Read the Heart & Hands stories from our practitioners, clients & volunteers who 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?
Thank you for all the healing you’ve brought to to my life, especially throughout my pregnancy.I’m grateful to feel so taken care of during such an exciting and vulnerable time.
Love Laska & baby
Did you know? Heart & Hands offers safe, drug-free …
Another mission accomplished with 2 acupuncture labour induction sessions over the weekend. Safe, drug-free, potent and traditional. I’m glad it did the trick A.Q., see you in a few weeks for some post-partum follow-up!
Did you know? Heart & Hands offers safe, …
Hey y’all, I’m David Gillese, (he/him). That surname is anglicized Irish gaelic and is confusingly pronounced gill-eece.
I am a 2nd generation Irish-Canadian settler on my Dad’s side and with French-Canadian and some more Irish heritage on my mom’s side. I …
A new Saturday afternoon tradition for S.G. and her 10 yr old kiddo. Always such a treat to see families receiving self-care together <3
We were gifted this wonderful, tender piece from a fellow Community Acupuncturist in Dakota Territory, also known as Minneapolis, MN. If you happen to be in that neck of the woods, do visit South Point Community Acupuncture for your pokes!
The artwork is …
Dear Christina,There is nothing I could gift or say that would reciprocate for the space, time and wellness you have gifted me over the last year and a half. This has been the most consistent space for me over the …
Another babe hopefully on the way, this one is a lil’ stubborn and is a wee bit behind schedule.
Keeping this new expectant parent in our thoughts today for a healthy, efficient birth!
Did you know? Heart & Hands offers safe, drug-free and …
My name is Cydney Patricia Elizabeth Smith.
I am Canadian born, Mother and Father both born in Canada, Maternal grandparents from Scotland and Paternal grandparents also born in Canada and before that, English and Irish.
I was named after a well behaved …
Hi Christina,
Friday the 12th Saylix Wilder (“Wilder”) was born at 8:51pm weighing 8 lbs 05 oz.
I was over 41 weeks so I did acupuncture with a different person (Matt, who is lovely) then we emailed with on Wednesday and then again …
Cydney Smith, R.Ac., studied Acupuncture and Moxabustion at Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine from 2015 to 2017. She recently moved to Vancouver Island in 2020 and is living in the Traditional Territories of the Costal Salish Peoples, specifically the Pauquachin First Nation and Tseycum …
David has been drawn to Community Acupuncture (CA) as first a lover of (acu)naps then subsequently a member of the H&H front desk volunteer team and now, soon to be acupunk! Accessibility is a core value within the CA model, but also …
Family Day came early at H&H!
Mom-daughter duo + grandma-grandson too!We are always delighted to see family members receiving self-care together and is one of the many perks of running a community practice :)
Christina is a shining example of what a healthcare practitioner should be and I have seen her many times over the years.
As someone living with chronic pain, cPTSD, and a very dysregulated nervous system, I go to see Christina …
Hi Christina!Sorry for my very late reply. Things have been a little wild over here – baby Sophie arrived on December 31.
I’m so grateful for your care during my pregnancy. There were so many things that were hard on …
Dear Christina,Thank you for all your help, don’t know what I’d do without you. You do great work, you should be proud of yourself + what you do changes peoples’ days + lives.
A lovely holiday card from, C.J.
Hi Christina,
Had a fast but smooth birth today at home. Thank you for squeezing me in last week and helping to get my body ready for delivery!
I have cancelled my appointment for Tuesday morning. Cheers, S.B.
Did you know? Heart & Hands offers safe, …
Hi Christina,I wanted to send a quick hi and thank you for doing what you do! You are fantastic.
As you may have guessed when I never showed up again, I went into labour after our last appointment together! B, …
Christina,Thank you for everyone you do for the community and everyone that walks through your clinic door.Heart & Hands is a special place and I hope everyone has a chance to have a safe space in their life.
Cat speed.
A thank …
My name is Brewster Scott
I am a First Generation Grenadian Canadian on my Father’s side and a 3rd generation Irish/Scottish/Pennsylvania Dutch Canadian mix on my Mother’s.
One of the reasons my parents decided to name me “Brewster” was so that when …
Going to acupuncture with Christina at Heart & Hands got me through to the end of my pregnancy. I started going for relief from pregnancy-related carpal tunnel, but it soon became clear to me that Christina was very knowledgeable about …
Pandemic practicing is not without it’s trials, tribulations and quirks. There is no manual for what we should be doing.
The foundation of our community practice is relational and a huge component of the work we do involves human connection. …
When my partner and I started thinking about having kids I was worried it might be a challenge for us. I had had irregular cycles for years and often skipped ovulation. I started coming to Heart & Hands for help …
Acu-naps at Heart & Hands are a both a space of respite and an important aspect of healing for me – helping me so much on my path to to help others, to work with my hands and body at …
Originally from “A reflection on 8 years” posted Oct. 5, 2018, by Christina Chan, R.Ac.
