Amy Grapel

My journey began in 1997 while working on my BSc. in Exercise Sciences at Concordia University. I happened upon a course in Traditional Chinese Acupressure Massage Therapy and jumped in with both hands! I loved it, but wanting to finish my degree, I decided I could always “use it later.” After graduating university, I moved back to Nova Scotia and worked in fitness, sport, and recreation for several years as an outdoor education leader, personal trainer, fitness assessor, life guard and cruise ship staff. In 2002 I decided to “use it later” and continue my studies in Chinese massage (tuina), acupressure, traditional Chinese medicine, and ear acupuncture for detoxification. Then it was time to put all that studying and practice to work.

In September, 2004, I opened Amy’s Healing Touch (now Art of Healing Wellness Centre) and have never looked back… only forward, which is what led me to the Bowen Technique in 2006. This gentle, effective addition to my healing tool belt is still a marvel to me and to those clients who receive it. I continue to learn and grow with every treatment; working with the human body and spirit is truly amazing.

Yoga found me in 1999. I remember limping down the streets of Halifax, tight and sore from too much running, training and any other ‘go go go activity’ I could find, only to run into a sandwich board outside the YMCA with “Yoga class starting soon” on it. Phew, just what I needed – a good stretch! Little did I know that class was Ashtanga (power) Yoga, so not only did I get a good stretch, I used muscles of my body I didn’t even know I had, I breathed in ways I didn’t know existed, I sweated, and quite frankly couldn’t believe how wonderful it felt to lay down on the cool floor and relax… I mean completely relax, body and mind. So began my Yoga journey. My love for doing Yoga later led me to teach Yoga, obtaining my Yoga teacher training from The Yoga Educational Institute in 2007.

My interest in Chinese medicine continued to grow so in 2013 I decided to plunge right in and enrolled at the Canadian College of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is a holistic healing art, which will always have me learning and growing. Most importantly, I continue to love what I do.

My Training and Education

Continuing education is an important part of being a dedicated healthcare provider and yoga teacher. Although not listed here, I annually participate in continuing education courses to stay up to date and further my knowledge, abilities and skills in Acupuncture, Bowen and Yoga.