Read below for the many Heart & Hands stories our practitioners, clients & volunteers have shared so far :)
We love community. And we love stories. Humans of Heart & Hands is a collection of practitioner, volunteer & client accounts of how Heart & Hands Health Collective has made a positive impact in their lives.
Your stories are a living document of how community acupuncture can change the world, shifting societal views about self-care, the use of traditional modalities for prevention as well as supporting our organization and it’s hardworking practitioners.
Have we impacted your life in a positive way?
Do you feel inspired to share your Heart & Hands story?
Contribute to Humans of Heart & Hands
Unmasking Veronica
Hello! When Christina suggested we each do an ‘unmasking’ post, I thought it was a … Unmasking Veronica Read more »
Unmasking Susan
I initially struggled writing this post because I’m a pretty private person, and social media … Unmasking Susan Read more »
The support I received at Heart & Hands truly contributed to my health and wellness throughout my pregnancy
When my partner and I started thinking about having kids I was worried it might … The support I received at Heart & Hands truly contributed to my health and wellness throughout my pregnancy Read more »
Acu-naps at Heart & Hands are a both a space of respite and an important aspect of healing for me
Acu-naps at Heart & Hands are a both a space of respite and an important … Acu-naps at Heart & Hands are a both a space of respite and an important aspect of healing for me Read more »
Here’s to the next chapter…
Originally from “A reflection on 8 years” posted Oct. 5, 2018, by Christina Chan, R.Ac. … Here’s to the next chapter… Read more »
It’s never just a treatment that I get at H&H, it’s education and empowerment…
Heart & Hands has been the only reliable constant in my healing process. It’s the … It’s never just a treatment that I get at H&H, it’s education and empowerment… Read more »
This community model spoke volumes to the ideas of paying it forward and that “we’re all in this together”
A friend of mine brought me along to H&H back in September 2016 while I … This community model spoke volumes to the ideas of paying it forward and that “we’re all in this together” Read more »
A wonderful already established community centre, it has opened its heart and hands to so many people in this city and continues to do so…
My first experience with acupuncture was right here at Heart & Hands in 2013. Christina … A wonderful already established community centre, it has opened its heart and hands to so many people in this city and continues to do…
The feeling of seeing a room full of sleeping bodies all knowing they need to slow down and ask for help and take care of themselves is a powerful thing.
My body is in fairly good health but there are times when I’m not feeling … The feeling of seeing a room full of sleeping bodies all knowing they need to slow down and ask for help and take care…
Heart & Hands’ commitment to making these services accessible and central to solidarity and movement-building work is invaluable
Heart & Hands has been the single most affirming health care experience I’ve had. I … Heart & Hands’ commitment to making these services accessible and central to solidarity and movement-building work is invaluable Read more »
It has become such an important part of my life that I don’t know what I would do without it
I started going to Heart and Hands to treat a knee injury about 7 years … It has become such an important part of my life that I don’t know what I would do without it Read more »
My sessions over this past year have been instrumental to my healing. Thank you so, so much!
I’ve had an irregular period since the start. Initially, there was a certain amount of … My sessions over this past year have been instrumental to my healing. Thank you so, so much! Read more »
This care would not be accessible to me without the community-oriented model of service…
I don’t quite remember how I came to find H&H a few years ago, but … This care would not be accessible to me without the community-oriented model of service… Read more »
Acupuncture also gives me a great spiritual clarity and helps me see paths and patterns I would not otherwise have noticed
I’m autistic and have a variety of chronic conditions, including anxiety, IBS, and PCOS. I … Acupuncture also gives me a great spiritual clarity and helps me see paths and patterns I would not otherwise have noticed Read more »
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 … But as I came to realize, I reached level of deep relaxation and feeling of safety shortly after having the needles inserted. Read more…
I feel the nurturing atmosphere and receiving treatment in the group setting, encourages people look after themselves
I was previously convinced of the power of acupuncture back when I started receiving it … I feel the nurturing atmosphere and receiving treatment in the group setting, encourages people look after themselves Read more »
It wasn’t just the acupuncture that drew me to Heart & Hands, but also their imperative to give back to and support the communities I was part of…
It’s difficult for me to put into words the level of gratitude I feel for … It wasn’t just the acupuncture that drew me to Heart & Hands, but also their imperative to give back to and support the communities…
Being both a patient and a volunteer at Heart & Hands has been an enriching and pivotal experience for me
I first started coming to Heart & Hands in 2014 when I was experiencing chronic … Being both a patient and a volunteer at Heart & Hands has been an enriching and pivotal experience for me Read more »
I am excited for what the future holds for our ongoing friendship and professional collaboration.