As we close our 5-week crowdfunding campaign, we reflect on HOW MUCH Heart & Hands has GROWN in the last 10 years, the role it plays …
Heart & Hands has been the only reliable constant in my healing process.
It’s the only place that, if I am struggling to keep up with life’s demands, I can show up knowing that I will walk out with improved …
A friend of mine brought me along to H&H back in September 2016 while I was in the process of recovering from a broken foot. I was apprehensive at first about receiving acupuncture due to my fear of needles. But …
My first experience with acupuncture was right here at Heart & Hands in 2013. Christina and multiple other acupuncturists through the following months warmly welcomed me to this lovely community clinic. I was healing from an injury and felt supported …
My body is in fairly good health but there are times when I’m not feeling well and a trip to the walk-in doctors doesn’t seem like a welcoming and fruitful choice. I enjoy going to Heart & Hands for acupuncture, …
Heart & Hands has been the single most affirming health care experience I’ve had.
I came to Heart & Hands in a moment of extreme burnout. As an art and community worker deep in the hustle, I felt strapped in …
I started going to Heart and Hands to treat a knee injury about 7 years ago, and while my knee injury is long healed, I just keep coming.
I keep coming back for the warmth, care, compassion, community, and deeper …
I’ve had an irregular period since the start. Initially, there was a certain amount of novelty to only bleeding a few times a year – saving money on tampons, no cramps, no hassle, etc.
Despite that, there was always a …
I don’t quite remember how I came to find H&H a few years ago, but I am forever grateful that I did.
Christina and the other ‘punks and volunteers provide a safe, welcoming, peaceful environment for this important health care. …
I’m autistic and have a variety of chronic conditions, including anxiety, IBS, and PCOS. I approached acupuncture because my partner recommended it and talked about how it had helped them mentally and physically, and I was ready to try anything …
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 …
I was previously convinced of the power of acupuncture back when I started receiving it in the 80’s from an old school TCM practitioner back when I was living in Vancouver. The results were astonishing. It took me a long …
It’s difficult for me to put into words the level of gratitude I feel for the Heart and Hands community.
It was about 5 years ago that a good friend of mine and mentor brought me into the clinic for …
I first started coming to Heart & Hands in 2014 when I was experiencing chronic adrenal fatigue and the accessible model made it possible to receive treatment on a more consistent basis.
I remained a regular client over the years, …
Nine years ago, I was connected to Heart & Hands through a mutual friend. I was looking for a Victoria location to host my first solo gemstone show on Vancouver Island.
My seasonal shows at Heart & Hands has been …
“Hey Christina,I just wanted to let you know Midori gave birth to our daughter, Camellia on Monday morning. She was a healthy 8lbs 5oz. Both her and Midori are doing very well. We left the hospital today and are now …
H&H is magic!
I most appreciate pokes when nothing feels right, something is wrong that I can’t put my finger on, when I need to be wrapped in a blanket and hide. I consistently feel improvement after treatment, like the …
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer and a few years ago I got to the point where I was in so much computer pain that I thought I’d have to quit. I couldn’t turn my neck and my body would …
I have been a client and fan of Heart & Hands for several years. Something that means a great deal to me is that the services are affordable for all and the healing takes place in a circle. I am …
H&H is a place that offers medicine in the form of caring, intuitive healers who are accepting, responsive, and compassionate.
For me, it is a powerful alternative to the regular avenues for healing; such places never offered me comfort, safety, …
We all deserve to be supported without judgement.
What I love and have come to rely on about Heart & Hands is the feeling that it is OK to be who you are, wherever you are and with whatever you’re …
I’ve been going to Heart and Hands for years, and it’s an incredible resource.
Each practitioner is lovely, empathetic, and highly skilled – and whether I come in with a pulled muscle or mental exhaustion, I’ve always left feeling better …
I was first introduced to acupuncture with Christina about 5 years ago.
As someone who has struggled with autoimmune illnesses, PTSD and a generalized anxiety disorder and medication resistant depression for the last 15+ years – I had really been …
I am sooo grateful to have found a wonderful place, a safe loving place that took me in as a regular acupuncture client. I was soooo worried that I wouldn’t find another place to be poked that I could afford …
Susan has been my miracle worker for approximately 5 years or more.
Her knowledge of acupuncture continues to amaze me. She has not only lifted me out of the pit of despair many times, but has also helped to relieve …
I came to Heart & Hands during an emotional time in my life, what I found was far beyond my expectation.
Heart & Hands has offered me a safe, non-judgmental place to land, no matter what I am going through. …
I came to Heart & Hands not being able to really articulate what I needed and with very few expectations of what the experience would be like. Christina helped me to describe my symptoms, which ranged from poor sleep to …
H&H is an integral part of my health team. This place has been there for me time and time again. Excellent one on one care and something that can not be understated, I always feel heard. Big love.
R.K. (& …
I volunteered at Heart & Hands and instantly became part of a great community. It was a brilliant experience to be able to help and be a part of Heart & Hands, so many people depend on the tremendous work …
H&H community! WE NEED YOUR VOICE!!
