Most people seem to resort to over the counter medication for getting relief from their allergies. The problem is that these medications can have some rather dreadful side effects. Acupuncture has no harmful side effects. This means that it is possible for anyone to give acupuncture a try and not be concerned about suffering for their daring.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) what acupuncture does is stimulate certain areas of the body which correspond to the condition that is being treated. So, acupuncture is actually a way to help the body heal itself through the stimulation of the relevant points on the body, usually through the insertion of fine needles or laser stimulation.

Acupuncture for allergies is practiced in two parts. There is the treatment of the symptoms – referred to as the branch – and the strengthening of the immune system so the body can combat the allergies on its own – referred to as the root. When you go into an acupuncture treatment with all the symptoms of allergies you will get a different treatment than if you go in while you are not showing the symptoms.

Each treatment is done on an individual basis. Your symptoms are examined in conjunction with your lifestyle and everything else that makes you who you are. This is so that you can be given a treatment that will take care of your individual problems. Western medicine, on the other hand, tends to treat all allergies in the same way and is much more generalized.

An acupuncturist is able to tell the nature of your allergy through a close examination of all the various points in Chinese traditional medicine. They will basically be determining the heat and cold conditions that are affecting you and then treat these.

An acupuncturist will  use needles or a laser beam to stimulate the various points of the body. The treatments will   correct the imbalances that are causing the allergic reaction.

The next time you start to suffer from an allergic reaction to something in your environment, take a moment to seriously consider trying acupuncture.

Give me  a call at 604-839-9789 to book your appointment.

~~ Wendy Lind    RAc   Registered acupuncturist (*CTCMA BC)

I have been having enormous success in treating chronic pain with our laser unit.  In this needle-less treatment protocol I use the laser wand instead of my acupuncture needles.

I target all of the same acupuncture points with the laser wand.  The laser beam creates the same healing effect as do the needles.

Often within weeks the treatments start breaking down and dissolving calcified material in the joints which leads to even more pain relief.

If you suffer from chronic pain such as arthritis, you should consider acupuncture as an addition or alternative to pain killing drugs.  You can decide whether you prefer the traditional acupuncture treatments with the needles or the modern alternative of the laser wand.

Call now for a consultation or an appointment.

604-839-9789

We are located on Granville Street  just near the bottom of the Granville bridge.  There is ample street parking on West 6th and transit stops on Granville.  We are steps away from a variety of art galleries and specialty shops.  See our map for more information.

Granville & West 6th
Unit 109, 1529 West 6th Ave.
604-839-9789

We’ve done our best to create a refreshing and healing environment. 

Whether you suffer from allergies seasonally or perennially, life can become very miserable. Itching of the eyes, roof of the mouth, or throat, runny nose, headache, sneezing, cough, wheezing…the list goes on.

It is up to our immune systems to defend us against foreign substances such as pollen, dust, pets, etc., however, our immune system can overreact to certain antigens (allergens) which are harmless to most people. The result is an allergic reaction. In other words, it isn’t the allergy itself that is the problem, but the person’s reaction to the allergen.

Acupuncture has been proven to help alleviate the symptoms of allergies when they are active and more importantly, can help to correct the immune system imbalance that causes the allergic response in the first place.

Acupuncture treats allergies in 4 main ways:

1. Stabilizes the immune system to moderate its response to allergens;

2. decreases swelling and inflammation of local tissues to stop itching;

3. decreases secretions of mucus membranes to reduce nasal discharge and watery eyes; and

4. strengthens your natural resistance to antigens.

Acupuncture not only helps with the active symptoms, but also in the prevention of them. Acupuncture can enhance the immune system’s performance in the off-season to prevent the on-set of your allergy symptoms. In other words, acupuncture strengthens the immune system so that your body will not create an overreaction or allergic reaction to elements in nature.

You may also be interested in our BIE  allergy process.

I have been certified at the first level of Auricular Medicine, a discipline that is being practiced by only about 150 people in Canada. You may remember that  Blue Jays pitcher, Jeremy Accardo,  underwent this type of acupuncture to treat a level 2 Groin Sprain, and was able to regain his full range of motion after only one treatment! He was injured on June 21 and with the help of Auricular Medicine, he was back pitching 5 days later.

The good news is that if you are afraid of needles I can use my laser prob and get just as effective results!

I have also undertaken advanced studies in the Five Elements Theory. It was great to see physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, and other health practitioners in the course (I was the only acupuncturist)! More and more main-stream health practitioners are looking more and more to alternative healing tools offered by TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).

Despite my obvious bias, kudos to them for striving to offer their patients more than just a prescription!

I have spent countless hours expanding my knowledge of cosmetic acupuncture, exploring both ancient techniques and modern philosophies. I have had the pleasure of learning traditional facial rejuvenation theory from one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject, Mary-Elizabeth Wakefield. I have also traveled to Denver, Colorado and Los Angeles to study facial rejuvenation techniques under the guidance of Dr. Martha Lucas. She is responsible for developing a new approach to ancient needling techniques for a more dynamic result in cosmetic acupuncture.

