Eleven years ago today, I was deep into construction; building walls, running wires, and sanding floors, in preparation for our opening that fall.  Constructing a vision with a clear and singular purpose… wondering how it would all be received. This year, I’m taking the month of August to head back east for a long overdue visit with family and friends. Planning this trip has been a real struggle for me. As a business owner I often feel that somehow hemma is dependent on me, needs me to function.  At the same time I am well aware of how much bigger hemma is than one person, one vision. All of you — amazing staff, hardworking volunteers, dedicated teachers and acupuncturists, and each and every one of you who unrolls a yoga mat or kicks back in a lazy-boy recliner, share and support my vision of community, of caring for self and others, of sacred sanctuary. I am so deeply moved by this shared vision we all now hold together. Thank you for holding it all together while I take some needed time away for rest and fellowship. I look forward to seeing you all in September!

Michael

Acupuncture News!
The People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA) has been around for more than 10 years and has several hundred affiliated community clinics throughout North America.  Hemma was the 18th to join back in 2007.  Well now we’re headed for the big time, cause we’ve finally been discovered by Oprah!  Thank you Oprah, and thanks to all of you, who support hemma community acupuncture!

Remember, when your acupuncturist is away, it’s best if you continue your care. Acupuncture only works when you get it! And… it’s more important to get acupuncture than it is to get it from a specific person. Your body is doing the healing, we’re just the facilitators.  Please note that for the month of August, we are having 2 less acupuncture shifts per week. The clinic will be open 1-5pm on Sundays and 9am-2pm on Tuesdays. Michael is taking some much needed time away to visit family and friends back east.

The Moss Street Paint-In is one of our favourite days around here. As thousands of people wander by, admiring the art festival that runs the full length of Moss Street (11am-4pm), many people also wander in to Hemma to say hello. We LOVE this! To coincide with this community fun, we have an OPEN HOUSE on that day. On July 21st, we invite you stop by Hemma for prizes, sales, high fives and hugs, in addition to our regular Saturday schedule!

Now is the time to stock up on your favourite 5 treatments for $85 acupunch cards or plan the rest of your summer yoga routine with 5 classes for $55 (on sale July 20th-23rd, in person, over the phone, or online!).

We will also have unique prizes and sales (up to 40% off), and FREE outdoor acupuncture from 11am-4pm! Donations will be accepted and all proceeds given to the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre, a feminist organization committed to ending sexualized violence through healing, education, and prevention.

Come and say hello on July 21st – we look forward to seeing you! Please note Moss St will be closed from 10am-6pm at least, and parking may be tricky to find, so please plan to walk or bike to hemma, and allow yourself plenty of time to arrive for your treatment or yoga class!