Clinic News - Please Read

  • Cancellation Policy: Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a whole in the practitioner’s day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require 48 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide lass than 48 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be subject to the full treatment cost.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a whole healing system that has been utilized for thousands of years to help bring our bodies into energetic balance and in turn promote healing and optimal functioning. Acupuncture is based on a system of energetic channels that run through the body like rivers, and when the energy or “qi” is flowing smoothly then the body is considered to be in a balanced and healthy state. As ... Read More

Acupuncture is a whole healing system that has been utilized for thousands of years to help bring our bodies into energetic balance and in turn promote healing and optimal functioning. Acupuncture is based on a system of energetic channels that run through the body like rivers, and when the energy or “qi” is flowing smoothly then the body is considered to be in a balanced and healthy state. As a trained and Registered Acupuncturist I will select a specific pattern of points to open these channels, to promote healing and to treat the root causes of what may be creating a variety of symptoms for the patient. That is the beautiful thing about this medicine, we do not focus on just one symptom at a time. Rather we want to look at the whole picture to try and treat what is at the root of causing all of these different symptoms to arise. Additionally treatments can include other modalities that will also support the body’s energetic function including cupping, gua sha or moxibustion.


Facial Acupuncture and Microneedling

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a 100% natural and safe form of rejuvenation that has been around for thousands of years. It helps to improve muscle tone and dermal contraction in the face and neck as well as increases elastin production helping to firm the skin and fill out wrinkles. Bags and sagging around the eyes, face and neck can be significantly reduced and toned up by substantially i... Read More

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a 100% natural and safe form of rejuvenation that has been around for thousands of years. It helps to improve muscle tone and dermal contraction in the face and neck as well as increases elastin production helping to firm the skin and fill out wrinkles. Bags and sagging around the eyes, face and neck can be significantly reduced and toned up by substantially increasing the circulation to the head. These treatments give the face a youthful glow and balanced complexion. But, the reason these treatments are so incredible is we are treating your body holistically from the inside out. Not only are we addressing concerns on the face, but we are treating the root causes of what might be contributing to them and people will experience health benefits beyond rejuvenation in their appearance.

Medical Microneedling, or Collagen Induction Therapy is a safe and effective treatment to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, surgical scars, stretch marks and enlarged pores. Body acupuncture is utilized as well to address concerns in a holistic way.

**Facial rejuvenation acupuncture may not be covered under health benefits if they are considered aesthetic treatments for non-medical purposes. Please contact your practitioner or insurance provider for more information**


Registered Massage Therapy

Registered Massage Therapists (RMT's) in British Columbia are health care professionals committed to restoring and maintaining optimal health and pain-free function of the body. They are educated and trained to accurately assess and treat with techniques that include massage and manual therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercise such as stretching, strengthening, post... Read More

Registered Massage Therapists (RMT's) in British Columbia are health care professionals committed to restoring and maintaining optimal health and pain-free function of the body. They are educated and trained to accurately assess and treat with techniques that include massage and manual therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercise such as stretching, strengthening, postural exercise and patient education.

Massage Therapy is an effective approach to pain management and rehabilitation. RMT’s are effective in treating and providing relief for a wide range of conditions such as migraine headaches, tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, as well as many other common conditions related to soft tissue and joint dysfunction.


Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, draws on the therapeutic properties of plants to support the body’s natural healing processes. In a session, our practitioner may create personalized herbal recommendations based on an individual’s unique health concerns, incorporating roots, leaves, flowers, or extracts that have been traditionally used to aid in physical and emotional well-being. This holisti... Read More

Herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, draws on the therapeutic properties of plants to support the body’s natural healing processes. In a session, our practitioner may create personalized herbal recommendations based on an individual’s unique health concerns, incorporating roots, leaves, flowers, or extracts that have been traditionally used to aid in physical and emotional well-being. This holistic approach respects the body’s balance, with herbs selected to nurture vitality, ease discomfort, or promote resilience. Phytotherapy offers a grounded, nature-based pathway toward health, whether used alone or alongside other wellness practices.


Holistic Aesthetics

Our holistic aesthetics treatments are designed to nurture your skin and enhance your natural beauty while promoting overall wellness. Each treatment is thoughtfully tailored to meet your unique needs, blending advanced skincare techniques with holistic practices that support both inner and outer radiance. From rejuvenating facials to restorative skin therapies, our approach integrates high-qua... Read More

Our holistic aesthetics treatments are designed to nurture your skin and enhance your natural beauty while promoting overall wellness. Each treatment is thoughtfully tailored to meet your unique needs, blending advanced skincare techniques with holistic practices that support both inner and outer radiance. From rejuvenating facials to restorative skin therapies, our approach integrates high-quality products with personalized care, leaving you with a glowing complexion and a renewed sense of well-being.


