Get to know your Acupuncturist

Why I Became an Acupuncturist: My Origin Story by Jessica Waddell, R.Ac

One of the most common questions I get is: “What made you get into acupuncture?” So I thought I’d start my first blog post by sharing a bit of my own healing journey.

A Mysterious Back Injury

When I was 18, I suddenly developed debilitating back pain seemingly out of nowhere. Looking back, I realize it was likely due to a lack of core strength combined with poor form while working as a hospital housekeeper.

I saw doctor after doctor who all said the same thing: “You’re young, it’ll pass.” They gave me anti-inflammatory pills that did help, but only temporarily. I'd feel well enough to bike or walk to a friend’s house, but if I forgot the medication and it wore off, I’d be immobilized by pain. It was a cycle of masking symptoms without any lasting relief.

A Turning Point

Months passed with no answers. I started losing hope.

Then someone referred me to a physiotherapy clinic that had an acupuncturist. After just one treatment, I was brought to tears—not from the needles, but from the sheer relief. For the first time, something was actually working. I continued seeing her for a few weeks, and as my back stabilized, I knew I had found my calling.

A Journey Into Traditional Chinese Medicine

I enrolled in the four-year Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program at CITCM in Calgary, Alberta. As part of my training, I completed a clinical internship at the Mianyang Hospital of TCM in Sichuan, China. That experience opened my eyes to the beauty of East/West integration in healthcare and introduced me to the fiery magic of hua jiao (Sichuan peppercorn), which I still crave to this day.
My Practice Today

I began my professional career in 2020 and have been building my practice in Toronto ever since. In addition to acupuncture, I often incorporate cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and Wu’s Head Massage into my treatments. My goal is to help you feel more balanced, grounded, and energized after each session.

If you’re curious about acupuncture or want to explore a more holistic approach to your wellness, I’d love to help. Let’s work together to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals so you can put your best self forward.

Stay well,

Jessica Waddell, R.Ac