Rooted Rose Community Acupuncture is a welcome addition to downtown Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Owner Bria Goodried opened the doors late last year. A few weeks ago, I met up with Bria at Rooted Rose to photograph the space and some of the newer services on offer, fire cupping and a handful of private sessions that can be combined with the community style appointments. The calm space gets lots of light, even in January, and I can’t wait to get back. I asked Bria a bit about how Rooted Rose came about, hope you enjoy reading more about Bria and Rooted Rose!
You can find Rooted Rose Community Acupuncture at rootedrose.ca and on Instagram at @rooted_rose_acupunk
Becca: How did you get interested in acupuncture?
Bria: My first introduction to acupuncture was from a sports injury. I separated my shoulder in the water while surfing in BC. Not fun! I wound up seeing an acupuncturist who started putting needles in my leg. I was like “what the hell? The problem is in my shoulder bud. What are you doing down there?” But I noticed as he was manipulating the needle in my leg, I could feel a release in my rotator cuff. That experience for sure sparked an interest.
Becca: Can you tell me about starting Rooted Rose?
Bria: While studying in BC, I had the opportunity to explore many different kinds of acupuncture models. But honestly the only kind of acupuncture I could really afford to commit to, was community style acupuncture. I love how this model makes acupuncture more accessible and I wanted to bring that back with me to Nova Scotia.
Becca: What is community acupuncture?
Bria: Community style acupuncture is a model which aims to lower the socio-economic barriers preventing people from accessing our services. Basically, we use comfy recliner chairs instead of treatment tables and multiple people are treated at the same time in an open communal setting, and because of this, we are able to provide more affordable rates. We offer a $30-50 sliding scale to everyone, and you choose what you can afford.
Becca: I loved watching you do the fire cupping! Can you explain the process to me and what you recommend it for? I've heard that it can be good for relieving tight muscles.
Bria: Fire cupping is one of the many modalities used in traditional Chinese medicine. Cupping involves suction with glass cups that are placed on the skin, usually in areas of pain. This pulls toxins and metabolites that are stagnant deep in muscle tissues to the surface. Cupping stimulates lymphatic flow, which is your body’s waste product eliminator – hence, it is very cleansing and purifying treatment. The result is improved blood and lymph circulation throughout the entire body. When there is improved circulation, there is less pain.
Becca: What do your clients come to you for help with?
Bria: Acupuncture has a wide range of benefits; it’s part of a whole system of medicine. In addition to muscular-skeletal injuries and chronic pain, we commonly work with uterine health, neurological conditions, digestive issues, stress, pregnancy, and much much more.
Becca: What do you like about being in Dartmouth?
Bria: Downtown Dartmouth is a really vibrant community with lots of character. There are some real gems in this town and everyone has been so welcoming. We are surrounded by great neighbours, public art and murals, beautiful parks, and a bunch of really kind folks. What’s not to love?!
Thanks Bria!
All photos, Becca Grady, 2022.