Acupuncture & TCM
Big healing from tiny needles.
Acupuncture (
Zhēn Jiǔ)
Acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile, single-use needles into acupuncture points along the body. Using diagnostic theories from Traditional Chinese medicine, your current state of health will be assessed through inquiry, observing your tongue, pulse, complexion, posture and more. A diagnosis will be formed using the framework of Traditional Chinese medicine, then specific correlating points are selected and needled to help create physiological changes and illicit a healing response.
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can help treat and ease the symptoms of a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. The WHO recommends acupuncture for over 100 conditions, including but not limited to:
• Infertility
• Menstrual disorders
• Chronic fatigue
• Seasonal allergies
• Radiation and chemotherapy side effects
• Addiction recovery
• Pregnancy Related Conditions
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Headaches and migraines
• Pain – back pain, neck pain, menstrual pain, dental pain, sciatica, cancer related pain etc.
• Mental emotional illness – anxiety, depression
• Digestive conditions – constipation, diarrhea, IBS, IBD, Gastritis
• Sleep problems
• Paralysis
• Concussions
• Stroke
• TMJ
• Arthritis
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Scraping (Guā Shā)
Guā Shā is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice in which a hard tool is scraped along the skin, producing 'shā' - or light bruising. Guā shā is used to help with blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, increase mobility, and break down scar tissue.
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Cupping (Bá Guàn)
Cupping involves suctioning glass, silicone or plastic cups on to the skin. Often described as a 'reverse massage', cupping helps relieve muscular tension, release fascial adhesions, and helps rehydrate and nourish tissues with fresh blood and oxygen. A deep pulling sensation is felt in the tissues, which for many is relieving of pain and stress. Cupping often leaves 'Sha' or painless bruise-like marks which fade 2-3 days after treatment.
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Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiǔ)
Moxibustion is a heat therapy that involves burning the herb Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort) over acupuncture points or areas of the body. Moxibustion is used to help warm the organs, enhance digestive function, increase energy, and increase blood flow.
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Food Therapy (Shí Liáo)
Shí Liáo, or Traditional Chinese food therapy, identifies and applies the medicinal properties of various foods and eating habits as a way of preventing and curing illness. The foods we choose to eat, how they are prepared and paired, the time and seasons we eat certain foods, and our state of being while we eat all affect how well our food nourishes us. There isn't a 'perfect' diet that works for everyone, the food we eat should change according to our internal health and external environment.
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Community Acupuncture (Zhēn Jiǔ)
Modern research has shown that acupuncture works by stimulating a broad range of systems in our body. Acupuncture can stimulate our immune system, increasing blood cell count and activity. It can help reduce pain by releasing neurotransmitters in the body and deactivating areas in our brain which process pain. Acupuncture can help ease stress and tension, improve digestive symptoms, and lower blood pressure by regulating the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. It can assist with healing after an injury or accident by stimulating the body to deliver blood and nutrients to the injured area. Now offered community style.
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Massage (Tuī Ná)
Tuī Ná is a therapeutic form of massage that has been utilized for thousands of years in China for pain relief and to help treat injuries and illnesses. Various techniques are used to invigorate or calm the system depending on the clients needs, such as - gliding, kneading, rocking, pulling, pinching, friction, and rolling. Tuī Ná is commonly used to compliment acupuncture treatments to enhance blood flow and relax the nervous system.
Now accepting new Acupuncture and TCM clients.
Meet your practioner:
Tayler Schmitz, R.Ac
Tayler is a Registered Acupuncturist who graduated with honors from the award-winning Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. She is currently registered and in good standing with the College & Assn of Acupuncturists of Alberta.
Tayler is passionate about using Traditional Chinese methods to provide a supportive environment for her clients to relax, be heard, and optimize their health. With a gentle, holistic approach, Tayler primarily focuses her practice on gynecological health, mental and emotional wellbeing, digestive health, and complex pain conditions. She practices with honesty and clarity, providing insight and knowledge to empower her clients.