Holistic Massage and Bodywork

Our personalized wellness massage treatments are crafted to provide holistic support and balance to your body and mind. Choose from mindfully curated body rituals, including Holistic Massage Therapy, Reflexology, and Ayurvedic Shiro Abhyanga, each designed to awaken the senses and restore your body. Whether you're seeking deep relaxation, targeted healing, or a rejuvenating experience, our trea... Read More

Our personalized wellness massage treatments are crafted to provide holistic support and balance to your body and mind. Choose from mindfully curated body rituals, including Holistic Massage Therapy, Reflexology, and Ayurvedic Shiro Abhyanga, each designed to awaken the senses and restore your body. Whether you're seeking deep relaxation, targeted healing, or a rejuvenating experience, our treatments offer a harmonious blend of techniques to leave you feeling refreshed, balanced, and deeply connected to your inner self.


Counselling / Psychology / Mental Health

Clinical counselling is a form of support that helps people as they navigate emotional or mental health difficulties and her primary clientele are women in the perinatal period. Heather offers individual counselling for adults. She works via a trauma-informed perspective, and seeks to accompany her clients on their paths to healing, discovery, and personal growth. She strives to provide safe, ... Read More

Clinical counselling is a form of support that helps people as they navigate emotional or mental health difficulties and her primary clientele are women in the perinatal period. Heather offers individual counselling for adults. She works via a trauma-informed perspective, and seeks to accompany her clients on their paths to healing, discovery, and personal growth. She strives to provide safe, nurturing, non-judgmental care for individuals from all backgrounds and identities.


Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese healing practice that encourages a gentle flow of energy throughout the body. In a session, the practitioner uses a light touch or places hands just above the body to support natural energy movement, aiming to promote calm, ease, and balance. Many people find Reiki to be a deeply restful experience, allowing time and space for relaxation. Whether used to complement other wel... Read More

Reiki is a Japanese healing practice that encourages a gentle flow of energy throughout the body. In a session, the practitioner uses a light touch or places hands just above the body to support natural energy movement, aiming to promote calm, ease, and balance. Many people find Reiki to be a deeply restful experience, allowing time and space for relaxation. Whether used to complement other wellness practices or as a standalone session, Reiki is valued for its simple, quiet approach to fostering inner peace and a grounded sense of well-being.


Physiotherapy

Nicole is a pelvic health physiotherapist blending evidence-based expertise in pelvic health and intimate personal experience to empower, support and enhance well-being throughout the journey of trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Patterns she can support you with include prenatal + postpartum pelvic health, preparing for birth and recovery post birth (both vaginal and C-secti... Read More

Nicole is a pelvic health physiotherapist blending evidence-based expertise in pelvic health and intimate personal experience to empower, support and enhance well-being throughout the journey of trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Patterns she can support you with include prenatal + postpartum pelvic health, preparing for birth and recovery post birth (both vaginal and C-section), pelvic floor and core health throughout pregnancy and postpartum, support and education for exercise during pregnancy + returning to exercise postpartum (including weightlifting and running), urinary Incontinence, urgency, frequency (overactive bladder), bowel health: constipation or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse (feelings of heaviness/pressure), pelvic pain, including: dyspareunia (pain with sex), vaginismus, vulvodynia, endometriosis related symptoms, interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome), diastasis recti, pelvic girdle and/or low back pain in pregnancy/postpartum, perimenopausal pelvic health.

She aims to create a safe and welcoming space where you can openly discuss your experiences, concerns, fears, and aspirations, as well as, a reliable place to ask those pelvic health questions you can’t find the answer to anywhere else.


Holistic Nutrition

Holistic Nutrition is the approach of health from a whole-person perspective, using nutritional education as a primary tool. As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist I emphasize the building of health by approaching each person as a unique individual, factoring in the connections between: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental wellbeing.

MEET NATHALI AROSTEGUI, HOLISTIC RMT:

Embracing our wholeness through Somatic Massage Therapy.

Thank you for taking some time to read about me and for choosing to take care of yourself in the best way you can during these difficult times.

