Episode 13: Angel Reyes-Giacalone

D. Angel Reyes-Giacalone is a well-reputed and respected acupuncturist from Cape Breton whose business, Halifax Acupuncture and Holistic Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

She is a successful business owner, educator, acupuncturist, yoga Instructor and lifelong learner. Angel is also the founder and event coordinator of the Halifax Body, Mind & Spirit Expo. An entrepreneur at heart and enjoys holding space for up and coming start up businesses at this long-running expo.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, dating back to at least 100 BC. It is a complementary medical practice that stimulates acupressure points on the body. It is recognized as an effective treatment by the World Health Organization.

Acupuncture alleviates pain and helps treat various physical and mental health conditions like anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, migraines, insomnia, depression, tinnitus, addictions, fertility, sciatica, nausea, sinus issues, among many other issues people living with disability and chronic illness face.

Angel’s warm yet no-nonsense approach was very much appreciated. As someone whose parent was failed by the healthcare system for years, she was motivated to help others experiencing pain and disability through acupuncture and allyship. Listen along for a lively East Coast island women’s conversation about wellness leadership and Disability community allyship.

“There are several things that brought me to this line of work, but I have to say that my mother, who lived with disabilities and had a lot of health issues, really I think from an early age got me thinking about how I could help people feel better.

And I witnessed firsthand how the healthcare system failed her. And so I think it made me curious about what could help her and what could help people like her. And so that path led me to acupuncture.

It sounds kind of strange to enjoy sticking needle in people, but I really do enjoy it so much – mainly because there’s this energy that is all around us that is accessible to all of us and can help us at any given time.
And acupuncture is just one way that can help unlock that mystery, that healing energy all around us.”
Angel Reyes-Giacalone

About this Episode

Episode Title: Wellness & Allyship with Angel Reyes-Giacalone (S1E13)

Episode Summary: In this episode of Finding Avalon, Jenna Barnable interviews Angel Reyes-Giacalone, a registered acupuncturist and ally to the disability community. They discuss Angel’s personal journey as a daughter of a disabled mother and wellness practitioner, the importance of listening to patients, the impact of ableism, and the need for anti-ableism in healthcare.

The conversation highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, the significance of allyship, and the necessity for compassion and understanding in the healthcare system. Angel shares her experiences advocating for accessibility and the importance of creating a more inclusive society for all.

Takeaways

Angel is an experienced acupuncturist whose mother lived with disabilities.
Angel’s passion for healing stems from witnessing her mother’s experiences with disability and ableism (disability discrimination).
Listening to patients is crucial for effective healthcare.
Ableism is a form of discrimination against people with disabilities.
Anti-ableism requires active efforts to challenge biases and dismantle oppression.
The disability community is the largest minority group globally.
Compassion and resilience are vital in the face of adversity.
Allyship involves advocating for the needs of disabled individuals.
Misconceptions about disability often stem from ignorance.
“Don’t be afraid to call out bullshit,” Angel encourages.
Speaking to disabled people in condescending, infantilizing ways is unacceptable.
Disbelieving and interrogating disabled people is the height of ableism.
Dynamic disabilities can change from day to day or hour to hour.
Sensitivity training is essential for healthcare professionals.
Disabled people’s dignity and human rights need to be considered in every interaction.
Angel organizes and presents a popular Body, Mind and Spirit Expo with 100+ exhibitors.
The 15^th annual Expo will be held September 21, 2025 at 111 Drysdale Road, Halifax, NS.

Listen to Episode 13 here

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Bonus Footage: Adrenaline Adventure to Raise Funds for Disability Inclusion Charity

On August 12, 2025, Angel joined the Easter Seals Drop Zone fundraiser, in honour of her beloved late mother and in support of of Nova Scotia’s Disability community. She, along with other community members, rappelled down Halifax’s tallest office building to support Easter Seal’s barrier-free programs that promote mobility, inclusion, and independence.