Brook Nathanial Paulin

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

Dermatological Skin

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: TCM approaches including acupuncture, internal herbal medicine, and topical herbal applications to alleviate itching, redness, and inflammation associated with eczema by clearing Heat, resolving Dampness, expelling Wind, and nourishing Blood or Yin depending on the specific TCM pattern.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): A holistic approach to support skin health and manage the chronicity of psoriasis.
• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): A gentle, holistic approach to calm skin redness and improve overall complexion for individuals with rosacea.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Acupuncture and anti-allergic herbal formulas to reduce itching, redness, and welts associated with hives by expelling Wind, clearing Heat, and calming allergic responses in the skin.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): TCM approaches, including acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine, to reduce joint inflammation, alleviate pain, decrease stiffness, and improve function in individuals with various forms of arthritis.
• 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.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Acupuncture and TCM diagnostic protocols to differentiate and treat various types of headaches and migraines by addressing root causes such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency or stasis, Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm obstruction, or external pathogenic factors.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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: 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.

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. Brook Nathanial can assess your needs.

• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Comprehensive assessment and prescription of individually tailored Chinese herbal formulas (raw herbs for decoction, granular extracts, powders, or pills) based on your specific TCM pattern diagnosis and constitution to address underlying imbalances and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. (Primarily within R.TCMP scope).
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Supporting patients in their herbal medicine journey with clear instructions, quality-sourced herbs, and ongoing monitoring of their response to treatment.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.

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

• Rediscover your ability to handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease without the burden of brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory. Brook Nathanial focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Brook Nathanial frequently assists patients in overcoming dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• If heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals is affecting your ability to participate in keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them, Brook Nathanial's TCM approach aims for enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, helping you to regain your stride.
• Experiencing symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery can be draining. Brook Nathanial utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, so patients can re-engage with attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus feeling revitalized.

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

Brook Nathanial practices at TCM Victoria, situated within a central acupuncture and TCM clinic in the Shawnigan Lake neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-served by local public transit routes, providing flexible transportation options. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered TCM Practitioner immediately.

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 for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits, as coverage levels can vary significantly.

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

In BC, patients can usually see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner, directly without a referral from a physician (this is called direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

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.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your acupuncture session, it's good to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior; avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine or alcohol just before treatment. After your session, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity for a few hours and drink plenty of water. Some people feel very relaxed or even a bit tired, while others feel energized. Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms or well-being and report them to your Registered TCM Practitioner at your next visit.

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. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources to prevent risks such as incorrect diagnosis, improper formulations, contamination, or adverse interactions.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing mechanisms.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage (Tui Na), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and supporting long-term wellness.

TCM Victoria
2314 Stowood Rd
Shawnigan Lake, BC, V0R 2W5

Phone: (250) 888-0828

Brook Nathanial Paulin 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.