Acupuncture
in Greater Victoria
Whether you’re living with persistent pain, stress, digestive issues, poor sleep, hormonal imbalance, or simply don’t feel like yourself, acupuncture offers a gentle, whole-person approach to supporting your health.
For some people, acupuncture becomes the missing link after years of searching for answers. Others simply use it to regulate their nervous system and support long-term vitality.
Developed over thousands of years in China, acupuncture has become one of the world’s most widely practiced complementary therapies and is increasingly supported by scientific research for its role in helping address pain, nervous system regulation, sleep, stress, and many other health concerns.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is holistic, recognizing that our physical, emotional, and energetic patterns are interconnected. As such, it also places a strong emphasis on preventative care – seeking to identify patterns of imbalance before they become more deeply established.
At Clara’s home-based clinic in Saanichton, treatments are tailored to your unique needs and goals.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture uses extremely tiny, sterile needles, inserted into specific points along the body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these points are located along channels or “meridians” which have a relationship to our internal organ function, nervous system, and connective tissue networks (fascial chains).
The body already wants to find balance, and the needles prompt and promote this natural healing response.
What Does It Feel Like?
Many people are surprised how gentle acupuncture feels.
The needles are so fine that many people don’t feel them going in at all – they could be considered more like hairs than needles. Sensations do vary and may include:
- Nothing at all
- A mild warmth or heaviness
- A dull, tingling, or spreading sensation
- Whole-body relaxation
Acupuncture therapy does not rely on pain to be effective. Many people fall into a deeply relaxed state during treatment and even fall asleep – which we lovingly call an “Acu-nap”.
Because we are working with fascia and energy channels that span the whole body, we may put needles in places other that where the issue is, while still targeting the problem area. This is part of what makes the treatment seem “magical”.
This also means that it is a particularly helpful modality for acute or sensitive injuries, where you may not want to expose or palpate the area of pain.
What Can Acupuncture help with?
Whether you have specific symptoms, or are simply interested in optimizing your vitality, an acupuncture treatment at our cozy home-based clinic in saanich may be for you.
This therapy can help you rest deeply, restore your nervous system, and provide the space and conditions your body needs to orient towards vitality.
Clara has experience working with:
Pain & Physical Conditions
- Back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Sciatica
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Headaches and migraines
- TMJ and jaw tension
- Sports and overuse injuries
Stress & Emotional Health
- Anxiety and panic
- Low mood and depression
- Trauma and addictions
- Chronic stress
Nervous system dysregulation
Hormonal & Reproductive Health
- PMS and menstrual pain
- Irregular cycles
- Fetility support
- Pregnancy support
- Postpartum recovery
Sleep & Energy
- Insomnia
- Restless or disturbed sleep
- Fatigue and low energy
- Burnout
Digestive Health
- IBS
- Bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Acid reflux
- General digestive discomfort
Other Common Conditions
- Concussion recovery
- Immune support
- Chonic and complex illnesses
- General health maintenance
Acupuncture can also be helpful alongside your Western medical care for more serious illness such as diabetes, cancer, or heart attack/stroke recovery.
Clara’s Approach
Each treatment begins with a thorough intake so we can understand your health as a whole – physical, mental, emotional, and lifestyle factors.
Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, using Traditional Chinese Medicine we look at how your system is functioning overall. All of you is welcome and encouraged to come out in our consultation. You are not too much!
You will always be guided through each step of the treatment including:
- What therapy we are choosing and why
(see below for the variety we may choose from!) - What sensations you may feel
- Ongoing consent at every stage
- Space for question or adjustments at any time
Your comfort and sense of safety are central to our treatment.
Empowering you to speak your needs is part of our process.
During Your Session
Once the needles are placed, it’s time for rest. Stillness is ideal for the needles to do their best work – For the system to drop into it’s parasympathetic state where healing can occur.
To help you acces this state, Clara may:
- Guide you through a meditation
- Offer gentle hands-on support
- Leave the room so you can rest in quiet stillness
If she steps out, Clara is always within ear-shot and checks in regularly to ensure you are comfortable and warm.
