Celia Chang – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Burnaby, BC

Celia Chang is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Aurora Integrative Medical in Burnaby, BC, Celia is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

As a skilled practitioner, Celia focuses on providing effective acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her approach emphasizes stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and restoring energetic balance according to TCM principles. Celia’s care is inclusive of patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized treatment plans that cater to individual needs.

With a comprehensive educational background, Celia Chang completed her RAC. Through extensive clinical training and ongoing professional development, she is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of TCM practice. Her interests extend to areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine, continually enhancing her expertise. Celia’s practice philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). She emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng — Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. Celia offers consultations in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with her patients.

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

Dermatological Skin

• 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.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Addressing internal imbalances that manifest as skin irritation and inflammation, aiming for long-term relief and healthier skin.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a complementary therapy to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. (Used alongside conventional medical management).
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to effectively alleviate common menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and cognitive changes ('brain fog') by nourishing Kidney Yin and Essence, clearing deficiency heat, and calming the Shen.
• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): Holistic support to help reduce discomfort and potentially manage the size or recurrence of fibroids and cysts.
• Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Addressing underlying TCM imbalances that may affect fertility in any gender, such as Kidney essence deficiency, Blood stasis, Qi stagnation, Cold in the Uterus, or Damp-Heat affecting the reproductive system.

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. Celia can assess your needs.

• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• 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.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes and achieved a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness under the care of Celia, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain with renewed vitality and ease.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms? Celia works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• The journey to a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments when faced with curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach can be supported by Celia's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions.
• For those whose feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality has made participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back seem difficult, Celia's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back with greater comfort.

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

Celia's practice at Aurora Integrative Medical is situated in the vibrant Capitol Hill and Burnaby Heights neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) and is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo and Millennium Lines) and bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, with street parking often available nearby for patient convenience.

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), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, 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 the practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health conditions. Patients should avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. Reputable practitioners source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance through methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice aimed at restoring balance and promoting natural healing.

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 upon insertion. Some sensations such as a slight pinch, dull ache, warmth, or tingling may occur, which indicate effective stimulation of Qi. Patients often feel relaxed and may even fall asleep. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points to stimulate energy flow based on TCM principles. It aims to restore balance in the body and can help manage conditions like pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more by activating the body's healing mechanisms.

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

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally NOT covered by MSP in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket but should check their private or extended health insurance plans, as some offer partial or full coverage for registered practitioners’ services. Coverage varies widely.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body, responsible for physiological functions, warmth, and defense against illness. **Meridians** are pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs to the exterior. Acupuncture points along these meridians are used to influence Qi flow to restore balance and health.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm requirements.

Aurora Integrative Medical
4212 Dawson St
Burnaby, BC, V5C 0B8

Phone: (604) 558-2288

Celia Chang 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.