Isabel da Silva RTCMP
I fell in love with acupuncture on a search for a natural approach to heal myself. Having been raised in a household where nutrition and physical activity were a high priority, these areas were always addressed first on the path to feeling better. Upon delving deeper into my Traditional Chinese Medicine studies, I discovered that the practice upholds a strong focus on how one’s diet and lifestyle choices can treat and prevent illness along with the use of specifically placed tiny needles.
I am a lifelong learner and graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science degree where I majored in biological sciences and minored in nutrition. Following my undergraduate degree, I continued my studies to achieve a Diploma of Acupuncture with distinction at MacEwan University. My experience in community healthcare, capacity for empathy, and interest in the pharmaceutical effects of natural health products was cultivated to a higher degree being employed as a pharmaceutical assistant for the duration of my post-secondary education. I practiced acupuncture in St. Albert, Alberta for two years before moving to the West Coast. My move to Vancouver was driven by an opportunity to continue my studies in Traditional Chinese herbs. Upon completing the required examinations to become a registered herbalist in BC, I am eager to put my herbal knowledge to use as a complement to my acupuncture practice.
My goal in the case of every patient is to achieve affordable, effective relief and natural resolution of your health concerns. I believe that my acupuncture needles have their greatest effect on the body when you can tap into your parasympathetic nervous system to rest, digest and heal, hence my deliberate gentle needling technique. I am well-versed in treating a wide variety of ailments including musculoskeletal pain, digestive concerns, facial rejuvenation and mental wellness. Over the years of searching for relief from my own condition, I have developed a particularly strong interest in treating women’s health, fertility, birth preparation, and endocrine imbalances with acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle advice.
In my time away from the clinic, you can find me running or road biking on the North Shore, playing soccer, or road tripping to ski, hike and backpack. My passion for education has led me to begin instructing future acupuncturists in Burnaby part-time. I love to cook health-consciously, feed loved ones and have consumed a pescetarian diet for the past decade. I am always itching to explore new ceremony, food, dress, celebration, architecture and an unfamiliar history in a place that is new to me. Animals of all shapes and sizes are my greatest weakness!
I thank you for choosing and trusting me to be a part of your wellness journey.
Isabel