A healing symphony

We’re diving into random things this month, writing what is calling us. Consider this a final freedom before we circle back to our regular programming. As always, reading what my fellow practitioners write is a highlight of my month. 

Sara Ward

Someone recently asked me about the life of an acupuncturist, and you know what? I had a blast spilling the beans! Why do I adore this gig so much? It’s simple. I get to weave together laughter, tears, sweat, and even a touch of colourful language, all in the pursuit of healing.

It’s not just the job title I love, it’s the whole package. The Village is my blood, sweat and tears. It’s not just a space; it’s a community of healing. An open concept, a collective journey towards wellness and empowerment. 

In my practice, I’m surrounded by snippets of lives, whispers of stories that connect us all. It’s like being part of a healing symphony, where my role is to encourage, resource, outsource, and hold space for every person who walks through that door. And let me tell you, there’s something truly awesome about sharing the healing vibe with four to six other souls in the room. It’s a transformation that goes beyond individuals to a real communal healing experience.

Speaking of vibes, the laughter — oh how I love a good laugh! They say it’s the best medicine, and I couldn’t agree more. Sure, sometimes it’s nervous laughter that dances around right before I insert a needle. But then, there are those moments when a joke passes between us that has us in stitches –like the other day when I was putting a button on a patient and she asked me, “Has anyone ever said ‘You acupuncturists really know how to push people’s buttons’”? I laughed out loud, and told her I was going to use that. The funniest things come to you after you’ve been poked (cue jokes).

From one extreme to the next: the tears. This clinic, these walls – if they could talk, they’d have quite the stories to tell. For me, tears aren’t just waterworks; they’re stories. And I’m no stranger to starting the waterworks myself, especially when summer bids adieu and fall comes knocking. (All my patients know how hard this transition is for me. Reminder to self: get more acupuncture.) The other day, a patient came walking in, tears welling in her eyes and said, “Sara, I’m gonna need all the kleenex, it’s about to get emotional up in here!” And emotional it got – we cried about moms past and present, about losses, pain, grief and where it led us, which often cues more tears. I live for the days when tears flow freely and healing happens through shared vulnerability.

Here’s the funniest discovery about my job: I make people sweat, though with a hint of humour. Picture a patient of mine, an acupuncture veteran. She and I go way back, but every time I bust out the needles, the tops of her toes start sweating. She trusts me wholeheartedly, but her toes have a different agenda. It’s become this delightful routine – a blend of trust, tension, and toe-level perspiration. Gah, I love my job.

Then there’s the full-on permission I unleash at the beginning of every one of my acupuncture sessions. Your colourful language is welcome and encouraged! Go ahead, swear at me if you got to, I can handle it. 

Here’s a twist for you: I, the acupuncturist, have a little “needle-aversion” backstory myself. I blame it on acupuncture school. But here at the Village I’ve learned that a well-placed F-bomb can do wonders when being poked by that perfectly placed needle. My trusty, needle-wielding comrades Lisa, Sharyn and Shanie have treated me enough to know just how to handle my occasional outbursts. So, you’re welcome. 

The bright side is that I’ve  turned needle aversion into a superpower. I specialize in those who dread needles, who’ve had their fair share of needle nightmares. I’ve been there, felt that discomfort, and now I’m your F-bomb-certified acupuncturist with the skills and vocabulary to guide you through.

So, there you have it – the life of an acupuncturist, all wrapped up in laughter, tears, sweat, and a sprinkle of colourful language. I get to be the conductor of a healing symphony, crafting harmony out of these diverse notes of experience.

Who wouldn’t want to be an acupuncturist?

Lisa Matsuzaki

Every year I find that September is a bit of an adjustment — back to school plus getting back into rhythms and routines that have slid over the summer. But back to school is going to be extra interesting for me this year, as my younger is heading to grade 6 and my older kid is making the leap into high school! I am doing my best to not let my worries, anxieties and unpleasant high school experience colour his. He appears pretty nonplussed so I am doing my best to mirror that, when in actuality, I am a duck — calm on the surface, paddling madly under the water!!

As much as September can be chaotic, it also means that I gain back some elusive time by myself and I LOVE BEING ALONE. Optimally, alone in my home with no one asking me for anything and no one around in the space! Presently though, my alone time is found in small pockets when I close my bedroom door and claim a few minutes. I put a candle (current favs Saltspring Candle and Hometown) on my candle warmer, listen to music or a podcast, and knit (or TBH, watch TikToks). I will take what I can get and sometimes bare minimum is enough.

Sharyn Turner

Unlike Taylor Swift, instead of going back to December, I’d rather go back to September. As much as I enjoy the summertime and the freedom it gives, part of me craves the routine. Activities start back up, the weather cools (not my favourite), many cosy meals can be planned. 

The end of summer has been hectic and as I’ve shared in the past, this last week of summer/first week of September is always a sad and vulnerable time for me. That said, this year I am really looking forward to remembering our angel daughter on her birthiversary, as well as getting my living one ready for school and all her regular commitments. We’ve taken on a few new things, including opening a new practice location and hosting a church small group … all of which will make for an even bigger adjustment. But I’m ready! I’m ready to jump in. I’m ready to support you if you’re also finding the need to adjust. We are in this together! Let’s go back to September.

Shanie Rechner 

Coming soon.