Jessica Van Alten

**Greetings Courtenay and Comox Valley Beings!**

I feel extremely grateful for the warm welcome from your beautiful and friendly town and find myself feeling wonderfully settled in.

###Here's a bit about me...

I realized a strong desire to study the human mind and body early in life, and earned credentials as a Social Service Worker, Holistic Nutritionist and Shiatsu/Tuina Practitioner. This Education and experience inspired interest and learning in treating complicated health conditions. I made the big decision for a move to Victoria, BC to study and intern at the intensive 4-5-year TCM program and am so grateful for that choice. I currently am in good standing with The CTCMA as a Registered Acupuncturist.

My approach to treatment is focused and gentle. I believe in considering the uniqueness of each individual and helping clients feel empowered toward a healthy and balanced life.

My passion and respect for Acupuncture traditions continues to grow as I evolve in my practice. I recently completed 150 hours of advanced training Japanese Acupuncture (Kiiko Matsumoto/Nagano Style). This style of treatment uses shallow insertions and specific palpation areas to gain instant feedback from clients to help diagnose and treat a large array of health issues.

Currently, my treatments blend the techniques from both traditions. A typical session with me may include a combination of Palpation and Shallow Needle Insertion, Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture, Acu-tonics, Okyu Moxa, Cupping (I love cupping ), Gua sha, Tuina + Shiatsu Acupressure and/or TCM nutrition/Shi Liao style.

###**Experience:**

I have had the amazing opportunity to grow a thriving practice in Victoria BC for the past 7 years and worked at some of the highest regarded Multi-disciplined clinics throughout the city.

(including GoodLife Fitness/Wellness in Vic West, Absolute Therapy in Oak Bay and most recently at Geometry Integrated Health in downtown Victoria). I enjoy working with many other practitioners and modalities and always happy to help clients find the right fit/modality for their health needs.

I am very passionate about bringing the many benefits of Acupuncture out into the community beyond my clinical work. Over the past 3 years I have had the pleasure to work alongside community programs for Addictions Recovery using NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocols and I continue to support, study and work with Acupuncturist without Borders (AWB).

I feel honoured to be setting up a new practice here in downtown Courtenay and planting some healthy roots throughout the Comox Valley Community.

###**Place of Education:**

Portland - Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (ongoing Kiiko Matsumoto - Japanese style Acupuncture Diploma program with Turning Point)

Victoria, BC - Pacific Rim College, Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Toronto, ON - Shiatsu School of Canada

London, ON - Fanshawe College

Registered Acupuncturist since 2015

###**Training & Techniques:**

Japanese Style Acupuncture, Okyu (thread style Moxabustion), Acu-tonics, Cupping, Gua Sha Tuina and Shiatsu Acupressure, Nutrition & Diet Therapy, Trauma Healing, NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association), Acu-tonics

###**Professional Interests:**

Stress and Pain Reduction, Mental and Emotional Imbalances, Post Traumatic Stress, Addiction Recovery, Digestive Disorders, Autoimmune Disorders, Endocrine (Hormonal) Health, Pre and Post-natal Care.