I come from a lineage of massage therapists, and medicine weavers, jump-starting my path into healing from a very young age. As an immigrant woman of colour and as a mother, I understand and experience the complexities of collective and individual intergenerational trauma as they live in the body as well as the resilience and wholeness that exists within the ecosystems of our lives.

Having experienced “trauma”, “chronic pain” “addiction” and “mental illness”, I believe in the power of somatic awareness through an animist, anti-oppressive, de-colonial lens. The wisdom of holistic healing is about re-connecting with all beings, human and non-human alike. I believe the medicine of our ancestors is found within our bodies, hearts and spirits.

In my practice I treat bodies as a network of fluid interconnected ecosystems and I strive to co-create courageous spaces and personalized treatment plans with each individual. I hope to share my experiences of resilience and wholeness with all who are committed to walk this path with me.

I’ve been practicing as an RMT since graduating from Sutherland Chan in Toronto, Ontario in 2011 but began my initiations as a holistic medicine weaver long before. I’ve been trained in swedish, pre & post natal massage, myofascial release, joint mobilizations and compassionate inquiry but my wisdom and passion come from the lands I stand on; the beings I’m in relationship with are the medicine I carry. I believe reconnecting body, mind, and spirit through intuitive therapeutic relationship allows openings for truth to emerge and therefore allowing all bodies to embrace their wholeness.

My work lives at the intersections of mindfulness, addiction, mental health, indigenous wisdom, somatic animist awareness, intergenerational trauma, decolonization and anti-oppression. I feel truly blessed to be supporting clients in reclaiming their wholeness, through the wisdom that flows in and around me. My intention is to walk with others as they discover the wisdom and power that flows through them.

MEET NATHALI AROSTEGUI, HOLISTIC RMT: Embracing our wholeness through Somatic Massage Therapy. T... Read More

Karly is a dynamic and intuitive healer, focusing on guiding her clients from pain and tension to empowerment and peace.

Karly has found that the key to overcoming injuries, anxiety, insomnia, and other ailments often lies in regulation of the nervous system alongside the transformative power of a healing touch. She cultivates a compassionate and safe space through a trauma-informed lens.

Karly specializes in Ayurvedic Scalp Massage, Trauma Release, Somatics, and Holistic Facials. Karly favours using a local hand-crafted skin care line, as well as a high-end Korean skin care products. Every facial comes with a luxurious Japanese Facial Massage. It’s a full body experience, healing and refining your skin while soothing and calming your body.

Karly is a dynamic and intuitive healer, focusing on guiding her clients from pain and tension to... Read More

Stephanie is a Registered Acupuncturist with a focus on family health and emotional wellness. She treats women and children using a variety of modalities from Traditional Chinese Medicine including acupuncture, acupressure, cupping and moxibustion.

As a member of the Obstetrical Acupuncture Association, Stephanie has lots of experience treating women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She is also trained as a pediatric acupuncturist and works with children using acupuncture needles or needle-free techniques. She works with children of any age from infants to teenagers.

Stephanie is a trauma informed practitioner. She is passionate about the role that our experiences and emotions play in our physical health. She brings 12 years of mindfulness meditation to her practice, as well as training in movement and acupuncture strategies for supporting trauma healing. This has often benefited her clients who have suffered from traumatic birth experiences, and infant or pregnancy loss.

Stephanie graduated from the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Vancouver, BC in 2014. Acupuncture is her second career and she loves it way more than the first one. When not working she loves spending time hiking, camping and hanging at the beach with her family.

Stephanie is a Registered Acupuncturist with a focus on family health and emotional wellness. She... Read More

I offer individual and group counselling for adults, and ground myself in the truth that my clients are the experts of their own lives. I work via a trauma-informed perspective, and seek to accompany my clients on their paths to healing, discovery, and personal growth. I strive to provide safe, nurturing, non-judgmental care for individuals from all backgrounds and identities.

My specialization is working with individuals in the perinatal time period. The time period between planning to conceive a child and the first few years of parenting is filled with physiological changes, hormonal fluctuations, relationship adjustments, communication challenges, and ever-growing responsibilities. I bring additional training in working with individuals during the perinatal period, as well as my own experiences of being a mother of two young children, both very different, with very different birth stories, to this work. In addition to working with individuals during this time period, I also provide facilitation for an 8-week “Becoming Mothers” group, which focuses on fostering connections with other women going through the same “life moment” and its resulting adjustments, including those of personal identity.

