But as I came to realize, I reached level of deep relaxation and feeling of safety shortly after having the needles inserted.

I was first referred to Heart & Hands by a friend when I was struggling to manage my blood pressure. I was initially assessed at the Urgent Medical Assessment Clinic and was extremely stressed and frustrated that nothing was coming back medically abnormal.

I was at first hesitant and skeptical about acupuncture. I typically have difficulty relaxing in a crowd of people, but in the clinic room, I seemed to easily channel my own experience without being distracted by the room full of clients. But as I came to realize, I reached level of deep relaxation and feeling of safety shortly after having the needles inserted. From the start and end of an acupuncture session, I was able to notice a significant difference in my blood pressure and level of nervous activation.

I found the welcoming, warm and therapeutic environment that H&H supports was such a change of pace from my stressful work place, that I felt compelled to be part of this organization. So I ended up joining the H&H volunteer team from March to September of 2019. I really enjoyed the peaceful, intentional setting that came with running the front desk.

I hope in the future my schedule allows me to be an active part of the volunteer team again. I really value all of the lovely practitioners, volunteers and clients who make up the H&H community and I hope to be back soon <3

T.L.