Ai Ping Li

Ai Ping Li provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing emotional stagnation (especially Liver Qi Stagnation), clearing internal 'Heat' or 'Dampness' that can cloud the mind, and improving overall mental clarity and outlook with acupuncture and herbal support.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Natural and effective solutions for managing debilitating headaches and migraines, aiming to reduce their frequency, intensity, and duration without heavy reliance on medication.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Effective TCM management strategies for shooting, burning, or electric-shock like pain that follows nerve pathways, aiming to improve sensation and function.

Dermatological Skin

• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Working to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response from a TCM perspective to improve skin lesions and overall comfort.
• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Acupuncture and customized herbal formulas to treat acne by clearing pathogenic Heat and Damp-Heat from the Lungs and Stomach, reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and promoting healthy skin detoxification pathways.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Holistic care for eczema, focusing on reducing flare-ups and improving skin barrier function from a TCM perspective.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Addressing underlying immune system sensitivities and internal imbalances that trigger urticarial outbreaks.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. TCM diagnosis is based on individual patterns, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Angela can assess your needs.

• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Angela, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

At Criterion Wellness Clinic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Angela frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek the expertise of Angela, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• With Angela, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals are guided towards for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind again with greater zest.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Angela can be a turning point for those affected by that nagging back pain that just won't go away. The goal is achieving feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, paving the way for you to enjoy experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• The path to overcoming asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care and achieving enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed is often clearer with TCM. Angela guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play with improved health.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Angela, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.

Angela's practice is located at Criterion Wellness Clinic in the North Port Coquitlam neighborhood of Port Coquitlam, situated near the Coquitlam border. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Downtown Port Coquitlam and is well-connected via TransLink services including buses and the West Coast Express. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing and relaxation, with accessible facilities and typically available parking options to ensure a comfortable visit for all patients.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered TCM Practitioner immediately.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It’s considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform Angela about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions to ensure safe and appropriate herbal therapy. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. Angela sources herbs from trusted suppliers who perform rigorous quality testing.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in BC?

In BC, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by MSP in BC. Most patients pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to review your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for treatments by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary widely.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance within the body's energy system. It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestion, and promote overall wellness. Many find it a safe, natural, and effective approach to improving health and vitality.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?

TCM is a holistic medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and treat the root causes of health issues, restoring harmony by balancing Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. It aims for long-term health and prevention.

Approximately how many Acupuncture/TCM sessions will I need and how often?

This varies depending on the individual and condition. Acute issues may resolve after a few treatments, while chronic conditions may require weekly sessions over several weeks or months. Angela will assess your progress and adjust treatment frequency accordingly, aiming for sustainable improvements and maintenance.

Criterion Wellness Clinic
A150-2099 Lougheed Hwy
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3B 1A3

Phone: (604) 475-8588

Ai Ping Li is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a registered member of The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

Registration can typically be verified with The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.