I have seen great evidence that healing occurs through a combination of connection, empowerment, and meaning, and am honoured to support clients as they find and understand the strengths they have within them. I work together with clients, providing support and guidance, as they explore their values, develop self-compassion, tune-in to their bodies’ messages, and explore difficult feelings

I offer individual and group counselling for adults, and ground myself in the truth that my clien... Read More

Paulinka (she/her) has been working in the healthcare industry for about 10 years, doing everything from personal and group training to kinesiology and rehabilitation. Her passion for travel has had her working all over the world, and what she noticed was that preventative healthcare shared a lot of similarities no matter where it was practiced.
She graduated from the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2020, and was practicing acupuncture in Toronto until moving to the island this year. Her love for nature has made it a very easy transition, and she believes that living closer in tune with the elements will strengthen her practice even more. 
Paulinka’s approach to therapy is simple; she believes that the body has the innate ability to heal itself, although sometimes, there may be obstructions that prevent it from being able to do so. Through her experience, she believes that acupuncture has a way of bringing the body the tools it needs to get back into its natural balance.

Paulinka (she/her) has been working in the healthcare industry for about 10 years, doing everythi... Read More

After many years of exploring other interests, Michelle discovered her passion in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her upbringing was built upon a strong foundation in natural healing modalities and she adores Acupuncture and TCM. She is interested in supporting individuals through various techniques including acupuncture, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping and bodywork.

Michelle completed her Diploma of Acupuncture Summa Cum Laude at Pacific Rim College in 2023, and is a Registered Acupuncturist with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturist’s of British Columbia (CTCMA). She is certified in Prenatal Acupuncture, Facial Gua Sha and Unique Points Protocol, and Ontake Moxibustion which is a technique using bamboo and moxibustion to treat pain. Michelle also has a Business Diploma and a Baking and Pastry Arts Diploma, which she accomplished while playing five years of post-secondary volleyball. After college, she then moved to the Czech Republic to play a year of professional volleyball. Later on she received a Natural Chef Diploma from the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London, England which compliments TCM nutrition and diet therapy recommendations for her patients.

Professionally, Michelle is interested in treating pain, MSK (musculoskeletal), sports injuries, gynaecology and general practice.

She is determined to help patients through connection and listening; seeking to understand each person on an individual level and provide a safe environment for care and comfort. When she’s not in the clinic, Michelle enjoys baking and cooking, brewing kombucha, hiking, knitting, beach walks and playing volleyball.

Please note, Michelle is not taking ICBC clients at this time

After many years of exploring other interests, Michelle discovered her passion in Traditional Chi... Read More

Hello! My name is Sasha Ormiston and I am a Registered Acupuncturist and owner of Nurture and Flo.

I am greatly inspired by the magic in nature around me, the beauty in every day life, and my experiences through pregnancy and being a mother. I aspire to bring all these elements into my clinic and treatments, taking my practice to another level and offering an experience like no other.

Since completing my acupuncture studies I have further been certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, a natural, painless and non-surgical procedure to help treat anything from fine lines, rosacea, acne and early signs of aging. This is one of my absolute favourite treatments to give and people walk out feeling incredible and absolutely glowing. To me natural beauty is so much more than cosmetic appearance. I love working with clients to find their confidence and nourishing their health from the inside, producing a truly beautiful reflection on the outside.

Additionally I have also taken further training to support prenatal patients from conception up until birth and postpartum. Supporting pregnancy has become a core part of my practice, treating anything from morning sickness, insomnia, aches and pains, heartburn, labour support and preparation and everything in between. Not only was I inspired by the extra training I have done, but my own experiences with pregnancy and becoming a mother and how incredible acupuncture supported me is something I love sharing back with the community.

I am very passionate about what I do and love sharing the magic and efficacy of this medicine. I am so proud of the heart-centred practice I have created and take pride in the success of my patients and the enjoyment they receive from being in my care.

Hello! My name is Sasha Ormiston and I am a Registered Acupuncturist and owner of Nurture and Flo... Read More

Andrea Penagos is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P.), Medical Herbalist, and Reiki Master. She holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles and a Diploma of Western Herbal Medicine (Phytotherapy) from Pacific Rim College in Victoria.

Andrea is passionate about helping patients uplevel their quality of life and well being through the tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine, lifestyle medicine, and individualized holistic care. Andrea’s practice is based on the understanding that the body innately knows how to heal itself and its potential can be optimized through acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, movement, and everyday habits. Other modalities in her toolkit include cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, tui na, and energy healing.