We are in the midst of some some VERY BIG PLANS and in the meantime, we’d like you all to help us build a gratitude wall. This wall will be part of an upcoming crowdfunding …
Heart & Hands Health Collective has been a proud sponsor of Eves of Destruction Roller Derby since 2012 and look forward to continuing to support the health and well-being of league members for the upcoming 2020 season!
Christina is active in the community, she is passionate about using acupuncture as a tool for positive social change through providing outreach, increasing accessibility and bringing the practice back to its traditional roots. She continues to explore her own personal experiences …
Jenica Geisler completed her diploma in Doctorate studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences (ACOS) in Nelson, BC, in 2012. She began practicing as a Community Acupuncturist shortly after, which motivated her to use her skillset for …
Pockets of air Bubbling up Under my skin
Building up walls Blocking energy Burning, bubbling
Their weight Is heavy Infectious Carcinogenic masses
I can’t reach Them Alone Please Are your needles handy? And are you feeling Precise?
Precise enough To …
Heart & Hands is a wonderful inclusive space that gives to so many people.
I had the opportunity to practice herbal medicine out of H&H and made many wonderful connections with beautiful humans during my time there. As a practitioner …
Susan came across acupuncture in her efforts to heal a sore back and a broken heart. She soon became a big fan and found that the hours spent with those little pins in not only helped her immediate concerns, but …
Thank you for all the healing you’ve brought to to my life, especially throughout my pregnancy.I’m grateful to feel so taken care of during such an exciting and vulnerable time.
Love Laska & baby
Did you know? Heart & Hands offers safe, drug-free and affordable care throughout your pregnancy journey, whether you are …
Another mission accomplished with 2 acupuncture labour induction sessions over the weekend. Safe, drug-free, potent and traditional. I’m glad it did the trick A.Q., see you in a few weeks for some post-partum follow-up!
Did you know? Heart & Hands offers safe, drug-free and affordable care throughout your pregnancy journey, whether you …
Hey y’all, I’m David Gillese, (he/him). That surname is anglicized Irish gaelic and is confusingly pronounced gill-eece.
I am a 2nd generation Irish-Canadian settler on my Dad’s side and with French-Canadian and some more Irish heritage on my mom’s side. I was born on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen speaking …
We were gifted this wonderful, tender piece from a fellow Community Acupuncturist in Dakota Territory, also known as Minneapolis, MN. If you happen to be in that neck of the woods, do visit South Point Community Acupuncture for your pokes!
The artwork is by the talented Molly Costello who asked any of the recipients of …
Another babe hopefully on the way, this one is a lil’ stubborn and is a wee bit behind schedule.
Keeping this new expectant parent in our thoughts today for a healthy, efficient birth!
Did you know? Heart & Hands offers safe, drug-free and affordable care throughout your pregnancy journey, whether you are in …
My name is Cydney Patricia Elizabeth Smith.
I am Canadian born, Mother and Father both born in Canada, Maternal grandparents from Scotland and Paternal grandparents also born in Canada and before that, English and Irish.
I was named after a well behaved little girl in a restaurant that my parents met while …
Cydney Smith, R.Ac., studied Acupuncture and Moxabustion at Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine from 2015 to 2017. She recently moved to Vancouver Island in 2020 and is living in the Traditional Territories of the Costal Salish Peoples, specifically the Pauquachin First Nation and Tseycum First Nation. Her first experience in a community acupuncture setting was …
Hi Christina,
Had a fast but smooth birth today at home. Thank you for squeezing me in last week and helping to get my body ready for delivery!
I have cancelled my appointment for Tuesday morning. Cheers, S.B.
Did you know? Heart & Hands offers safe, drug-free and affordable care throughout your pregnancy journey, whether you …
My first experience with acupuncture was right here at Heart & Hands in 2013. Christina and multiple other acupuncturists through the following months warmly welcomed me to this lovely community clinic. I was healing from an injury and felt supported and cared for.
After a while I continued my healing …
I’ve been going to Heart and Hands for years, and it’s an incredible resource.
Each practitioner is lovely, empathetic, and highly skilled – and whether I come in with a pulled muscle or mental exhaustion, I’ve always left feeling better in every way imaginable. Over time, regular visits have come …
Christina is active in the community, she is passionate about using acupuncture as a tool for positive social change through providing outreach, increasing accessibility and bringing the practice back to its traditional roots. She continues to explore her own personal experiences as a community organizer, a woman of colour and as …
Jenica Geisler completed her diploma in Doctorate studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences (ACOS) in Nelson, BC, in 2012. She began practicing as a Community Acupuncturist shortly after, which motivated her to use her skillset for positive social change.
Read below to get to know Jenica or …
Pockets of air Bubbling up Under my skin
Building up walls Blocking energy Burning, bubbling
Their weight Is heavy Infectious Carcinogenic masses
I can’t reach Them Alone Please Are your needles handy? And are you feeling Precise?
Precise enough To pierce Those pale pimples Pop them open That they release …