Brianna Smart

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and related therapies to relieve radiating nerve pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness associated with conditions like sciatica or peripheral neuropathy by improving microcirculation, reducing nerve inflammation, and promoting nerve regeneration.
• 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).

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Natural support for strengthening your immunity, reducing susceptibility to common infections, and helping you recover more quickly and completely when you do get sick.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).
• 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.

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. Brianna can assess your needs.

• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.
• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Practical strategies for living in harmony with nature, managing daily stressors effectively, conserving vital energy (Qi), and cultivating healthy habits from a TCM perspective to support overall resilience and a vibrant life.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Using food as medicine according to traditional Chinese dietary wisdom to strengthen organ function (especially Spleen and Stomach), improve digestion, build Qi and Blood, clear pathogenic factors, and promote overall harmony and longevity.
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.

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

• Brianna frequently assists patients in overcoming irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus.
• With Brianna, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work are guided towards noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain again with greater zest.
• The path to overcoming ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome and gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles is often clearer with TCM. Brianna guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation with improved health.
• It's rewarding for Brianna to witness patients find relief from that nagging back pain that just won't go away and experience fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play again.

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

Brianna's practice at Brianna Smart - Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is situated in the vibrant Downtown Victoria, Inner Harbour neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near the Inner Harbour Causeway, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Public transportation options are readily available through the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient access for patients. Our clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are typically found in the vicinity to accommodate visitors.

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, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral, as part of the province's direct access policy. However, while a referral isn't legally required, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable for patients to check their individual insurance policies to understand their coverage requirements.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

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 based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory, often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints. It helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways called meridians. Acupuncture can reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions like digestion and hormones, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

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) with extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify high-quality herbs, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. It is essential to inform your practitioner about all medications and health issues to ensure safety. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. Reputable practitioners source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform rigorous quality testing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Most individuals experience little to no discomfort, feeling only a tiny prick or sensation of heaviness, warmth, or tingling upon insertion. These sensations indicate Qi movement and are considered positive signs. Acupuncture is generally very relaxing, and safety is maintained through strict sterile procedures. Always communicate with your practitioner if any discomfort occurs during treatment.

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

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) in private clinics are typically not covered by the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket but should check their private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for these services. Coverage varies depending on the provider and insurance policy.

Brianna Smart - Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
805 Johnson St
Victoria, BC, V8W 1Z3

Phone: (250) 385-5583

Brianna Smart 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.