What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the longest existing continuous medical system practiced in the world, with well over 3000 years of history. TCM is a complete system of medicine with its own forms of diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and therapies. It views the body as an energetic system in dynamic balance with all aspects of the body working together as a whole.
TCM defines the physiological components of illness using the concepts qi (vital energy), xue (blood), jin-ye (body fluids), jing (essence), and shen (spirit), as well as 12 main organ systems with 365 main acupuncture points on pathways called Meridians.
Traditional Chinese medical diagnoses are made using described patterns of balance and imbalance within the 12 meridians, as well as often with Yin Yang theory and the 5 Element Theory.
TCM helps restore the body to a balanced state and works on an energetic level to affect all aspects of a person: mind, body and spirit. One of the beauties of TCM is that it can be used to correct imbalances that have become pain and illness, or even correct imbalances prior to the appearance of symptoms, thus preventing disease.
What is Functional Medicine?
Just like Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Functional medicine (FxMed) is holistic but Functional medicine is rooted in Western science. Both medical paradigms view the body as a complex interaction of all systems rather than only component parts acting on their own. They are grounded in finding root causes, not solely by treating symptoms. Neither requires the presence of disease in order to have an imbalance, just as patients can feel unwell while still presenting as “normal” in lab testing or medical evaluation. Prevention is the ultimate goal of both TCM and FxMed, but at least re-establishing balance is the key to improving health.
FxMed uses comprehensive Western medical analysis through lab tests which can detail food allergies and sensitivities, malabsorption issues, adrenal fatigue, hormone panels for men and women, thyroid function, digestive imbalances and autoimmune shifts. Basic blood work can be recommended by me to be done through your medical doctor or a pharmacist, but more complex functional tests can be done through me at AcuPlus. Based on the results of the tests, I am able to develop personalized treatment protocols designed to solve many health problems. Once a patient has undergone treatment for a period of time, sometimes it helps to have medical testing redone to evaluate progress and efficacy of the treatments.
I combine FM, when needed, with your TCM diagnosis to determine the exact nutrients, herbs and nutritional changes needed to re-establish balance and restore health. Because both medical disciplines focus on holism, herbs and nutrition, they are an excellent match when used together for improving health outcomes.
What is your educational background?
I achieved my Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Lethbridge here in Southern Alberta in 1996.
Next, I became a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) over 4 years at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson, BC, graduating in 2001. I specialized in Acupuncture and herbal medicine with adjunctive studies in nutrition, Qi Gong, Tai Qi, meditation and coaching.
To maintain my license with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA) as an Alberta Registered Doctor of Acupuncturist (DrAc), I am obligated to earn a minimum of 50 continuing education credits (CEU’s) every two years. I surpass that requirement by a significant margin.
Since 2001 I have taken too many continuing education credits to list here, but most included extra education regarding pain management, reproduction, autoimmunity, digestion, and Functional medicine and included both Chinese medical and some Western medical courses.
Most notably I have completed all the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) courses and became an IFM Certified Practitioner. IFM’s model is considered the gold standard for Functional medicine education.
As well, I have so far completed every medical course offered by the amazing Dr. Datis Kharrazian through the Kharrazian Institute, a leading institute for functional medicine education.
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is a major modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and has been in practice for many centuries. Acupuncture is based on a fundamental philosophy of complex, recognizable relationships and patterns between all aspects of the body that when not communicating effectively, lead to imbalance and disease. Once the specific imbalances are determined by an Acupuncturist trained in TCM, Acupuncture, using specialized needles, or Acupressure, using hands, is used at any of the hundreds of Acupuncture points to promote shifts in Qi (energy/life force) flow and biochemistry to normalize the imbalanced systems. As communication improves within the body, health improves.
How do I prepare for my first Acupuncture visit?
If ahead of time we have discussed the basics of why you’ve schedule your first visit, I can email you the specific intake form so you can have it filled out before your appointment. You can also come in a few minutes early to fill it out at the clinic.
If you think Acupuncture is likely going to be a part of your treatment plan, I suggest wearing comfortable clothing that allows for access to arms, hands, shins and feet for frontal issues or back and legs for back issues. Most patients take some clothing off for treatments. It is a safe space and sheets are used for comfort and privacy.
It is best that you’ve eaten within a couple of hours prior to your treatment, but please no alcohol.
If you have copies of your most recent bloodwork results, and if you take medications and/or supplements regularly, please bring it all in so we can better review it together.
If you’ve concerned about insurance coverage, please call your insurance provider to be sure Acupuncture will be covered when provided by a Registered Doctor of Acupuncture (DrAc) in Alberta.
My best advice is to think about what you really want from your visit with me. What are your symptoms, how long have you been dealing with your health issues, what would you like resolved, how committed are you to the process, and so on? If you know what you’d like to have and have a good idea what that might feel like, it will be easier to help you on your healing journey.
