ALYSON CHESSON, R.AC, TCMD
Alyson’s introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) came soon after her diagnosis of endometriosis. With a grim prognosis, she chose to investigate other options to help in overcoming this illness. Her path led her to many alternative modalities, including TCM, which, to her surprise, resulted in a full recovery through the use of herbs and acupuncture.
It was a profound experience that challenged Alyson’s traditional views of health and healthcare. So much so, that she soon became both advocate and practitioner of TCM, graduating from the Alberta College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2009. “It has been a pleasure learning to speak the subtle language of the body. To see and understand things that seem so obvious now.”
Alyson is delighted to be able to share the wisdom from her experiences and help treat women’s health issues from puberty to menopause. She has had success working on gynecological issues such as fertility, pre/post-natal treatment, labor preparation, menopause, PCOS, endometriosis, and prolapse. Her clients describe her treatments as gentle, supportive, and effective.
Alyson has continued to educate herself in the various facets of Chinese medicine through courses and self-study, and is particularly drawn to the ever-expanding connection of physical health, to emotional and spiritual health. Without exception, she endeavors to find the root of each problem – anywhere from mental issues such as anxiety, poor memory, and ADD, to physical disorders like insomnia, IBS, and arthritis – to help relieve and resolve symptoms and their origins.
Outside of her practice, Alyson can often be found spending time with her husband and young family. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, eating, and the arts, and takes every opportunity to share in these activities with friends and family alike.
MARIKO SHIGEMI, R.AC, TCMD
Having explored meditation, Tai Qi, and karate at a young age, Mariko glimpsed a rythymn and wisdom inherant in the human body, and at times was able sense imbalances, in herself, others and the world around her. After graduating from music school, she delved deeper into her exploration of healing in all its forms, both for herself and the special needs adults in her care.
Living with varying challenges the adults Mariko cared for were some of the happiest people she knew and are among some of her greatest teachers. She began to see the varying ways imbalances and illness manifested in herself and others and encountered the limited ways in which they were being treated. These experiences fueled her desire to find an “another way”, a way that accounted for the unique needs of the individual, while addressing and treating the imbalances and dis-eases presenting. She longed to learn more about the intricacies and complexities of the human body, mind and spirit complex, so gravitated naturally to Acupuncture. Rooted in Taoist principles of balance, consciousness, presence and harmony; Acupuncture can assist us in promoting the bodies natural ability to heal and can be a catalyst for self-discovery, personal expansion, and well-being.
Over the years, Mariko has had the opportunity to sit with people of all ages, stages and walks of life. She has a particular passion for pediatrics and has treated many infants, children, and adolescents, each with a unique set of challenges, gifts, and abilities. In this ever-changing and fast-paced world, an integrative acupuncture session can provide our children the opportunity to breathe and disconnect from the constant influx of daily living while reconnecting to themselves and their bodies. She hopes to nurture and honor the unique gifts of each individual so they may grow in harmony at all levels of their being. Integrative acupuncture sessions may include: Acupuncture, Primitive Reflex Integration, sound therapy, energy and body work.
In keeping with her love of music and in concert with her intuitive self Mariko offers private sound therapy and energy sessions. Using light, color, touch and sound Mariko "speaks” to the subtle energy bodies, by-passing the language centers of the brain, allowing us deep access to the creative centers of our being. These sessions can support subtle yet profound shifts in alignment, perspective and well-being.
When Mariko is away from her practice, she can be found spending time with her “boys”. She is the mother of two wonderful boys and partner to a loving and supportive husband. She continues to explore energy medicine, consciousness and form through her yoga and meditation practice. Mariko is driven by a deep knowing that all beings have the opportunity to experience and grow in clarity, love, health, vitality, and joy.