BodaHealth

BodaHealth is a recently opened Vancouver health and well-being clinic.

“Our practice is based on the fundamentals of traditional Chinese medicine,” explains office manager Maja Mudri-Boughton. “The idea is to examine each patient’s lifestyle and how their body functions as a whole to treat internal imbalances and identify the underlying causes of disease, not just treat the symptoms.”

The new clinic is run by a staff of five, including Dr. Jeda Boughton, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Registered Herbologist and Registered Acupuncturist. She works with Jill Chrysler, a registered Massage Therapist; Ivan Duben, a Structural Integrator; and Christopher Turpin, a Registered Acupuncturist.

BodaHealth specializes in several traditional Eastern medical practices including acupuncture, which treats disease by inserting small needles at specific points on the body. It has been used successfully for centuries to treat internal medical issues including strokes and paralysis, infertility, skin diseases, insomnia, heart disease, fatigue and digestive dysfunction. Acupuncture also treats musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain, headaches, pregnancy-related complications, stress, allergies, colds, depression, anxiety and addictions.

The clinic also offers some lesser known therapies, such as Hellerwork, a mind-body technique that involves soft tissue manipulation, posture alignment and addresses emotions that lock muscles. It is typically used to treat poor posture, muscle pain, stress-related conditions, and sports injuries.

BodaHealth practitioners also treat patients using Tui Na, a vigorous form of Chinese massage that uses rhythmic compression and the manipulation of joints. One of Tui Na's advantages over simple massage is its ability to focus on specific problems, especially chronic pain associated with the muscles, joints, and skeletal system.

Starting up a new business is a difficult and stressful endeavour. The BodaHealth team found a location in the Broadway area of Vancouver last spring and began setting up their clinic. The initial few months before opening were hectic with preparations, such as buying supplies and furniture, and turning the space into a comfortable clinic.

Adding to the stress, they were having difficulties with the clinic’s phone service.

“We had problems with everything,” says Maja. “Our phone number didn’t work and then because we were busy running around the city getting supplies we used a call forwarding system but for some reason we weren’t getting the calls at the forwarded number. Then the answering machine didn’t work properly so we were missing messages from potential clients.  We couldn’t afford this as a new company. Every time we lost a call, we lost business.”

The team had enough to worry about without the additional hassle of dealing with these phone issues, so Maja began searching online to find out about other telecommunications providers in the Vancouver area. She discovered the Allstream Small Business website and was impressed with what she read.

As a new business, BodaHealth was looking for a reliable phone company that could offer an affordable price. But as a small start-up they didn’t need a large package of services -- which is often required to negotiate a more competitive price point.

Maja liked the fact that Allstream Small Business’ bundle system is tailored to fit the requirements of smaller companies and their budgets.

“Our needs are pretty basic,” explains Maja. “We require just two phone lines. With some of the other providers we would have to buy services that we wouldn’t use. There isn’t much of a cost savings in that. We researched all the options and Allstream Small Business offered the best package so we switched over.”

BodaHealth chose a Phone 500 bundle that is specifically geared to start-up and smaller businesses. It includes two phone lines, two calling features of their choice, and 500 U.S. and Canadian long distance minutes.        

“The price is really good and the combination of services is exactly what we need,” says Maja. “The long distance package is also a great part of the package.”

Since BodaHealth is just developing its client base, another advantage of using Allstream Small Business is that the company did not have to change its phone number when switching over.  As well, there is no long-term contract to sign. And, as the clinic grows, they can upgrade their package by adding on individual phone, fax and Internet features, or move up to a bigger bundle.

Allstream Small Business also believes that companies shouldn’t have to waste their valuable time waiting for someone to deal with any service issues, so a qualified customer support team is available 24-7 to answer any questions and address concerns.

“The set-up of the service went smoothly and when we had a few initial bumps, we got help right away and the problem was resolved,” says Maja.

BodaHealth opened its doors this past July and is already serving a wide variety of clients, including patients with gynecological issues, severe back and neck pain, headaches, and those seeking better overall health.

And with a reliable phone service, Maja no longer has to stress about missing calls from clientele.

“Having a phone system from Allstream Small Business isn’t just saving us money, it is also preventing hassles,” she says. “That is just as valuable.”