Blending Mary-Elizabeth’s traditional techniques with Dr. Lucas’ modern approach allows me to tailor my treatment plans to each of my individual patients.
Your acupuncture therapy program will be personalized to your situation and your desired results. We will discuss your lifestyle, including your skincare regimen to determine the contributing factors of aging. Good nutrition and exercise (including facial exercises and massage) will prolong the positive benefits achieved through acupuncture facial rejuvenation.

Cosmetic acupuncture improves circulation and carries nutrients to muscles and nerves throughout your body. The result is not only a younger appearance, but also enhanced skin tone and vitality of all muscles, yielding increased energy and an improved feeling of well-being.

Your self-esteem will improve, and you will be more enthusiastic about your on-going care for your face and your entire body. When you feel good, you look good! Acupuncture is an ideal, non-invasive, drug-free therapy for helping you do both.

Give me a call at 604-839-9789 to discuss your facial rejuvenation package!

Modern nutrition is based on knowing the chemical composition of foods and the biochemical pathways of the body. Foods are categorized as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats accordingly.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at food and life quite differently. It is based on the energy of the food, the season of year, and tries to achieve a balance between the two following the theory of Yin and Yang.

It works very simply. When a person is feeling cold, choosing food and drinks that are warming will help regain strength and vitality. A cold, raw salad isn’t the answer.

The Theory of Yin and Yang is a corner stone of TCM. The forces of Yin and Yang are energetic qualities that shape everything in the universe including our health.

The symbol of Yin and Yang is circle divided into two shapes with the dark shape representing the Yin and the light side symbolizing the Yang. This theory of Yin and Yang is based on patterns that occur in nature: night and winter are the yin that balance the yang of day and summer.

YIN AND YANG FOODS

Given the knowledge that yin is cooling and yang is warming, it makes sense that these qualities in food and activities would benefit our ability to process food and fuel our bodies more efficiently. This enhances our own ability to heal.

When a cooling pattern occurs (winter), warming aerobic exercise is essential. Healing food choices include warm beef or lamb dishes, meat-based soups and stews, trout and wild salmon. Warming vegetables include cooked root veggies, baked winter squash, onions, lightly cooked greens including broccoli, turnip greens, asparagus, and kale. Nuts and seeds are warming as are cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and pepper.

When a warming pattern occurs (summer), meditation, walks in nature, swimming, and yoga are ideal for balancing the agitating nature of a heat imbalance. Cooling foods include salads, cucumber, melons, pears, beans, sushi, and non-spicy foods. Vegetables of all kinds are helpful whereas meats should be limited.

Summer foods and activities are naturally different than winter. When you pay attention to your body and choose the foods and activities that seem to naturally balance us during these seasons, our ability to maintain health is enhanced.

Wendy

Dieting gurus pump out new tricks just as quickly as people fall off the wagon. But many Vancouverites are discovering a ‘new’ approach to healthy weight loss, one that is not new at all.

Acupuncture is a natural therapy discovered in China over 6000 years ago. It can aid in weight loss by suppressing the appetite, calming certain cravings, and reducing stress-related weight gain.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, whole body approach to health. This ancient form of healthcare works to restore the balance and flow of the body’s Qi (vital energy)

To understand TCM, you must realize it is as effective now as it was thousands of years ago. Why? Because of it’s simplicity, much like our own bodies – we are as simple now as we were thousands of years ago. Our lifestyles have changed, (thank heaven), but our physical bodies have not evolved very much.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The body is made up of a network of meridians that carry the Qi in a pattern. The Qi rises to the surface of the skin at particular points, where we gain access to it. This enables us to affect its flow, recreate the balance needed to maintain good health thereby removing the root cause of many of our problems.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP US LOSE WEIGHT?

Restoring the balance of the flow of Qi in the stomach will help promote good digestion and suppress an overactive appetite. Emotional issues, such as anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to overeating, can be overcome.

With diet changes, many people experience cravings, which can lead to binge eating. Cravings in the body are often due to an imbalance of various body functions. Acupuncture helps to re-establish the body’s natural balance, as well as enhance these needed functions. Simply put, acupuncture can support the body to generate an efficient digestive process.

Acupuncture can reduce the cravings, calm the emotions,
and provide the balance and energy needed to succeed.

People seeking to find the root cause of their weight gain, may find simple solutions in the simplistic medicine of TCM. You can help your body regain its natural balance, and start taking steps toward true health and vitality.

True health is more than just not feeling sick. It means that you are functioning at your optimum level, that your body is in balance, your mind is alert, and your spirit is calm. What a refreshing way to start each and every day! The sooner you start, the longer you have to enjoy it and it’s NEVER too late to get started!

Wendy
604-839-9789

The following table is another look at the Five Elements, showing the interconnections of each element. This model has been used by medical practitioners for tens of thousands of years.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the following Table of Five Elements shows the inter-connectivity of different elements in nature. This model has been used by medical practitioners for thousands of years.

Water, wood, fire, earth and metal all have associated organs, traits, foods and mental/emotional connections.  The following chart simplifies and outlines the connections.

In addition to Chinese medicine, other disciplines also reference Five Elements, including Tai Chi (a martial art), Feng Shui, and cosmology.

Table of Five Elements