Nine years ago, I was connected to Heart & Hands through a mutual friend. I … I am excited for what the future holds for our ongoing friendship and professional collaboration. Read more »
Thanks for all your support over the last few months!
“Hey Christina,I just wanted to let you know Midori gave birth to our daughter, Camellia … Thanks for all your support over the last few months! Read more »
The crew there has helped put back together the puzzle that is my well being.
H&H is magic! I most appreciate pokes when nothing feels right, something is wrong that … The crew there has helped put back together the puzzle that is my well being. Read more »
Even if you don’t have a specific problem just say “make me feel great please” :)
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer and a few years ago I got to the … Even if you don’t have a specific problem just say “make me feel great please” :) Read more »
Knowing I’m in a place where they value offering their services to people of all economic backgrounds is also healing for me
I have been a client and fan of Heart & Hands for several years. Something … Knowing I’m in a place where they value offering their services to people of all economic backgrounds is also healing for me Read more…
To say the least, H&H is a place of refuge for me.
H&H is a place that offers medicine in the form of caring, intuitive healers who … To say the least, H&H is a place of refuge for me. Read more »
Being involved with Heart & Hands has helped me to feel less alone with my own health challenges and continues to help me with perspective
We all deserve to be supported without judgement. What I love and have come to … Being involved with Heart & Hands has helped me to feel less alone with my own health challenges and continues to help me with…
I can’t think of a community organization more worthy of support.
I’ve been going to Heart and Hands for years, and it’s an incredible resource. Each … I can’t think of a community organization more worthy of support. Read more »
There’s is a certain kind of magic that comes from a room full of people all quietly gathered and surrendering to a caring professional that can not be found with the quick-fix approach of western medicine
I was first introduced to acupuncture with Christina about 5 years ago. As someone who … There’s is a certain kind of magic that comes from a room full of people all quietly gathered and surrendering to a caring professional…
What I didn’t know is how amazing it would feel to be a part of their community and how easy it would be to feel at home
I am sooo grateful to have found a wonderful place, a safe loving place that … What I didn’t know is how amazing it would feel to be a part of their community and how easy it would be to…
Acupuncture has helped to relieve my physical and emotional aches.
Susan has been my miracle worker for approximately 5 years or more. Her knowledge of … Acupuncture has helped to relieve my physical and emotional aches. Read more »
I am so grateful for the sense of community, and connection I have found here
I came to Heart & Hands during an emotional time in my life, what I … I am so grateful for the sense of community, and connection I have found here Read more »
My acunaps at the clinic always leave me feeling like I’m doing something positive for my body and mind.
I came to Heart & Hands not being able to really articulate what I needed … My acunaps at the clinic always leave me feeling like I’m doing something positive for my body and mind. Read more »
This place has been there for me time and time again.
H&H is an integral part of my health team. This place has been there for … This place has been there for me time and time again. Read more »
Thank you for having me as part of your community :)
I volunteered at Heart & Hands and instantly became part of a great community. It … Thank you for having me as part of your community :) Read more »
Help us build a gratitude wall!
