Ancient Wisdom - Modern Practice

The practice of medicine is a combination of physical and social sciences; a fusion of doing and knowing. The guiding philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that health is achieved and maintained when we are in balance with our selves and the environment we inhabit. Each individual patient is a unique arrangement of substances and biochemical reactions, but there is a shared human experience when we operate as our optimal selves.

The rules that structure and control our physical realities have equal effects on our bodies and minds, as we are no more removed from the world than a raindrop is from the ocean from whence it came. This philosophy is infused in everything we do.

Adam Cappuccino R.TCM.P., MATCM, B.Sc (Ag.env.sc)

Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

In good standing with the College of Complimentary Health Professionals of BC; 2014-Present

Master's of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
4 year program. Graduated with honours, with experience as Teaching Assistant, private and group tutor, Herbal Lab Technician. Yo San University, Los Angeles; 2009-2013

Bachelor's of Science - Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

Botany, Minor in Environmental Ecology.
McGill University, Montreal; 2006-2009

Clinical Experience

Adam's clinical experience began on Salt Spring by providing house calls for his patients. In May of 2015, Adam co-founded Salt Spring's first Community Acupuncture clinic. Adam founded KokoroCare in 2019 to continue his goal; providing effective and affordable natural healing solutions to his community. While this office has since closed and KokoroCare has still not found itself a Kokoro(There), he continues to offer community acupuncture in the Fulford Valley.

Island Life

After completing a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine program from Yo San University in Los Angeles, Adam moved to Salt Spring. When Adam is not treating patients, you'll likely find him tending his garden, growing food, or speaking passionately and rapidly about health & wellness. He also finds refuge and solace in simply contemplating the beautiful interconnectedness of all things in this universe.

Adam is also a co-chair for the Salt Spring Health Advancement Network (SSHAN) a collective of engaged islanders working towards improving the status of healthcare for the community.

The Four Paramount Pillars of Wholistic Health

Physical Activity

Adequate and appropriate, challenging and invigorating, be it from structured rigorous exercise routines, or due to a revivalist homemaking lifestyle, we all need and thrive with he right amount of movement. For more Yang action, combine activity with being outdoors, in fresh air, moderate sunlight, and good company. Your muscles, tendons, and bones rely on movement to assist the heart and lungs in doing their job.

Sleep and Restfullness

In opposition to our movements, we need depth and quality to our sleep and times of rest. The science of sleep is emerging, the importance of this time on our hormones and nerves is under appreciated in our Summer-loving, thrill-seeking society. Try to rise and set with our sun, avoid excessive blue lights at night, screen time before bed, and rushing around behaviours in general.

Mental and Emotional Health

Much can be said on the topic of modern mental health. An epidemic of our era, or a symptom of a greater disharmony? The Mind may still be the greatest frontier, but we need not pretend we lack tools to navigate this terrain.

Meditation doesn't have to be a static event. A meditative mind can be found in the painter, the runner, or during prayer. The roads leading there are infinite, but the goal is the same; a parasympathetic dominant, harmonious, human experience of peace and clarity.

Nourishment and Nutrition

Perhaps the most vital of all the pillars, or at least the most confusing and complex, is our relationship with food. We need to understand we eat not only for our mammalian selves, but also for the microbiota than inhabit every inch of our surface, inside and out.

What we should eat depends on where we are in the world and the season, and to also match that with whatever season of your life that you are living in. We partake of the World when we eat, it can bring us harmony or ruin.

Try to eat a wide range of fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits, unprocessed, whole, ideally organic, better if local, and best if grown yourself! Choose the highest quality animal products if you do consume them, and plenty of whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lentils regardless. Supplement only what you can't otherwise get from diet.

Remember to chew your food, your stomach doesn't have teeth. Don't drink too many fluids during your meals, don't over-consume raw, cold, greasy, fried, or frozen foods, and leave sufficient time in between meals for your stomach to empty. Always eat in a calm manner and environment, and try to walk 1000 steps after every meal. Do not underestimate these simple steps at promoting regularity and improving general digestive health!

Acupuncture Related Info Pre-Treatment

Arrival

Comfort & Attire

Hygiene

Please plan to arrive to you treatment 5-15 minutes prior to its scheduled time. Take some deep breaths, hydrate, use the washroom, and prepare your body and mind for change.

These steps are not essential, but they will allow for easier diagnosis and a more relaxing, fulfilling treatment.

If running late, do not rush and fret and stress your cardiovascular system, it makes reading your pulse inaccurate.

Hygiene

Comfort & Attire

Hygiene

Hand washing with warm water and soap for 20 seconds is an excellent way to reduce transmission of many contagious diseases.

Points are cleaned before inserting, but acupuncture is not a sterile process. The cleaner the patient is, the less chance of irritation or infection of needle sites.

Good hygiene makes treatments easier and safer.

Comfort & Attire

Wear comfortable and non-restrictive clothing for your treatment. Sheets, pillows, props and heat may be provided if appropriate to your condition.

Please wear a mask if you are suspicious of being ill, however I will probably still ask to see your tongue.

It's best to have eaten about an hour before your treatment and to be sufficiently hydrated.

Risk - Benefit

Comfort & Attire

Like any medical procedure acupuncture carries certain risks including pain during treatment, bruising, swelling, minor nerve damage, dizziness, and/or fainting.

More commonly, patients experience various sensations like aching and buzzing, tranquility and bliss, electric and energetic movement, distorted physical sensations of the body, etc.

Communication

Risk - Benefit

Communication

In order to ensure the best possible outcome, it is imperative that the patient clearly communicates with their practitioner.

If you know yourself to be sensitive, you feel the point strongly activate, or you are uncomfortable with what's happening, please let me know.

The more we work together, the easier the process gets for everyone.

After Care

Risk - Benefit

Communication

You may feel extremely tired after your first few treatments; this will subside and change as progress is made.

Avoid extremes in weather and surroundings for up to 1 hour after treatment.

Plan for rest and relaxation after your treatment. Eat well, avoid prolonged wet or cold exposure, and use the opportunity to implement other healthful practises.

Payment

The preferred method of payment is E-transfers, but cash or cheque are also accepted. Patents may opt to have a credit card on file in JaneApp. We do not bill private insurance, except MSP. We will gladly provide email receipts upon receiving payment for submission.

Cancellations Policy

Life happens. Cancellations are permitted on JaneApp up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time and can be completed online. After that time I reserve the right to charge for not showing up to your appointment without an email or an explanation.

If you are sick or have been in contact with someone who is contagious, please cancel online or via email, for everyone's health and safety. Appointments are subject to cancellation at my discretion if weather conditions are unsafe or my own health needs to be considered, and rebooked as soon as possible

Privacy of Information

Your medical history, all files created about you, and all personal information shared is protected under all applicable laws and regulations. I am required to retain all files, documents, and records relating to your treatments, but you may have access to them if requested.