotted muscle fibers whereas acupuncture employs and is based on the meridian system. As discussed in previous blog entries (here and here), the meridian system maps out the flow of Qi throughout the body - to the various organ systems and body tissues. We are able to relieve pain by stimulating points along specific meridians, and often the site of the needling is far away from the painful area. Dry needling does not take into account this fundamental aspect of Chinese medicine.

2) Dry needling treats symptoms while acupuncture address underlying causes of pain. Pain in your shoulder can stem from an issue in your elbow or a problem near your spine. Essentially, Qi stagnation in a meridian can cause pain anywhere along that meridian, so it's not always useful to needle the site of the pain. Furthermore, what is causing the stagnation of Qi? Is there heat in the meridian? Cold? Blood stagnation, as well? Are you frequently straining muscles because they are not properly nourished by Blood and Yin? Is emotional constraint preventing the Qi from flowing properly? Dry needling isn't going to be able to treat Yin deficiency or Liver Qi constraint, nor can it be used as preventative medicine. That's why the effects of acupuncture tend to be stronger and longer-lasting.

3) Dry needling is only used for orthopedic complaints, generally muscle pain. Acupuncture is awesome for pain, but of course it also treats conditions which would fall into the category of internal medicine such as digestive problems, high blood pressure, infertility, anxiety, flu, and on and on.

4) Dry needling tries to excite the muscles into twitching, which can be uncomfortable or painful. Acupuncture is generally painless and very relaxing.

5) The level and quality of training is very different. PTs and chiropractors can perform dry needling with as few as 23 hours of training. This is basically a course or workshop in an adjunctive therapy very unlike the main techniques of these professions. The acupuncturists at Meridian Acupuncture undertook a 4-year Master's program in acupuncture and oriental medicine, learning many different needling techniques. More importantly, we have gained a full understanding of traditional Chinese medicine theory, allowing us to practice acupuncture needling within the context in which it was created, develop a diagnosis and treatment plan, and incorporate herbal medicine when appropriate.

How Does this Affect the Medicine?

That's a tough question to answer. On the one hand, I personally don't agree with the principles and treatment philosophy behind dry needling. Compared to acupuncture, which has grown out of an established system rooted in 5000 years of tradition, dry needling just doesn't have as much to offer. The effects aren't as strong or long-lasting, and the root cause of the problem isn't even considered. Worse yet, the minimal training required for dry needling practice leaves me wondering if it isn't potentially dangerous to perform on a large patient base. Every patient who has told me about their dry needling experience always had a lot of criticism of the treatment, whether in regards to how painful it was, how limited the effectiveness was, or how uncomfortable they were with the practitioner.

On the other hand, surely there must be patients who get some, temporary pain relief, otherwise therapists would not be out there attempting to perform this type of acupuncture.  Presumably, then, some might leave thinking they've had good results with real, Chinese medicine-based acupuncture. This could make them more open to visiting an actual licensed acupuncturist for future problems. Dry needling practitioners can then potentially become unwitting ambassadors for Chinese medicine. My hope is that patients who receive dry needling and aren't completely turned off by it will then want to take the next step and consult the Chinese medicine experts."

From: http://meridianlouisville.blogspot.ca/2012/11/acupuncture-vs-dry-needling.html

Reactions to Reiki

People experience Reiki in many ways. When I give Reiki, for example, physically, my hands get very hot, like little ovens, and I get hot flashes, sometimes mild, sometimes not. I can come out of a session dripping with sweat because of the intensity of the heat I feel. And,spiritually and mentally, I always feel at peace. This feeling of peace can vary widely too, sometimes I feel the peace in a mellow,relaxed kind of way and sometimes I feel it in an “I can rock the world” kind of way. Physically, most people feel the energy as heat or warmth; however, sometimes, the energy can be felt as cool or cold. People have even reported feeling tingling or waves of energy or heat passing through and over their bodies, some people feel the energy as spirals, continuously spinning, some feel light headed and dizzy,some feel nothing at all. This can all happen during the session and it’s important to note that this call all happen after the session as well.

I always tell my clients to be aware of how they feel after their session and to listen to their bodies because the effects of the Reiki energy may not initially be apparent. Reiki first and foremost does no harm, it allows you (and your practitioner) to tap into what’s already going on in your body, mind and spirit and it makes you aware of it and asks that you pay attention to it. I’ve had a few clients tell me after their first and/or second session is when they really noticed the Reiki energy at work. Some clients said they felt tired, enough to have had to stay home from work/in bed, sad and emotional, bringing up buried feelings that have been forgotten or weren’t readily apparent, while others have said they felt refreshed, lighter and happier, and so full of energy, they could run a marathon. Your reaction to Reiki may take you on a journey through all of these emotions and intense feelings or it may not. Reiki can help you release emotional, spiritual, mental and physical blocks in your body. It’s important to know and to understand that Reiki feels different for everyone and however you feel it (or don’t feel it),is exactly right for you at that time. It’s also important to know that your Reiki experience can feel different every time; you may feel tingly, spinning sensations with heat the first time and deep, intense emotions with coolness the second time and you may feel nothing but an overall pleasant dreaminess the third time. All of these reactions are normal and part of your healing process with/through Reiki.

Marni Banks- Radiant Journey

Patient's First Ever Acupuncture Session

In January of 2014, Maddison McKitrick from Downtown New Westminster BIA stopped by for her very first acupuncture treatment.  Here is here blog post about her experience:

"If you are anything like myself, the thought of voluntarily having someone tap needles into your skin, without the result of a beautiful piece of art (I myself have 4 tattoos), isn't high on my 'to-do list'. When I started at the BIA I never imagined I would be hypnotized (see article here), massaged (see article here) or acupunctured all in a day's work. All three therapies were quite foreign to me, especially hypnosis and acupuncture but I was pleasantly surprised with all sessions!

Gathered Roots Acupuncture is a community style acupuncture clinic on Columbia Street. They provide affordable acupuncture treatments in a warm and welcoming multi-bed atmosphere. Other services include Reiki sessions and Cupping Therapy (both of which I am curious to try, ahem Fiona, *cough *cough).


Not having a specific issue to treat, Fiona took an overall well-being approach to my session. Placing two needles in my forehead, one in each hand, four in each knee, one in each shin and two in each foot, my first thought was 'human pin cushion'. Once I was used to the lightweight yet foreign objects, I settled in quite nicely under the portable infrared heat lamp and closed my eyes. After a relaxing half hour, Fiona removed the needles, which was even less noticeable then the initial insertions.

Fiona is a master at her craft but also brings a calming energy to an intimidating form of therapy (the name has puncture in it!). Scary as it may sound, acupuncture alleviates pain and inflammation, cold and flu symptoms, stress, anxiety and depression (the list goes on).

Visit Fiona at 328 Columbia Street, because for the sake of sounding corny, I'm sure glad I did!"

Maddison McKitrick- January 2014
For full article and photos: http://www.downtownnewwest.ca/index.php/articles/latest-news/125-gathered-roots-acupuncture-clinic