Acupuncture + Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine in Vancouver
Rooted in centuries-old wisdom, Traditional Chinese Medicine restores balance within the body to ease symptoms, prevent illness and support long-term wellness. At our Gastown clinic, our experienced practitioners offer personalized, holistic care - acupuncture, herbal medicine and more, in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
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A whole-body medicine
What Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Can Help With
Acupuncture does far more than support fertility. By calming the nervous system, easing pain and helping the body regulate itself, it can support a wide range of concerns — whether you’re working through a specific issue or simply want to feel more balanced:
- Pain & injuries — back, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, arthritis, sports and repetitive-strain injuries, and jaw pain (TMJ)
- Stress & mental health — stress, anxiety, low mood, burnout and emotional well-being
- Sleep — insomnia and restless, poor-quality sleep
- Headaches — tension headaches and migraines
- Hormones & menstrual health — irregular or painful periods, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, perimenopause and menopause
- Fertility, pregnancy & postpartum — preconception and IVF/IUI support, pregnancy discomforts, labour preparation and postpartum recovery
- Digestion — bloating, IBS, reflux and general gut health
- Immunity & respiratory — frequent colds, seasonal allergies and sinus congestion
- Concussion recovery — lingering post-concussion symptoms
- Skin & cosmetic — cosmetic facial acupuncture, acne and a healthy glow
- Energy & whole-body wellness — fatigue, low energy and preventative, maintenance care
Not sure whether acupuncture can help with what you’re experiencing? Reach out, we’re always happy to talk it through.
Personalized treatment plans for every stage
Fertility Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a powerful, natural way to support fertility by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms. Using hair-thin needles at precise points, it can help balance hormones, regulate cycles and improve overall reproductive health. We offer fertility-focused care for every stage of your journey:
- Birth preparation: two treatments per week from 36 weeks until delivery to support labour readiness.
- IVF support: weekly treatments starting at least three months before stimulation; two per week during stimulation; then weekly until 12 weeks pregnant.
- Embryo transfer: sessions immediately before and after transfer to support implantation.
- General fertility support: an initial consultation followed by two weekly sessions, then an individualized plan tailored to your needs.
Enhance healing with electrical stimulation
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is a modern enhancement of Traditional Chinese Medicine that pairs acupuncture with gentle electrical stimulation. By applying low-level currents to the needles, it helps amplify the body’s natural energy flow (Qi) for deeper healing. At our Gastown clinic we use it to:
- Alleviate chronic and acute pain
- Support labour preparation and a smoother birth experience
- Aid stroke recovery and rehabilitation
- Boost circulation and reduce inflammation
- Enhance overall wellness and vitality
This safe, non-invasive therapy is ideal for anyone seeking a more targeted approach — your practitioner can integrate it into your personalized treatment plan.
Convenient, potent and easy to take
Chinese Herbal Medicine
We provide custom Chinese herbal formulas in a highly absorbable powdered form, designed to be mixed with warm water and taken as a soothing tea. Each blend is tailored by your practitioner to your specific concerns. Whether you’re supporting fertility, balancing hormones, improving digestion or strengthening immunity.
Our high-quality herbal powders offer a convenient, effective and natural way to restore balance and promote long-term wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few things people often ask before their first visit.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people are surprised by how gentle it feels. The needles are hair-thin — far finer than the needles used for injections — and many patients feel little more than a light tingle or a dull, heavy sensation at the point. Most find the treatment deeply relaxing, and it’s common to drift off during a session.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on your concern. Acute issues may resolve in a few sessions, while chronic conditions or fertility support are usually addressed over a longer series of weekly visits. After your initial consultation, your practitioner will recommend a personalized plan and adjust it as you progress.
What happens during my first visit?
Your first appointment begins with a thorough health history and an assessment that may include looking at your tongue and taking your pulse — both traditional diagnostic tools. Your practitioner then creates a treatment tailored to you, which typically includes acupuncture and may incorporate herbs, cupping or electro-acupuncture.
How should I prepare, and what should I do afterward?
Have a light meal beforehand so you’re not treated on an empty stomach, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Afterward, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day, and give yourself space to rest — many people feel calm and a little sleepy after a treatment.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Yes — treatment by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) is covered by many extended health plans, and we offer direct billing to many insurance companies. Coverage and direct-billing eligibility vary by provider, so we recommend checking with us to confirm we can bill your specific plan directly. Either way, we’ll always provide a receipt you can submit yourself.
Can acupuncture help with fertility and pregnancy?
Yes. Acupuncture is widely used to support reproductive health, IVF cycles, pregnancy and birth preparation, and several of our practitioners have advanced training in fertility care. Your practitioner will design a plan around where you are in your journey.