Do Acupuncture needles hurt and are there side effects?
When patients try Acupuncture for the first time, they are usually amazed by how much it DOES NOT hurt. Most patients will arrive expecting a similar feeling to that of a hollow hypodermic needle that are used for injections or withdrawing blood. However, Acupuncture needles are much thinner, flexible and solid. Thus they cause only minor micro trauma allowing for much less pain and easy recovery.
And yes, the needles are safe. At AcuPlus, I use pre packaged sterilized, stainless steel needles. They are incredibly strong yet flexible tools. As required by my licensing board, the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), I use Clean Needle Techniques to prepare the skin using alcohol before needle insertion. Once an Acupuncture treatment is complete, all needles are safely disposed of in a marked sharps container that eventually is brought to a pharmacy for proper disposal.
Very few side effects have been reported with Acupuncture treatments using disposable needles. If needles are inserted properly - at the correct angles and depths - there is no significant risk to underlying tissues. The worst things I’ve occasionally noted with Acupuncture treatments are minor bruising and slight dizziness upon standing after laying face down for a treatment. As with any type of treatment, you should always let me know all medications you are taking as well as any underlying health conditions you may have or have previously experienced. You should also let me know if you are or could possibly be pregnant. Proper information will help in the selection of the type of treatment that is right for you.
How often do I need Acupuncture?
As profound as Acupuncture can sometimes be, it is also subtle. Often we are trying to shift habitual body patterns that have been in place for a long time, so we need to remind the body of our intentions frequently and consistently in order to create sustained change.
I want you to experience great relief from your health concerns in a short amount of time, if at all possible. Often patients notice improvement in their conditions after just the first or second visit; however, this is typically only a temporary improvement because Body Habits are still predominantly the same and will revert back to their old ways. For Acupuncture to have a lasting affect, it is best to receive it often enough for a cumulative improvement in your health.
Generally, especially in cases of pain management, I recommend at least two sessions per each of two consecutive weeks to know if Acupuncture therapy is a great tool for your YOUnique needs. Then we discuss frequency recommendations based on initial results. For fertility patients, generally for the women I recommend two sessions in the Follicular Phase and one in the Luteal Phase, unless a woman has no or infrequent periods, in which case I recommend weekly sessions for a while. For those with digestive issues, male infertility, autoimmunity and more, frequency is based on their YOUnique situations.
What do you most treat with Acupuncture?
After decades in the medical industry using Acupuncture as one of my main tools of health care, I've come to be adept helping patients with many types of issues. I use Acupuncture most to help people manage acute and chronic pain, of any type. But I also use Acupuncture frequently to aid couples to improve their fertility outcomes, as well as for patients with digestive complaints, autoimmune flares and more. Acupuncture can honestly be applied to assist with recovery from nearly any body discomfort, but I can't be all things to all people. I've instead honed my skills to be especially good at helping people with the above listed issues, especially when I combine the tool of Acupuncture with other modalities within Chinese medicine and with foundations of Functional medicine.
What is the difference between VIP Mentorship and Wellness Consultations?
VIP Mentorship involves monthly consultations to help a Mentee continue to adjust their treatment strategy, however, unlike with single Wellness Consultations, a Mentee has the privilege to private message me throughout the month in Membership to ask questions, get testwork reviewed, plus access to discounts throughout the month. VIP Mentorship is predominantly for helping patients manage very complex conditions, such as autoimmune disease management. Wellness Consultations can be chosen by these patients too, but it is more challenging for them to get enough momentum in their progress compared to being a Mentee. Many Acupuncture patients have occasional Wellness Consultations especially fertility patients and for reviewing bloodwork.
Why do I need to apply and have a Discovery Call for VIP Mentorship?
VIP Mentorship is not only a big energy investment of the Mentee, but also of the Mentor. I can only take on a few new Mentees each month and continue to give them high touch, quality care. Therefore, it is essential that an interested person is fully aware of the cost of Mentorship and what's entailed, as written in the Application, BEFORE they are granted a free Discovery Call with me. If indicated in the Application that they only want Acupuncture, we generally don't offer a Discovery Call but instead suggest booking an Initial Acupuncture Consultation instead. However, if the described medical condition is serious and Acupuncture is not adequate to help as a sole therapy, we will reach out to suggest considering Mentorship and Acupuncture together. If I feel a described medical condition is beyond my skill set to manage, I will decline working together at this time and do my best to give a quality referral instead.
Do you do virtual consultations?
Yes, I do offer virtual consultations through a business app called Practice Better. Virtual consultations are of course important for patients who do not live in Lethbridge, AB, but many who do live locally still love the option of a virtual visit in some situations.
What other services are available besides in person services?