H&H community! WE NEED YOUR VOICE!! We are in the midst of some some VERY … Help us build a gratitude wall! Read more »
Smash ’em up, patch ’em up! H&H, a proud sponsor of Eves of Destruction 2019!
Heart & Hands Health Collective has been a proud sponsor of Eves of Destruction Roller … Smash ’em up, patch ’em up! H&H, a proud sponsor of Eves of Destruction 2019! Read more »
A little about Christina
Christina is active in the community, she is passionate about using acupuncture as a tool … A little about Christina Read more »
A little about Jenica
Jenica Geisler completed her diploma in Doctorate studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Academy of … A little about Jenica Read more »
Hey Christina, I’ve been starting a daily poetry practice. Yesterday I wrote one called ‘Heart & Hands’. And I just want to say thank you for the help you’ve provided to my emotional and physical health over the years. Here’s the poem:
Pockets of air Bubbling up Under my skin Building up walls Blocking energy Burning, bubbling … Hey Christina, I’ve been starting a daily poetry practice. Yesterday I wrote one called ‘Heart & Hands’. And I just want to say thank…
Heart & Hands is a wonderful inclusive space that gives to so many people.
Heart & Hands is a wonderful inclusive space that gives to so many people. I … Heart & Hands is a wonderful inclusive space that gives to so many people. Read more »
A little about Susan.
Susan came across acupuncture in her efforts to heal a sore back and a broken … A little about Susan. Read more »
This community-minded inclusive space, with so many thoughtful elements makes me feel comfortable, welcome, and cared for…
I found Heart & Hands through word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, and am immeasurably grateful that … This community-minded inclusive space, with so many thoughtful elements makes me feel comfortable, welcome, and cared for… Read more »
I finally found the space for healing I needed…
Heart & Hands Health Collective has helped me in such a profound way. I have … I finally found the space for healing I needed… Read more »
My experience at H&H has helped to restore a sense of connection to my body and to community here in Victoria.
As an East Coaster living in BC, my loved ones are scattered across time zones. … My experience at H&H has helped to restore a sense of connection to my body and to community here in Victoria. Read more »
A little about Veronica.
Veronica’s first experience with acupuncture was right here at Heart & Hands. After becoming a … A little about Veronica. Read more »
A pioneer in caring for people from all walks of life…
Heart & Hands is not only a pillar of the downtown community and a pioneer … A pioneer in caring for people from all walks of life… Read more »
It takes great courage and requires incredible vulnerability to share personal history with someone you don’t know…
I luckily stumbled upon Heart & Hands via one of my close friends from school … It takes great courage and requires incredible vulnerability to share personal history with someone you don’t know… Read more »
It is a pleasure to be a part of this amazing health collective
My experience doing dental hygiene treatment at H&H has been very rewarding. The clientele who … It is a pleasure to be a part of this amazing health collective Read more »
So grateful to work in a space that strongly supports a vision of the world I want to live in.
Each time I enter Heart & Hands my shoulders begin to drop and I can … So grateful to work in a space that strongly supports a vision of the world I want to live in. Read more »
A bright & cheerful presence
T.N. is always an enthusiastic, curious and cheerful presence behind our front desk as he … A bright & cheerful presence Read more »
A weekly routine
This is W.H. & his beautiful mother L.M. about to head into their weekly acunap.
A talented & empathetic individual
R.C. is a talented and empathetic individual who keeps our front desk organized like a … A talented & empathetic individual Read more »
A family affair
Judith and Jeremy are father and daughter acu-nappers, one of our many pairs of family … A family affair Read more »
Those love together, nap together
The Del Sols have been steadfast H&H clients since 2012!
Lovely & wacky
K.G. is one of the lovely and wacky faces you will see behind our front … Lovely & wacky Read more »
Birds of a feather
Vera is a fierce and fearless street nurse working with the clients of Portland Hotel … Birds of a feather Read more »
Volunteer power!