Andrea has a special interest in fertility, hormonal health, mental health, and facial rejuvenation. She also treats a range of conditions including acute injuries, back pain, joint pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, fatigue, anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, and more. Andrea is bilingual and offers her services in Spanish when requested.

Outside of the clinic, Andrea enjoys daily Gorge walks with her rescue pup Archer, strength training, meditating, writing, medicine-making, cooking, and the occasional adventure abroad.

Andrea Penagos is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P.), Medical Herb... Read More

Book appointments with Nicole HERE

Nicole is a pelvic health physiotherapist blending evidence-based expertise in pelvic health and intimate personal experience to empower, support and enhance well-being throughout the journey of trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Concerns I can help you with:

  • Prenatal + postpartum pelvic health

  • Preparing for birth and recovery post birth (both vaginal and C-section)

  • Pelvic floor and core health throughout pregnancy and postpartum

  • Support and education for exercise during pregnancy + returning to exercise postpartum (including weightlifting and running)

  • Urinary Incontinence, urgency, frequency (overactive bladder)

  • Bowel health: constipation or fecal incontinence

  • Pelvic organ prolapse (feelings of heaviness/pressure)

  • Pelvic pain, including: dyspareunia (pain with sex), vaginismus, vulvodynia, endometriosis related symptoms, interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome)

  • Diastasis recti

  • Pelvic girdle and/or low back pain in pregnancy/postpartum

  • Perimenopausal pelvic health

I aim to create a safe and welcoming space where you can openly discuss your experiences, concerns, fears, and aspirations, as well as, a reliable place to ask those pelvic health questions you can’t find the answer to anywhere else.

If you have any questions, please reach out at: nicole@upliftphysio.com

Book appointments with Nicole HERE Nicole is a pelvic health physiotherapist blending evidence-b... Read More

Kayla Scheck is from Haida Gwaii, BC and has recently completed her diploma in Massage Therapy at Camosun College. She is dedicated to providing her clients with personalized treatments to address their individual health needs and goals. She feels that client education is important so they may feel empowered to make informed decisions on their treatment plan.

Her approach to treatments employs a diverse set of techniques including myofasical work, trigger point release, Swedish massage, and joint mobilizations. Kayla understands that it can be hard to press pause during the day for self-care, and is happy to provide individualized homecare to help elevate your health journey.

Outside of clinic, Kayla enjoys spending quality time with her cats, various mediums of art, reading and connecting with nature.

Kayla Scheck is from Haida Gwaii, BC and has recently completed her diploma in Massage Therapy at... Read More

Hi there! I am Rebecca Waterman CNP, and I want you to eat well. I believe that food has the power to heal and transform. As a Holistic Nutritionist my focus is on supporting individuals with goals centered on realigning hormonal health, stress and the connections to digestive health. I am excited to join the Opal Wellness team!

My own health journey started with burnout, digestive issues and hormonal imbalances while working multiple jobs, attending school and experiencing complex personal stressors - life! After experiencing burnout, I knew I needed to take control of my health and started to heal my relationship to food and my body. As I healed my body, I took this momentum quickly into rigorous nonprofit work which inevitably led me to experience burnout once again as I was not considering a whole person approach for myself. As this was not my first rodeo with burnout, and I knew I needed to make a change, I decided to seize this opportunity to formalize my experience in holistic health and nutrition through attending the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. This education gave me the tools to more directly serve the wellbeing of my community.

As a member of the 2LGBTQIA+ community and through my history of working supporting food security, sovereignty and wellness in non-profit spaces, I knew it was important for me to create a practice that is inclusive, trauma-informed and takes into account intersections of wellness that exist in all individuals including marginalized communities. In addition to this, I bring over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, where I have done recipe creation, menu design, conducted job skills training programs, skin health consultations and more.

This journey to improved health, while not easy, has informed the compassion that I carry into meeting individuals, and truly believe the path towards healing is one that takes a whole person approach. This means that I see individuals for who they are beyond their diet, and make meaningful recommendations that fit the lifestyle of the individual while providing options that are both delicious and informed. Rooted in empathetic listening, together we will create personalized protocols and spend time learning and honouring you and your health journey. I believe we all have the innate power within us to transform, and I look forward to walking alongside you on your path to greater ease.

Hi there! I am Rebecca Waterman CNP, and I want you to eat well. I believe that food has the powe... Read More

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Located at: 1080 Meares Street, Victoria
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