I have a growing collection of courses available to purchase, including a developing Gutsy Gals Starter Kit collection and my Design Your Stunning Life Workshop. As well, I have a 3 month signature program for weight and inflammation management called The EASY Way Foundations Program. There are also some free pdfs available. Additionally, for women, I have a private women's Facebook group called The EASY YOUniversity. You can find all of these extra services in the HEALTHY STUFF section of this website, under COURSES & PDFs.
What services are most involved in fertility management?
Nearly all my fertility patients include regular Acupuncture sessions in their treatment plans. This is usually of particular importance for helping women manage their menstrual cycles while participating in nutrition and other lifestyle changes. Some men benefit from Acupuncture too for sperm quality management. Typically, however, I request adding in some comprehensive bloodwork and Wellness Consultations for each person of the couple so that a treatment plan can be better developed and monitored. Rarely do I only work with the woman in fertility cases since it takes two people being healthy to have a healthy baby. I work only with a women on their own for surrogacy and egg donation. In some fertility cases when autoimmunity is poorly managed, I strongly recommend VIP Mentorship along with Acupuncture to get best results.
Do you work with couples for fertility?
Yes, I prefer to work with both the man and woman when helping them conceive babies. It takes two people to make a baby, and the health of each partner is very important when aiming to have a healthy pregnancy and child.
Male fertility issues account for an estimated 40% of fertility struggles for couples. This is a staggering statistic that is unfortunately not addressed as often as is warranted AND is increasing! Most attention is focused on the woman’s health rather than also on the man’s. Men have cycles too, but for sperm development, and they are about 3 months long. Men’s cycles tend to be simpler to manage than for the more complicated cycles of women, and men generally respond quite well to Acupuncture, herbs and nutrition once they are on board with needing treatment. I work with men with testicular issues, vasectomy reversal, autoantibodies, and much more.
Mostly, however, I end up working with the women at first before the men agree to do investigations into their quality of health. It is most common to hear that infertility mostly applies to women. While this is statistically considered accurate, the difference is not by a great percentage.
So, I like to work with both partners when possible. The women tend to have more frequent Acupuncture sessions simply because of the nature of their menstrual cycles. And men tend to do best with herbal and nutritional intervention, and sometimes some Acupuncture.
For those couples doing IVF to conceive, it is still very important to nurture the health of both individuals before engaging in the procedures. Conception rates significantly increase when they do, research has shown.
Then, finally, if a woman is interested in egg donation or surrogacy, I do not need to work with couples, just her.
To work with me, even as a couple, each person needs an Initial Acupuncture Consultation or Wellness Consultation to start. Call us to be sure how to proceed with your YOUnique case. Consultations are not generally done as a couple, but individually.
Do you use Acupuncture during pregnancy and to induce labor?
Yes, I offer Acupuncture sessions to many of my pregnant women. I usually request to at least work with them weekly during the first trimester, then as desired after that until close to delivery. Once they are at 36 weeks and up in their pregnancy, if appropriate for the individual women I can offer Acupuncture sessions for labor induction. I only offer these sessions when there are no other patients in the clinic for care as they require my near constant attention in case labor starts and we need to help her while waiting for a caregiver or ambulance to take her to the hospital. This is a not a common occurrence. Most common is deep relaxation of the soon-to-be Mom and gently nudging the onset of contractions over 1-3 sessions, usually.
What is your success rate with fertility management?
This question requires some background. Please keep in mind that women in many different situations request my services; some with much more challenging circumstances than others. I may have a woman in her early twenties with only a few years suffering with PCOS that is fairly easy to treat versus a 39 year old with a history of severe endometriosis that is a much more challenging case. Each woman’s chances of success starting off are very different from each other. I’ve had some tough cases become successes, and others that seemed simpler that did not succeed. Plus, I do not regularly see easy cases. I’m often the practitioner someone sees after they think they’ve done everything else and are about to give up. Gratefully, I really enjoy that challenge! Even with those odds stacked against me, my clinical success rate for helping ladies become pregnant is currently around 75%. This is high, but I will tell you that it is that high in large part because of the incredible efforts women and men tend to put into implementing their treatment plans.
What is your cancellation and no-show policy?
One missed appointment is forgiven. But, if it happens a second time, patients are subject to a $55 cancellation fee for missed appointments or cancellations less than 24 hours prior to the appointment, unless there is an emergency. If you can give us adequate notice of a cancellation, I can usually give the appointment time to someone else who would like it. Some day you may be one of those people!
Do you direct bill insurance companies?
Most insurance companies in Canada cover all or at least a portion of the cost for Acupuncture treatments by a Registered Doctor of Acupuncturist (DrAc), like myself. At the time of your visit, we can Direct Bill your insurance provider to learn if your treatment will be covered and to what extent. However, we won’t be able to determine how much money you are allotted for treatments. If your insurance company does not cover Acupuncture, you are responsible to pay the cost of treatments at time of service. My advice is to call your insurance provider prior to your visit to be sure of coverage.
