Katherine Smyth, R.Ac
Kat is a licensed acupuncturist with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA), a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, holds a Bachelor of Science in Osteopathy, a diploma in counselling, and is a certified personal trainer.
Professional Background:
Early Interest and Experience:
- Growing up in Toronto, Kat’s passion for health and helping others started at a young age. During high school, she taught first aid to children ages 6-12 for five years. In college, she worked in a nursing home, assisting families in providing extra care to their loved ones. Kat graduated from Durham College in 2004 with a diploma in Counselling.
Advanced Education and Move to Vancouver:
- After her initial education, Kat moved to Vancouver and pursued further studies in health science at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in 2006. She then undertook an intensive five-year program in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific College of Holistic Medicine, graduating in 2011 with a Diploma of Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2013, she became a licensed acupuncturist with the CTCMA of British Columbia.
Continual Learning:
- Committed to lifelong learning, Kat graduated in June 2017 from the National University of Medical Science with a Bachelor of Science in Osteopathy. This training included modalities such as Myofascial release, mobilization techniques, muscle energy techniques, cranial osteopathy, sacral therapy, and visceral manipulation.
Personal Training Experience:
- Kat has over 13 years of experience as a personal trainer, starting her career in the health and fitness industry in 2003. She has trained with top athletes, coaches, and trainers in Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler, specializing in postural, corrective, functional, and mobility exercises. Kat has also extensively studied yoga and completed her yoga teacher training in Tibetan Heart Yoga in 2006.
Therapeutic Practices:
- Kat employs a variety of therapies in her practice, including:
Acupuncture
Cupping
Gua Sha
Tui Na (Chinese Massage)
Myofascial Release
Mobilization Techniques
Muscle Energy Techniques
Cranial Osteopathy
Sacral Therapy
Visceral Manipulation
Functional Corrective Exercise
Stretching and Mobility Movements
MicroNeedling
Yoga and Meditation
Specializations:
- Kat specializes in several areas, including:
Sports Medicine and Performance
Pain Management and Injury Prevention
Orthopedics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Infertility
Chronic Disease and Immune Disorders
Headaches and Migraines
Hormonal Balancing
Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Management
Kat also treats various other conditions.
Philosophy
- “Balance is not something you find; it’s something you create.”