Tessa Neilson
R.Ac. R.TCM.P
Acupuncture
Tessa Neilson is a Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner with over 10 years of clinical experience.
Her practice focuses on regulation of the nervous, hormonal, and musculoskeletal systems using acupuncture and classical Chinese medical diagnostics.
Tessa has advanced training in fertility and IVF support, pregnancy, postpartum care, and hormonal health, and works closely with patients undergoing assisted reproduction or navigating complex cycle concerns.
She also treats chronic pain, injury recovery, stress and burnout, sleep disturbance, and digestive dysfunction. Treatment plans are individualized and adjusted over time based on clinical response.
Your Journey Begins
Alcove Acupuncture was born from a deep passion for holistic, patient-centered wellness. Recognizing the need for compassionate and comprehensive care, I established a place where each treatment is tailored to your unique needs.
Why I Care
At Alcove Acupuncture, your well-being is my priority. I believe in a personalized approach, taking time to understand your unique needs and journey. Together, we'll work towards finding balance and harmony in your life.
Pain, Injury & Sports Medicine
Tessa spent several years practicing in Whistler, where she worked extensively with:
- Acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries
- Ski and snowboard-related trauma
- Overuse injuries and performance recovery
- Neck, back, and shoulder pain
This experience informs her current work in treating both acute and chronic pain conditions using acupuncture, cupping, and movement-informed treatment strategies.
Trauma-Informed & Nervous System Care
A core aspect of Tessa’s practice is nervous system regulation.
She incorporates a trauma-informed lens into treatment, recognizing the role of stress, overwhelm, and chronic activation in physical health conditions.
Care is designed to:
- Support parasympathetic activation
- Improve stress resilience
- Address burnout and emotional fatigue
- Create a grounded, safe clinical environment
This approach is especially relevant for patients navigating fertility, hormonal changes, chronic pain, and recovery.
Pregnancy, Postpartum & Doula-Informed Care
Tessa has advanced training in obstetric acupuncture and integrates her experience as a trained doula into her clinical approach.
She provides care across all stages:
- First trimester support (nausea, fatigue, anxiety)
- Second and third trimester musculoskeletal care
- Labour preparation and cervical ripening protocols
- Breech support and positioning techniques
- Postpartum recovery and nervous system regulation
Her approach is grounded in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern obstetric understanding, with a focus on supporting physiological birth, recovery, and maternal health.
Fertility, IVF & Hormonal Health
Tessa has advanced training in fertility acupuncture and reproductive health, with a clinical focus on:
- IVF and IUI cycle support
- Ovulatory dysfunction and irregular cycles
- Luteal phase insufficiency
- PCOS and endometriosis
- Egg quality and ovarian reserve support
She works closely with patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatments, aligning acupuncture timing with each phase of the menstrual cycle and medical protocols to optimize outcomes.
Her work extends into perimenopause and menopause care, supporting:
- Hormonal transitions
- Sleep disruption and night waking
- Mood changes and nervous system dysregulation
- Hot flashes and cycle irregularity
Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Therapy
Integrating modern clinical approaches with Traditional Chinese Medicine for system-wide regulation.
Advanced training in both Western and Traditional Chinese herbal medicine, with a clinical focus on the safe and effective use of herbal therapies for hormonal health, fertility, IVF support, and pregnancy care. At Alcove Acupuncture in Vancouver, treatments may include individualized herbal prescriptions and nutrition guidance, including TCM-based food therapy, to support hormone regulation, menstrual cycle health, and reproductive function.
