Amber Lillian Wood

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to head pain (e.g., temporal, occipital, vertex headaches) and providing personalized treatments, including acupuncture and herbal formulas, for lasting relief and prevention.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): TCM strategies, often involving acupuncture and herbal medicine, aimed at managing symptoms associated with uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, such as heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure, by promoting circulation, resolving Blood stasis and Phlegm accumulation. (As an adjunct to gynecological monitoring).
• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Supporting a smoother and more comfortable transition through menopause by rebalancing hormones naturally and strengthening the body's vital energy and adaptive capacity.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice to address different types of sleep disturbances by harmonizing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, anchoring the Shen, and resolving underlying TCM patterns such as Heart Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation disturbing the Hun, Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to overthinking, or Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.

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. Amber Lillian RABBY can assess your needs.

• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Personalized dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (Shi Liao), considering the energetic properties of foods (e.g., warming/cooling, drying/moistening, Five Flavors) and their effects on specific organ systems to support your unique constitution, address health imbalances, and promote healing.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.

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

• It's rewarding for Amber Lillian RABBY to witness patients find relief from heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals and experience achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort again.
• The journey to for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development when faced with sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing can be supported by Amber Lillian RABBY's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like having more regular and comfortable menstrual cycles, allowing for uninterrupted daily life and activities.
• Experiencing general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body can be draining. Amber Lillian RABBY utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, so patients can re-engage with playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy feeling revitalized.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Amber Lillian RABBY, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.

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

Amber Lillian RABBY practices at Amber Wood Health, situated within a welcoming acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Powell River neighborhood of Powell River. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to incorporate your visits into your daily routine. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered TCM Practitioner if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term 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), 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. They ensure herbs are sourced from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing. It is essential to inform your practitioner of all medications and health conditions to avoid adverse interactions. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse effects.

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 MSP in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans offer some coverage. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific details about reimbursement and coverage levels.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body, essential for health and vitality. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting organs and tissues. Proper flow of Qi within these meridians maintains health, while blockages or deficiencies can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore and balance Qi within these channels.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

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

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

Patients in BC can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy beforehand.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

Your initial appointment usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes and involves a detailed health history, lifestyle review, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and a tailored treatment plan. This may include acupuncture, herbal recommendations, dietary advice, or other modalities. The first session often begins treatment to address your main concerns, with ongoing care tailored to your needs.

Amber Wood Health
5608 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC, V8A 2M2

Phone: (250) 896-0291

Amber Lillian Wood 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.