Samantha

**I work out of 2 clinics in the Comox Valley. If you are looking for more availability, please see my website: [taprootacupuncture.ca](http://taprootacupuncture.ca).

**Grounded Health does not have a receptionist so I may contact you to adjust appointment times to maximize my schedule. Thank you in advance!

My acupuncture practice focuses on restoring motor function, improving range of motion and breaking up scar tissue so that we can decrease your pain and get you back to your life. Treatments vary, using 1 to 30 needles with the goal to make you as comfortable as possible so you can access a deep restorative state. Some needles are quick "in and out"; while most needles are retained for longer. I integrate modern electro-acupuncture, TCM acupuncture, Dao acupuncture, cupping and soft tissue mobilization. Since pain is usually multi-faceted, I also offer life-style advice so you can better care for yourself when you return home.

Prior to treatment, expect a verbal intake that includes your current goals and health history, range of motion and manual muscle testing, tongue and pulse diagnosis, hands-on physical palpation, and posture and gait analysis.

Although treating pain is at the forefront of my practice, I have had success helping a variety of health conditions like insomnia, anxiety, IBS, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, smoking cessation, fertility prep, labour inductions and more. I have a special affinity for working with athletes, postpartum mothers, and those navigating pre or post surgical recovery. If you are curious about acupuncture helping with a specific health concern, please don’t hesitate to email me at taprootacupuncture@outlook.com.

My journey into this work began long before my formal training. As a former competitive figure skater, I experienced the highs of performance and the lows of injury. I understand how debilitating pain can be, especially on one’s mental health. Acupuncture has helped me tremendously throughout my life to recover from nerve, joint, and back pain, brain fog, stress, digestive issues and more. Through my own journey with pain, I have learned deeply about the human body and the challenges that one has to face in order to recover from life changing moments such as car accidents, surgeries and small to large scale injuries. My interest in gaining a deeper understanding of healing began with a career in massage which soon led to my studies in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

I believe that **health is not a destination, it’s our ability to adapt to change**. A strong ability to adapt to change is resilience! True healing requires patience, embodiment, and discipline.

2015 - 2016: Diploma of Spa Therapy from Vancouver School of Healing Arts - graduated with honours

2017 - 2021: Diploma of Acupuncture from Pacific Rim College - graduated with honours

2021 - present: practicing Registered Acupuncturist in good standing with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC

2021 - 2022: Sacred Stone Spa in Tofino

2022 - present: Origin Integrated Health in Comox

2026 - present: Grounded Health Collective

2020; 2024 - present: teaching assistant to Rory Sandstone whose weekend workshops focus on teaching orthopaedic acupuncture to student and practicing acupuncturists. Rory is the former dean and orthopaedic acupuncture teacher at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. He is the founder of the Flying Crane Institute - a research and education initiative with the mission to raise the standard of acupuncture practice. Click [here](https://www.flyingcraneclinic.com) to learn more about Rory.

To contact directly: please email sam@taprootacupuncture.ca.