Tayler aims to assist her clients in creating more balanced, healthy lifestyles through mindful practices and Traditional Chinese nutritional advice. Tayler is knowledgeable and passionate about the importance of digestive health and nutrition, our food is one of the main building blocks for our health and well-being. Tayler looks to incorporate both Traditional Chinese knowledge about food therapy and modern western medical nutrition to create and sustain health for her clients.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for more than 3,000 years. Many treatment modalities are used within TCM including herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, massage (Tui Na), cupping, food therapy, scraping, and more. Treatments harness the body's natural healing abilities, restoring balance to the system while strengthening the body and increasing vitality.
Holism refers to treating the whole person, recognizing the interconnectedness of systems with in the body, taking into account our physical, emotional and mental state when treating illness. In Chinese Medicine there is the recognition that we are not separate from our surroundings or the natural world around us, there are many factors to dis-ease that often can't be simplified down to one system.
In Chinese Medicine, health is more than the absence of disease. Great importance is put on maintaining health and preventing dis-ease through adequate sleep, proper digestive function, meditation, supporting mental health, movement and exercise. Practicing various forms of self-cultivation creates a harmonious balance between mind and body.
The traditional term "yǎng shēng" - means "to nourish life" - and refers to the acts of self-cultivation that help one live in harmony and health. The most important practices are referred to as the "four limbs of a chair" as they have the greatest impact on our wellbeing, they include cultivating the mind and emotions, regulating diet, balance between activity and rest, and sleeping sufficiently. If all four limbs of the chair are strong, the chair is stable and supported. Bodywork, herbal medicine and acupuncture are all useful tools, but are thought to be secondary to the 'four limbs' in cultivating and maintaining health.
FAQs
Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes! Acupuncture is safe, and has minimal risks when performed by an adequately trained and registered professional. The needles used during an acupuncture session are high quality, sterile, and single-use, which are disposed of immediately after your session.
Are there any side effects to acupuncture?
There are a few mild side effects that are associated with acupuncture. Most commonly people report feeling an “acupuncture high” for a short period after their first treatment, this can include slight dizziness and light headedness due to the release of endorphins. Other side effects may include small bleeding, bruising and soreness at the sight of needle insertion.
What can I expect during my treatment?
During your first treatment, your acupuncturist will conduct an assessment and ask questions about your health information and history. A general physical examination will be performed, this will include taking your pulse and looking at your tongue for diagnostic information. Depending on the condition and area of the body being treated, you may be asked to remove clothing to access important acupuncture points. Following the assessment, a treatment plan will be created and discussed with you.
Can I receive acupuncture while pregnant?
Yes! Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can help relieve many pregnancy and postpartum conditions and symptoms. Because there are some acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy, it is important to inform the practitioner if you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant.
Does acupuncture hurt? What does it feel like?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the same thickness as a human hair! Most people only feel a very small amount of pain or a ‘pinch’ during the initial insertion of the needles. After that there shouldn’t be any discomfort caused by the needle, but the patient may feel a variety of other sensations. This can include electrical sensations, pressure or welling, feeling of warmth, or a dull achy feeling at the sight of the needle.
How often do I need acupuncture treatment?
The frequency of treatment needed varies and depends on the condition being treated, and the severity of it. Research shows that acupuncture treatments are cumulative, meaning that the effects build upon the last treatment. For this reason, it is usually recommended that patients initially book treatments closer together.
Your Acupuncturist will develop a treatment plan with you on your first appointment depending on your individual needs and availability.
How should I prepare for my treatment?
▪ Fill out your patient intake form ahead of time
▪ Wear loose, comfortable clothing if possible. This will allow for easier access to acupuncture points on the legs and arms
▪ Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol before your treatment
▪ Eat a light meal before acupuncture to assure you have appropriate nourishment for your treatment
▪ Schedule time after your appointment to rest and allow the effects of the treatment to settle
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Initial Acupuncture - 90mins
Full initial intake, patients history, and assessment. Followed by acupuncture treatment which may include fire cupping, moxibustion, massage, scraping and Chinese food therapy.
$120
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Return Acupuncture - 60mins
Reassessment of patients condition followed by acupuncture treatment which may include fire cupping, moxibustion, massage, scraping and Chinese food therapy.
$90
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Community Acupuncture - 45mins
Acupuncture is performed in a group setting; in a large open space, treating many people at once in the same room. Treatments are offered at a lower rate, increasing accessibility.
$35 - $45
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment, please reach out! Send Tayler a message using the form, or book a free 30 min consultation to see if acupuncture treatment is right for you.