come as you are,
share your story,
ease your body and mind
Sarah Tobin Acupuncture serves the West Coast communities of Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet. Specializing in pain management, fertility and nervous system care, Sarah is registered with CTCMA and trained in a variety of traditional Chinese medicine modalities, including cupping and lifestyle/nutrition.
Welcome, I’m Sarah
I’m a registered acupuncturist graduating from Pacific Rim College on Vancouver Island.
Originally from Newfoundland, I’ve called the West Coast home for the past decade. I was drawn here by a sense of adventure and the desire to explore new possibilities. My introduction to acupuncture began in my teens while recovering from a back injury during Canada Games training , this experience sparked my curiosity about Eastern medicine and philosophies. Years of travelling gave me an appreciation for holistic healthcare and broadened my approach to supporting people.
In my clinical practice, I offers trauma-informed care with a focus on pain management, emotional wellbeing, pre and post natal care, and gynaecological support. Alongside acupuncture, I integrate Tui Na (Chinese massage), cupping therapy, acupressure, and moxibustion. I also provide needle-free appointments as an option for people who prefer a supportive treatment without the use of needles. My treatments are gentle, intentional, and tailored to support individuals on their journey.
Outside the clinic, I’m an outdoor enthusiast. I’m often found by the ocean or wandering through the forest. Nature is my greatest inspiration and teacher, shaping the way I move through the world.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
“Health is seen as the body’s ability to maintain harmony and adapt to change”
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of care rooted in both philosophy and hands-on, time-tested practice. TCM developed through centuries of observing relationships in nature and how systems influence, support, and regulate each other.
Each treatment considers both:
Branch (biao) ~ current symptoms | what’s showing up
Root (ben) ~ underlying patterns | why it’s showing up
TCM includes a range of therapies like acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, shi liao, moxibustion, and tui na. Each modality works in different ways to support the body’s natural balance and healing. Not all treatments involve needles! There are many effective, needle-free options depending on your comfort and needs.
This approach can support a wide range of concerns, including perinatal care, menstrual and hormonal health, pain management, stress and anxiety, sports injuries and muscle tension, digestive issues, and PTSD or trauma recovery. It’s a flexible, whole-body approach that meets you where you’re at.
Come as you are.
credentials
Diploma of Acupuncture - Pacific Rim College | Victoria, BC
Registered Acupuncturist - CCHPBC
Certified Yoga Teacher - Yoga Alliance | Adi Yogpeeth | Rishikesh, India
Reiki lvl 2 | Kat Wheeler | Bali, Indonesia
Trauma Informed Practice | Justice Institute of BC
Acusculpting | Illya Boreson | Victoria, BC
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture | Dr. Martha Lucas | Victoria, BC
NADA (National Acupuncture Detox Association) | Ted Van Hamert | Victoria, BC
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body to support circulation and ease tension. This gentle stimulation helps move blood and fluids through the tissues, clearing built-up waste and bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to areas that need attention. This can support the body’s innate ability to heal, regulate, and restore balance
Gua Sha
This technique is used by gently scraping the skin with a tool to promote circulation and release tension in the muscles and fascia. helping to bring stagnant blood to the surface, encouraging movement and supporting areas that feel tight, sore, or stuck.
Cupping
Cupping is a therapy that uses glass or silicone cups to gently lift the skin and tissues. This helps to release tight areas and improve circulation. It can break up stubborn tension and lingering injuries, bringing fresh blood flow to areas that feel stuck or slow to recover.
Tui Na
Tui na is traditional Chinese massage. Using rhythmic pressure, and hands on movement to work through the muscles, joints, and meridians of the body. It can be both gentle and dynamic, helping to release tension, improve circulation, and restore mobility. Often described as a blend of massage and targeted bodywork, tui na is supportive for pain relief, recovery, and overall balance
Shi Liao | Lifestyle and Nutrition
Shi Liao is the practice of using food and daily habits as medicine. This might look like simple suggestions to support your body between sessions. Nutrition and lifestyle looks different for everyone, having a chat about what could work for you can be as straight forward as eating warmed, easy to digesting foods to wearing wool socks at home. Simple, yet very affective.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a warming therapy involving the dried herb, mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). The heat penetrates deeply to improve circulation, relax tight muscles, and support the body’s natural healing response. It can be nourishing for conditions that feel cold or stagnant, and is often used to support menstruating bodies by helping ease discomfort by restoring warmth and flow.