Additional Therapies that may be included in your Acupuncture Treatment
Cupping
Many traditional medicine practices from around the globe have used cupping for thousands of years. The western world is starting to catch up in appreciation for its ability to reduce pain and increase immune function.
Kind of like a reverse massage, glass cups are used to suction and lift the tissue.
What it Supports
- Muscle recovery
- Pain and inflammation
- Muscular tension
- Blood flow to old injuries
- Immune system activation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping is said to pull out toxins from the body, and expel or prevent “wind invasions” (i.e colds/sickness)
Does it hurt?
When the right amount of suction is found, cupping does not produce pain. Many find it to be a relieving sensation, kind of like the satisfaction of a deep tissue massage.
Cupping does, however, leave red, pink or purple-ish marks on the skin, sometimes equated to “octopus tentacle kisses”, which can stay for up to 2 weeks. They look somewhat like bruises, but they are not usually tender to the touch. However, it may not be the best therapy to choose if you are about to put on a strappy dress and go to a photoshoot!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we call this colour “Sha”, and it can tell us more diagnostic information.
What it Supports
- Muscle recovery
- Pain and inflammation
- Muscular tension
- Blood flow to old injuries
- Immune system activation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping is said to pull out toxins from the body, and expel or prevent “wind invasions” (i.e colds/sickness)
Gua Sha
A small jade tool is used to gently scrape along areas of tightness in the muscles and fascia. Having a similar effect as cupping, it increases circulation and blood flow to the area, thereby supporting injury recovery. Its used in smaller or more curved areas where the cups may not fit
Tui Na Massage
This chinese term translates to “push and grasp”. Using fingers, palms, knuckles, and elbows, a variety of techniques are used to stimulate the acupressure points and channel pathways. Techniques may include percussion/tapping, pressure, kneading, and stretching. As a hands-on bodywork tactile kind of a person, Clara usually includes at least a little bit of touch in all her acupuncture sessions. Pressure can vary from very gentle to powerful, depending on your needs and requests.
Moxibustion, or “moxa”
Moxibustion is an aged and fermented version of the herb mugwort, burned near the skin to create a warm, penetrating heat.
It is especially helpful in conditions such as:
- Menstrual Pain
- Diarrhea, loose stools, and indigestion
- Acute and chronic injuries
- Exhaustion and burnout
- Cold hands and feet
- Chronic or lingering injuries
When mugwort burns, it emits infrared light, allowing it to penetrate much deeper than a simple heating pad. It also contains volatile oils that have special healing qualities.
Did you know that the chinese character for acupuncture actually translates as “needle-moxa”? Moxibustion is the yang to the yin of acupuncture. While needles are cooling, reach deeply inwards, and excel at draining excess energy, moxibustion is warming, expansive, and generates more energy. They were always meant to be used together!
Session Length & Investment
Initial Sessions
75 minutes - $125
Follow Up Sessions
45 Minutes - $80
60 minutes – $110
75 minutes – $135
Acupuncture is a registered modality in BC and is covered under many extended health insurance plans.
Receipts are provided for reimbursement, as we do not offer direct billing
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel very little or no pain. Sensations are typically mild and short-lived.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on your condition, how long it has been present, and your overall health. Acute issues often respond more quickly than long-term patterns.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that can be rolled up or adjusted easily.
Can acupuncture help chronic conditions?
Many people use acupuncture to support chronic or complex health concerns alongside medical care.
I’m nervous about needles—can I still come?
Yes. Treatments can be adjusted to your comfort level, and many people who are initially nervous find the experience much gentler than expected. It is also possible that we don’t use a single needle in your treatment. If you’d prefer a massage that can address many of the same concerns, check out Zenthai Shiatsu!
How to Book
Clara’s cozy home-based acupuncture practice is located off Island View road near Brentwood Bay, and only 15 minutes from Sidney, BC. Book online or contact Clara with any questions.