Alison West

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

Womens Health Gynecological

• Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Holistic and personalized support to enhance the chances of conception, support a healthy implantation and pregnancy, and address factors contributing to subfertility.
• Pregnancy, Labor Preparation & Postpartum Care (TCM): Natural, supportive care to enhance well-being, manage common discomforts, and promote a positive experience during pregnancy, childbirth, and new motherhood from a TCM perspective.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Holistic support to improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic joint pain, swelling, and stiffness due to osteoarthritic degeneration or autoimmune joint conditions (as an adjunct to conventional care).
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na massage, and topical herbal applications to accelerate recovery from acute sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, and contusions, as well as chronic overuse conditions like tendinitis (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinitis).

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 can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body’s meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).
• 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): A contemporary acupuncture technique involving the insertion of needles into specific therapeutic zones on the scalp that correspond to different body functions and brain areas (e.g., motor, sensory, balance zones), primarily used for neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional conditions.
• 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.

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

• If chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections is preventing you from fully enjoying traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety, Alison 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.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes, Alison helps patients work towards experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, facilitating a return to cherished activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Experiencing frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness can be draining. Alison utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, so patients can re-engage with cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment feeling revitalized.
• Patients struggling with circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet can find dedicated support from Alison. The therapeutic focus is on achieving experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes.

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

Alison practices at LivWell Integrative Health, situated within a welcoming acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood of Squamish. The clinic's convenient location near local community centers and public parks makes it easy for clients to access nature and wellness resources. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy access for those using public transportation. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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.

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

In British Columbia, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required, some private health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your individual insurance provider to confirm their policy requirements.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these treatments. It's recommended to review your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners, with coverage levels varying widely.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate Qi flow along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions like digestion and hormones, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation during insertion. Some may experience a slight pinch or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation. Many patients feel relaxed or even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners are highly trained, using sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If any discomfort occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system utilizing therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses individual patterns of imbalance in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony within the body and address the root causes of health issues for long-term wellness.

LivWell Integrative Health
1414 Winnipeg St
Squamish, BC, V8B 0B7

Phone: (604) 567-1414

Alison West 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.