K.B. is one of the 12 smiling faces of our amazing volunteer team that powers … Volunteer power! Read more »
Restoration. Resurgence. Rest.
Heart & Hands Health Collective is my go to place every week for my incurable … Restoration. Resurgence. Rest. Read more »
Unmasking Veronica
Hello! When Christina suggested we each do an ‘unmasking’ post, I thought it was a … Unmasking Veronica Read more »
Unmasking Susan
I initially struggled writing this post because I’m a pretty private person, and social media … Unmasking Susan Read more »
The support I received at Heart & Hands truly contributed to my health and wellness throughout my pregnancy
When my partner and I started thinking about having kids I was worried it might … The support I received at Heart & Hands truly contributed to my health and wellness throughout my pregnancy Read more »
Acu-naps at Heart & Hands are a both a space of respite and an important aspect of healing for me
Acu-naps at Heart & Hands are a both a space of respite and an important … Acu-naps at Heart & Hands are a both a space of respite and an important aspect of healing for me Read more »
Here’s to the next chapter…
Originally from “A reflection on 8 years” posted Oct. 5, 2018, by Christina Chan, R.Ac. … Here’s to the next chapter… Read more »
It’s never just a treatment that I get at H&H, it’s education and empowerment…
Heart & Hands has been the only reliable constant in my healing process. It’s the … It’s never just a treatment that I get at H&H, it’s education and empowerment… Read more »
This community model spoke volumes to the ideas of paying it forward and that “we’re all in this together”
A friend of mine brought me along to H&H back in September 2016 while I … This community model spoke volumes to the ideas of paying it forward and that “we’re all in this together” Read more »
A wonderful already established community centre, it has opened its heart and hands to so many people in this city and continues to do so…
My first experience with acupuncture was right here at Heart & Hands in 2013. Christina … A wonderful already established community centre, it has opened its heart and hands to so many people in this city and continues to do so… Read more »
The feeling of seeing a room full of sleeping bodies all knowing they need to slow down and ask for help and take care of themselves is a powerful thing.
My body is in fairly good health but there are times when I’m not feeling … The feeling of seeing a room full of sleeping bodies all knowing they need to slow down and ask for help and take care of themselves is a powerful thing. Read more »
Heart & Hands’ commitment to making these services accessible and central to solidarity and movement-building work is invaluable
Heart & Hands has been the single most affirming health care experience I’ve had. I … Heart & Hands’ commitment to making these services accessible and central to solidarity and movement-building work is invaluable Read more »
It has become such an important part of my life that I don’t know what I would do without it
I started going to Heart and Hands to treat a knee injury about 7 years … It has become such an important part of my life that I don’t know what I would do without it Read more »
My sessions over this past year have been instrumental to my healing. Thank you so, so much!
I’ve had an irregular period since the start. Initially, there was a certain amount of … My sessions over this past year have been instrumental to my healing. Thank you so, so much! Read more »
This care would not be accessible to me without the community-oriented model of service…
I don’t quite remember how I came to find H&H a few years ago, but … This care would not be accessible to me without the community-oriented model of service… Read more »
Acupuncture also gives me a great spiritual clarity and helps me see paths and patterns I would not otherwise have noticed
I’m autistic and have a variety of chronic conditions, including anxiety, IBS, and PCOS. I … Acupuncture also gives me a great spiritual clarity and helps me see paths and patterns I would not otherwise have noticed Read more »
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 … But as I came to realize, I reached level of deep relaxation and feeling of safety shortly after having the needles inserted. Read more »
I feel the nurturing atmosphere and receiving treatment in the group setting, encourages people look after themselves
I was previously convinced of the power of acupuncture back when I started receiving it … I feel the nurturing atmosphere and receiving treatment in the group setting, encourages people look after themselves Read more »
It wasn’t just the acupuncture that drew me to Heart & Hands, but also their imperative to give back to and support the communities I was part of…
It’s difficult for me to put into words the level of gratitude I feel for … It wasn’t just the acupuncture that drew me to Heart & Hands, but also their imperative to give back to and support the communities I was part of… Read more »
Being both a patient and a volunteer at Heart & Hands has been an enriching and pivotal experience for me
I first started coming to Heart & Hands in 2014 when I was experiencing chronic … Being both a patient and a volunteer at Heart & Hands has been an enriching and pivotal experience for me Read more »
I am excited for what the future holds for our ongoing friendship and professional collaboration.
