What do you like about practicing TCM/A in Winnipeg?

What I like about practicing TCM in Winnipeg is the curiosity and interest that people are starting to show. As you’re aware, there are no regulations here so the quality of acupuncture is quite variable. Most acupuncturists are physiotherapists or chiropractors, and of course patient’s experience is quite skewed from what a true TCM treatment should be. Fortunately, patients are finally beginning to recognize this and are seeking out qualified acupuncturists. What made me specialize in prenatal care was the lack of support that women had in Winnipeg. Women didn’t realize that miscarriages can be prevented, morning sickness remedied quite quickly, hemorrhoids treatable, breeched babies rotated, and labour augmented quite safely and efficiently with acupuncture. It has been such a privilege to help women have a positive and enjoyable pregnancy.

What is your speciality?

I am actually in the process of starting up my own clinic called Family Acupuncture Wellness Clinic where my focus will be on Fertility and Pregnancy support.

What made you join CMAAC?

I joined CMAAC because it was the qualified association in Manitoba. I studied in BC and CTCMA was the large and established regulating organization. I thought that CMAAC was the closest thing to that. I respected the fact that there was a 2 part entrance exam, gave us the organization number for private insurance recognition, and an opportunity for professional insurance coverage.

What do you hope to see in the future of TCM and Acupuncture care in your area, or in Canada?

I am truly hoping that CMAAC will regulate in Manitoba in the near future as many practitioners for becoming aware of the lack of regulations here and are taking advantage of that. It is a shame that unqualified practitioners are effecting peoples first (and possibly last) acupuncture experience. The lack of regulations also belittles TCM as an art and science. It is such an incredible medicine which truly treats the person as a whole and should be treated with utmost respect. It is nice to see other provinces recognizing this and I am looking forward to Manitoba following suit hopefully soon.