Britany Hurley

Britany practices at Guiding Essence Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, situated in the Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently located near the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre and is accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.

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

• Let Britany help you navigate dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects your balance and daily activities with targeted TCM care. The goal is better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, so you can fully enjoy walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery and other life pleasures once more.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms, Britany helps patients work towards achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, facilitating a return to cherished activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably.
• For those whose fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare their body for pregnancy has made actively participating in family outings and vacations seem difficult, Britany's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity. These therapies can help you get back to enjoying your family outings and vacations with greater comfort.
• When frequent colds, feeling like your immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness limits your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Britany can help reduce allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and reliance on allergy medications, restoring harmony and optimal function so you can enjoy outdoor activities again.

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

Britany practices at Guiding Essence Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, situated in the Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently located near the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre and is accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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 the 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 offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. Coverage levels can vary significantly depending on the plan.

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

In BC, patients can generally see a Registered TCM Practitioner (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

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 for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing them from unreliable sources to prevent risks such as incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

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

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach rooted in ancient Chinese principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner evaluates your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance based on tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice to restore harmony and promote healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. After insertion, you may feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate Qi movement. Most people find acupuncture relaxing. Registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles and prioritize safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can help with pain relief, stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual concerns, and more by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms, based on TCM principles.

Guiding Essence Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
536A 5th St
Courtenay, BC, V9N 1K3

Phone: (250) 947-0822

Britany Hurley 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.