Nine years ago, I was connected to Heart & Hands through a mutual friend. I … I am excited for what the future holds for our ongoing friendship and professional collaboration. Read more »
Thanks for all your support over the last few months!
“Hey Christina,I just wanted to let you know Midori gave birth to our daughter, Camellia … Thanks for all your support over the last few months! Read more »
The crew there has helped put back together the puzzle that is my well being.
H&H is magic! I most appreciate pokes when nothing feels right, something is wrong that … The crew there has helped put back together the puzzle that is my well being. Read more »
Even if you don’t have a specific problem just say “make me feel great please” :)
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer and a few years ago I got to the … Even if you don’t have a specific problem just say “make me feel great please” :) Read more »
Knowing I’m in a place where they value offering their services to people of all economic backgrounds is also healing for me
I have been a client and fan of Heart & Hands for several years. Something … Knowing I’m in a place where they value offering their services to people of all economic backgrounds is also healing for me Read more »
To say the least, H&H is a place of refuge for me.
H&H is a place that offers medicine in the form of caring, intuitive healers who … To say the least, H&H is a place of refuge for me. Read more »
Being involved with Heart & Hands has helped me to feel less alone with my own health challenges and continues to help me with perspective
We all deserve to be supported without judgement. What I love and have come to … Being involved with Heart & Hands has helped me to feel less alone with my own health challenges and continues to help me with perspective Read more »
I can’t think of a community organization more worthy of support.
I’ve been going to Heart and Hands for years, and it’s an incredible resource. Each … I can’t think of a community organization more worthy of support. Read more »
There’s is a certain kind of magic that comes from a room full of people all quietly gathered and surrendering to a caring professional that can not be found with the quick-fix approach of western medicine
I was first introduced to acupuncture with Christina about 5 years ago. As someone who … There’s is a certain kind of magic that comes from a room full of people all quietly gathered and surrendering to a caring professional that can not be found with the quick-fix approach of…
What I didn’t know is how amazing it would feel to be a part of their community and how easy it would be to feel at home
I am sooo grateful to have found a wonderful place, a safe loving place that … What I didn’t know is how amazing it would feel to be a part of their community and how easy it would be to feel at home Read more »
Acupuncture has helped to relieve my physical and emotional aches.
Susan has been my miracle worker for approximately 5 years or more. Her knowledge of … Acupuncture has helped to relieve my physical and emotional aches. Read more »
I am so grateful for the sense of community, and connection I have found here
I came to Heart & Hands during an emotional time in my life, what I … I am so grateful for the sense of community, and connection I have found here Read more »
My acunaps at the clinic always leave me feeling like I’m doing something positive for my body and mind.
I came to Heart & Hands not being able to really articulate what I needed … My acunaps at the clinic always leave me feeling like I’m doing something positive for my body and mind. Read more »
This place has been there for me time and time again.
H&H is an integral part of my health team. This place has been there for … This place has been there for me time and time again. Read more »
Thank you for having me as part of your community :)
I volunteered at Heart & Hands and instantly became part of a great community. It … Thank you for having me as part of your community :) Read more »
Help us build a gratitude wall!
H&H community! WE NEED YOUR VOICE!! We are in the midst of some some VERY … Help us build a gratitude wall! Read more »
Smash ’em up, patch ’em up! H&H, a proud sponsor of Eves of Destruction 2019!
