Community Love: A Tribute to Those Who Support and Uplift Our Communities - Dr. Samantha Jennings, DTCM, Registered Acupuncturist, herbalist, educator & sound healing practitioner

One of the things I love most about my work is being able to connect people with practitioners I genuinely trust and admire. This month, I'd love to introduce you to Dr. Samantha Jennings.

Samantha has been practicing Oriental Medicine for more than 40 years and is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Registered Acupuncturist, herbalist, educator, and sound healing practitioner. I'm continually inspired by both the depth of her knowledge and the generosity with which she shares it. She has a beautiful way of blending ancient wisdom with practical, compassionate care, and I always leave our sessions having learned something new.

What I especially appreciate about Samantha is that she treats the whole person. Her work integrates Classical Five Element Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine, acupressure, essential oils, and sound healing through tuning forks. She also teaches other practitioners, healthcare professionals, and yoga teachers, helping this wisdom continue to reach more people.

Some Wisdom from Samantha: A Simple Acupressure Point for Perimenopause

Perimenopause can bring a wide range of changes—hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, dry skin, increased thirst, mood changes, and irregular cycles, to name just a few. While every woman's experience is unique, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers gentle, holistic ways to support the body through this transition.

One of Samantha's favourite points for easing some of these symptoms is Spleen 6 (Three Yin Crossing). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this point is known for nourishing the body's cooling, restorative Yin energy while helping to calm the nervous system, support hormonal balance, and reduce excessive heat.

If you'd like to try it yourself, locate the point by placing four finger-widths above your inner ankle bone, just behind the shin bone. It may feel a little tender—that's completely normal.

Using gentle, steady pressure, hold the point for one to two minutes while breathing slowly and deeply. Many people notice a subtle pulsing sensation beneath their fingers, which reflects the movement of Qi (energy) and blood through the area. It's a simple self-care practice that can be calming, grounding, and supportive during times of change.

Please note: Spleen 6 should not be stimulated during pregnancy unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

As always, if your symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be wonderful complementary supports alongside your medical care.

I hope you enjoyed learning a little about Samantha and her work. I love sharing the practitioners who have inspired and enriched my own learning, and she's certainly one of them. If you're curious about acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine, I encourage you to explore what Samantha offers. Her warmth, wisdom, and decades of experience make her an incredible resource for anyone looking to support their health in a holistic way.

If you'd like to learn more about Samantha and her work, visit https://harboursidehealth.ca.