David came to Chinese medicine by way of the comparative study of Eastern and Western philosophy at the University of Victoria’s departments of philosophy and religious studies, where he developed a deep respect for the Taoist and Mahayana world views.
After graduating, he spent 5 years in Asia teaching and traveling, where he was introduced to Chinese medicine as a patient. The successful treatment of pain and drastic reduction in rehabilitation time he experienced in a quadricep tear and ankle sprain prompted investigation into Chinese medical theory. This began with the practice of Taiji Quan and Qi Gong under teachers in Korea and China.
In time, the idea of practicing the medicine based upon the philosophies he found most convincing in their explanation of reality led David to pursue studies in Chinese medicine at Pacific Rim College, where he graduated from the acupuncture program magna cum laude in 2019, and became a registered acupuncturist (R.Ac) the following year while continuing studies in Chinese herbal medicine. He now serves on the faculty at Pacific Rim College as a clinical practitioner and supervisor.
David’s ability to practice acupuncture is the direct result of the significant privilege experienced throughout his life. He strives to practice with humility and gratitude to alleviate suffering to the best of his ability, and does so as a settler in the traditional and unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lək̓ʷəŋən/Songhees peoples.
SPECIAL FOCUSES:
While considering himself a generalist, David is most interested in helping individuals experiencing disharmony in the following areas:
Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Disharmony
Empathy, deep-listening, non-judgment, and confidentiality are the values held in meeting you where you’re at based on what you’ve experienced, and working together to move into greater balance. Whether dealing with Irritability, frustration, depression, insomnia, or grief and loss, support is available.
Digestive System Issues
Poor appetite or digestive function, abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, constipation or loose stools are all treatable with acupuncture. The emotional element often coinciding with these conditions can also be addressed.
Pain
All types of chronic and acute pain including headache, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, menstrual pain, muscle spasm, tension, or trigger point pain.
