The rustle of greenery inspired Angela Cowan to plant her new business on a second-floor suite on Oak Bay Avenue.
As a freshly minted registered acupuncturist, Cowan sought the ideal space to start her practice.
Despite ongoing renovation, the tree outside the treatment room window fluttered in the breeze – perfect for Sacred Willow Acupuncture.
“I was so excited to start practice. I didn’t want to put it off,” says Cowan. She found the space within a week of graduation, in the community she frequents as a feature writer for Tweed magazine. She was already in love with Oak Bay.
“I can’t think of a better community to start in,” Cowan said.
Sacred Willow already boasts regular clients, some who travel from as far afield as North Saanich. The practice will be eight weeks young when Cowan hands off to Ali Jopp and embarks on motherhood.
Jopp, a friend and fellow graduate of Pacific Rim College’s Diploma of Acupuncture, takes over July 1 for a three-month locum at Sacred Willow that offers “acupuncture, aromatherapy, and a safe place to heal.” Jopp also went on to complete her Doctor of Traditional Medicine.
“We have really similar treatment styles and she’s just as conscientious as I am, so I have no problem putting my practice in her hands,” Cowan said. “There’s a lot of mutual trust.”
Jopp says her approach to a locum is twofold, she respects the value a series of different practice opportunities offers and she wants to “support that important relationship” as Cowan bonds with her newborn.
“I appreciate Angela’s clear and detailed way of thinking. She’s organized and competent,” Jopp said.
Also a certified aromatherapist, Cowan often uses the relaxing and therapeutic benefits of essential oils and hands-on massage in partnership with acupuncture for an experience that is both healing and comforting.
“If a patient has some hands-on it really seals that healing,” Cowan says, “and I know it’s something I love as a patient.”
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine involving thin needles inserted into the body at acupuncture points.
To allay the fear sometimes associated with acupuncture, Cowan notes the needles used are so fine, you can fit an average 18 acupuncture needles into one hypodermic needle.
“They’re about the thickness of a hair.”
In a particular area of her practice, the needles are even smaller, for pediatric patients.
“I am hoping to focus on pediatric, kids respond miraculously quickly,” Cowan said.
She’s already developed some expertise in the area treating her young nieces.
Her youngest patient to date was five months old. After one simple tap with a needle, the inflammation and redness created by a blocked tear duct receded immediately – offering instant relief for the child, and satisfaction for the practitioner.
Sacred Willow is in a shared space at 202-2186 Oak Bay Ave. with appointments available Sundays and Monday evenings. Email sacredwillowacu@gmail.com to connect or visit sacredwillowacupuncture.com for more detail on the services offered.