Heart & Hands Health Collective has been a proud sponsor of Eves of Destruction Roller … Smash ’em up, patch ’em up! H&H, a proud sponsor of Eves of Destruction 2019! Read more »
A little about Christina
Christina is active in the community, she is passionate about using acupuncture as a tool … A little about Christina Read more »
A little about Jenica
Jenica Geisler completed her diploma in Doctorate studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Academy of … A little about Jenica Read more »
Hey Christina, I’ve been starting a daily poetry practice. Yesterday I wrote one called ‘Heart & Hands’. And I just want to say thank you for the help you’ve provided to my emotional and physical health over the years. Here’s the poem:
Pockets of air Bubbling up Under my skin Building up walls Blocking energy Burning, bubbling … Hey Christina, I’ve been starting a daily poetry practice. Yesterday I wrote one called ‘Heart & Hands’. And I just want to say thank you for the help you’ve provided to my emotional and…
Heart & Hands is a wonderful inclusive space that gives to so many people.
Heart & Hands is a wonderful inclusive space that gives to so many people. I … Heart & Hands is a wonderful inclusive space that gives to so many people. Read more »
A little about Susan.
Susan came across acupuncture in her efforts to heal a sore back and a broken … A little about Susan. Read more »
This community-minded inclusive space, with so many thoughtful elements makes me feel comfortable, welcome, and cared for…
I found Heart & Hands through word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, and am immeasurably grateful that … This community-minded inclusive space, with so many thoughtful elements makes me feel comfortable, welcome, and cared for… Read more »
I finally found the space for healing I needed…
Heart & Hands Health Collective has helped me in such a profound way. I have … I finally found the space for healing I needed… Read more »
My experience at H&H has helped to restore a sense of connection to my body and to community here in Victoria.
As an East Coaster living in BC, my loved ones are scattered across time zones. … My experience at H&H has helped to restore a sense of connection to my body and to community here in Victoria. Read more »
A little about Veronica.
Veronica’s first experience with acupuncture was right here at Heart & Hands. After becoming a … A little about Veronica. Read more »
A pioneer in caring for people from all walks of life…
Heart & Hands is not only a pillar of the downtown community and a pioneer … A pioneer in caring for people from all walks of life… Read more »
It takes great courage and requires incredible vulnerability to share personal history with someone you don’t know…
I luckily stumbled upon Heart & Hands via one of my close friends from school … It takes great courage and requires incredible vulnerability to share personal history with someone you don’t know… Read more »
It is a pleasure to be a part of this amazing health collective
My experience doing dental hygiene treatment at H&H has been very rewarding. The clientele who … It is a pleasure to be a part of this amazing health collective Read more »
So grateful to work in a space that strongly supports a vision of the world I want to live in.
Each time I enter Heart & Hands my shoulders begin to drop and I can … So grateful to work in a space that strongly supports a vision of the world I want to live in. Read more »
A bright & cheerful presence
T.N. is always an enthusiastic, curious and cheerful presence behind our front desk as he … A bright & cheerful presence Read more »
A talented & empathetic individual
R.C. is a talented and empathetic individual who keeps our front desk organized like a … A talented & empathetic individual Read more »
A family affair
Judith and Jeremy are father and daughter acu-nappers, one of our many pairs of family … A family affair Read more »
Lovely & wacky
K.G. is one of the lovely and wacky faces you will see behind our front … Lovely & wacky Read more »
Last day!
C.R. one of our brilliant front desk volunteers on her LAST DAY behind the desk … Last day! Read more »
Birds of a feather
Vera is a fierce and fearless street nurse working with the clients of Portland Hotel … Birds of a feather Read more »
Volunteer power!
K.B. is one of the 12 smiling faces of our amazing volunteer team that powers … Volunteer power! Read more »
Restoration. Resurgence. Rest.
Heart & Hands Health Collective is my go to place every week for my incurable … Restoration. Resurgence. Rest. Read more »