andrea penagos

R.TCM.P.

A black and beige decorative swirl pattern resembling a stylized whirlpool or circular floral design.

I’m Andrea Penagos, a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P.) based in Victoria, BC with over 10 years of experience helping patients live their best, most vibrant lives.

My work centres on pain relief, fertility, menstrual health, stress management, and emotional regulation. I also offers cosmetic acupuncture and spa facials for glowy, radiant skin.

My practice is rooted in the belief that the body innately knows how to heal itself and can be supported through traditional modalities like acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, energy work, and self-care strategy.

Outside of the clinic, I enjoy walks along the Gorge with my rescue pup Archer, strength training, meditation, cooking, gardening, and exploring the great outdoors.

I offer bilingual services in Spanish upon request. Se habla español.

    • Diploma of Phytotherapy (Summa Cum Laude), Pacific Rim College, Victoria, British Columbia (2022)

    • Master's in Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yo San University, Los Angeles (2015)

    • ​Bachelors in International Relations (Cum Laude), Univeristy of Southern California, Los Angeles (2009)

    • Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA), 2023

    • Licensed Acupuncturist, California Acupuncture Board, 2015

    • Integrative Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Mentorship with Dr. Laura Erlich

    • Integrative Approach for Common Fertility and Reproductive Disorders with Dr. Laura Erlich

    • Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and the Art of TCM Integration with Dr. Laura Erlich

    • Acupressure and Acupuncture for Perinatal Care with Claudia Citkovitz

    • Conscious Postpartum: Assisting the Transition to Motherhood with Dr. Laura Erlich

    • Menopause & The 8 Extras with Dr. Laura Erlich & Yvonne Farrell

    • Acupuncture Spa Facial Protocols with Sasha Ormiston

    • Acuregen Advanced Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture Core 1 & 2 with Amanda Shayle

    • Psycho-Emotional Disorders and The Eight Extraordinary Vessels with Yvonne Farrell

    • The Disease of Our Time: Emotional Disorders with Heiner Fruehauf

    • Alchemical Acupuncture Mentorship with Lorie Eve Dechar

    • TCM Herbal Dermatology Course with Mazin Al-Khafaji

Get to know me

astro

  • Sun, Moon, Rising, and Venus Signs:
    I’m a Cancer Sun, Pisces Moon, and Virgo Rising associated with the archetypes of the Nurturer, the Mystic, and the Healer, respectively. Venus in Cancer adds the qualities of softness and care to my personality.

  • Zodiac Bestie:
    The zodiac sign I vibe with most is Taurus. Ruled by Venus, Taurus loves good food, comfort, and quality experiences. Cancers and Tauruses make epic besties.

  • Favourite Element:
    As a Cancer Sun, Pisces Moon, I feel most at home in the element of Water. My favourite moments always include the ocean, a river, a lake, or a spa. Little known fact: I was a synchronized swimmer as a child and a competitive swimmer in high school.

Authenticity and Values

  • Ideal Day:

    An early morning workout, a walk on the Gorge with my dog (coffee in hand), a morning shift with patients, the afternoon at HAVN spa, and dinner with friends.

  • Dream Vacation:

    Living my best mermaid life on the Mediterranean in Southern Spain or a Grecian island with great food and sea-side accommodations.

  • Highest Values:
    Fulfillment, Wellness, Beauty, Leisure, Community

  • Where I See Myself in 5 Years:

    I see myself healthy, strong, fulfilled, and continuing to help patients feel their best!

Wellness and Self-Care

  • Favourite Self-Care Habit:
    The self-care habit I can’t live without is batch cooking because it ensures I eat healthy meals all week and it saves me so much time.

  • Best Self-Care Expenditure:
    The monthly self-care expenditure I never regret is my gym membership because it ensures that I train 3-4x/week and maintain and strong, capable body.

  • Healing Superpower:
    My healing superpower is investigating the deeper layers of what is arising in the body. I often ask myself (and patients), “What is this symptom trying to tell you?”

  • Best Way to Unwind:
    My favourite way to unwind is an Epsom salt bath with a guided audio meditation playing, a cup of herbal tea, and a face mask.

Pop culture

  • Music I’m Listening to:

    Rosalía, Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, Feist, Florence + the Machine

  • Favourite Movies:

    Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated, Dan in Real Life, Amelie

  • Favourite Shows:

    Heated Rivalry, Bridgerton, Big Little Lies, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, The Diplomat

  • Favourite Books:

    Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, A House of My Own by Sandra Cisneros, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Gift by Hafiz (translated by Daniel Ladinsky), The Prophet by Khalil Gibran, Women Who Run with Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola-Estes

crafting serene, intentional experiences to enhance your wellness journey

Person receiving acupuncture treatment on thigh from healthcare professional.
Arrangement of supplement bottles and a small bowl of dried herbs on a wooden surface with a dried flower arrangement in the background

Acupuncture

Herbal medicine

energy work

cupping

Take the first steps