Chi Chih Chen

Chi Chih practices at Amber TCM Healing Center, situated in the Caulfeild, Eagle Harbour neighborhood of West Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near John Lawson Park and is accessible via TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.
• 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.
• 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.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Chi Chih frequently assists patients in overcoming feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like managing their personal care routines independently.
• Many find that TCM with Chi Chih not only helps with pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica) but also brings about a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity.
• The journey to a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day when faced with looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue can be supported by Chi Chih's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• For those whose general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body has made traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety seem difficult, Chi Chih's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety with greater comfort.

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

Chi Chih practices at Amber TCM Healing Center, situated in the Caulfeild, Eagle Harbour neighborhood of West Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near John Lawson Park and is accessible via TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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.

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

In British Columbia, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, it is important to note that some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage requirements.

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

No, generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are not covered under the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Most patients pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to review private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for registered practitioners' services.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. This stimulates the flow of Qi along meridians, helping to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, and support overall health. Many patients experience a calming sensation during treatment and find it to be a relaxing, safe, and effective therapy that promotes the body's natural healing processes.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, sterile, and single-use, often less thick than a human hair. Most people experience little to no discomfort during insertion, often describing a sensation of a tiny prick or pressure. Once in place, patients may feel sensations such as warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs that the treatment is effective. Safety is a priority; registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles. If any discomfort occurs during treatment, patients are encouraged to communicate with their practitioner immediately.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and other modalities. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifies patterns of imbalance, and develops personalized treatment plans aimed at restoring harmony and promoting natural healing. TCM considers the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health to provide comprehensive care.

Amber TCM Healing Center
2419 Bellevue Ave
West Vancouver, BC, V7V 4T4

Phone: (604) 913-2988

Chi Chih Chen 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.