Alison Megan Stadnyk

Alison Megan Stadnyk provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.

Dermatological Skin

• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage psoriasis flare-ups by clearing Blood Heat, invigorating Blood circulation, resolving Dampness, and nourishing Yin to address skin scaling, redness, and itching. (As an adjunct to dermatological care).
• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): TCM strategies involving acupuncture, cooling herbal formulas, and dietary recommendations to help manage rosacea symptoms like facial redness, flushing, papules, and pustules by clearing Stomach and Lung Heat, and cooling the Blood.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.

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. Alison Megan can assess your needs.

• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• 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.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Alison Megan, 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 Pine & Needle, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Alison Megan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Alison Megan believes in a partnership with patients. When uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, enabling a more active lifestyle including engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable and achieved reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation) under the care of Alison Megan, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back with renewed vitality and ease.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Alison Megan assists patients with my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems in reaching a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, fostering a return to beloved activities like enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time.
• If feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality is preventing you from fully enjoying running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain, Alison Megan offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.

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

Pine & Needle, where Alison Megan practices, is situated in the central Trail neighborhood of Trail. The clinic is housed within an acupuncture and TCM clinic that is easily accessible and conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to incorporate treatments into their busy schedules. Public transit routes service the area, providing accessible transportation options for those who prefer not to drive. Our clinic offers a serene environment dedicated to healing and relaxation, with typically available parking options nearby to ensure a comfortable visit for every patient.

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

Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is strongly recommended to check with private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. Coverage levels can vary significantly depending on the individual plan.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness rooted in ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall health, identify patterns of imbalance according to TCM theories (often through tongue and pulse diagnosis), and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary or lifestyle advice—all aimed at restoring balance and supporting your body's natural healing abilities.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that sustains the body's functions, flowing through channels called **meridians**. These meridians form an intricate network that connects organs and tissues, facilitating the flow of Qi and Blood. When Qi flow becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive, health issues such as pain or imbalance can occur. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies work to restore the smooth and balanced flow of Qi within these meridians.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along meridians. This stimulates the flow of Qi, helping to alleviate pain, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions like digestion and hormones, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing response.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture needles to be extremely fine and often do not feel pain during insertion, describing sensations such as tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a dull ache—signs that Qi is being influenced. The needles are sterile and single-use, ensuring safety. If any discomfort occurs, patients are encouraged to communicate with their practitioner immediately to ensure a comfortable experience.

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), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, recognize potential herb-drug interactions, and avoid contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for certain health conditions. It is vital to inform your practitioner of all medications and health issues to ensure safe and appropriate herbal therapy. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources can pose serious health risks, including contamination or adverse interactions.

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

In BC, patients can typically access a Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist directly without a referral from a physician. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement, so it is advisable to check your individual policy to confirm any specific requirements.

Pine & Needle
1297 Bay Ave
Trail, BC, V1R 3V4

Phone: (306) 314-0306

Alison Megan Stadnyk 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.