Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Meridian Therapy

Do you wonder what "Qi" is? Have you seen the yin and yang symbol but don't really know what it means? Are you curious about how Traditional Chinese doctors observed nature to create one of the oldest and most effective forms of medicine?

On November 27 & 28th we will be conducting a 2 day "Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Meridian Therapy" for Registered Massage Therapists and Health Care Practitioners.

Learn the concepts of:

• Qi
• Yin and Yang
• 5 Elements
• 8 Principle Diagnosis
• the 12 Meridians- location and uses
• the most effective acupoints points and how to use them without needles
• case studies
• intro to the ancient practice of Qi Gong

This is officially recognized by the CMTBC for 11.5 credit hours.

The goal of the course is to share information about TCM and learn practical concepts that can be applied immediately to patients and loved ones.

While this course is geared towards RMT's and health care practitioners, it is fully open to the public. If you or someone you know is interested, please call/email to register or for more information.

~Think Vitality!~

Acupuncture Day?

While scanning the headlines I discovered that on April 16th, it is Acupuncture Day! It might be the day that acupuncture was born, but I doubt it. I believe it is a day to try to help bring awareness to the benefits of acupuncture to those who haven’t discovered it yet.


As I’ve been practicing for a few years, I often forget how amazing acupuncture is. I see miracles every single week! I am not exaggerating, every week I see patients that have regained energy, reduced stress, and found balance. But more importantly, I see patients reduce and eliminate pain. Pain can greatly reduce the quality of life. If you can stay pain free for life you are among a minority. There are two types of pain, acute and chronic.


Acute pain
Acute pain is “normal pain.” Acute pain comes from breaking an ankle, stubbing a toe, or hitting your thumb with a hammer. Acute pain is… well painful! It’s usually severe but it will heal with rest and time.


Chronic pain
Chronic pain can be referred to as “pain illness” which can last for days, weeks, and years. It is usually low grade, nagging, and difficult to deal with. Sometimes there may be no obvious reason for chronic pain. Western medicine aims to “manage” pain. Acupuncture aims to heal pain from the inside out.

If anyone has acute or chronic pain they should try acupuncture. It will greatly speed healing, decrease inflammation and swelling, and of course reduce pain. Sometimes just using 5-10 needles around the area of pain can give great relief (known as “ashi points”).


When dealing with chronic pain sometimes you can eliminate it completely, other times (as with treating severe arthritis) you can just manage it. Either way, one can have less pain and improve quality of life!


~Think Vitality!~

Spring Forward!

Spring Forward!

As it is the eve of daylight savings time and we jump forward an hour, we’re reminded that spring is near! Even though we got a dash of snow today in Victoria, spring IS actually around the corner and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture theory we are nearing the time of wood.

According to 5 element theory (which provides the basis of Chinese Medicine) every season can be represented by an element. Spring is represented by the element wood. Wood is the element of growth, change, and springing forward. Think about the cherry blossoms, and daffodils coming to life after the cold winter. In a sense this happens in our bodies as well.

We will soon start feeling the desire to clean, de-clutter, and prepare for the vibrant exciting summer. I have noticed every year that people tend to make a lot of changes as this time of year- new jobs, new relationships, rearranging the house, or the desire to move. So follow your innate desires to change, grow and cultivate vibrate energy!!
~Think Vitality!~