Chien-Kai Wang

Chien-Kai Wang provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM dietary advice to reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities, alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pain, and strengthen the body’s defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to make it less reactive to allergens.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: Building resilience against pathogens by fortifying the Zang-Fu organs responsible for immune function, particularly the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys according to TCM theory.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Addressing TCM patterns often associated with trauma, such as Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Qi Stagnation, or Kidney Jing depletion.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: TCM strategies aimed at strengthening the Spleen, resolving Dampness and Heat, invigorating Blood, and regulating immune function to support gut healing and reduce flare-ups in IBD.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.

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. Chien-Kai can assess your needs.

• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Recommending specific Qigong or Tai Chi forms tailored to an individual's health needs and constitution to support healing and maintain well-being.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Guidance on incorporating specific therapeutic foods and avoiding detrimental ones to align with your TCM pattern diagnosis, enhance treatment outcomes, and support seasonal well-being.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.

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

• When digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Chien-Kai can help you work towards enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Many find that TCM with Chien-Kai not only helps with frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life but also brings about a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort.
• Chien-Kai believes in a partnership with patients. When feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, enabling a more active lifestyle including walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed? Chien-Kai works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.

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

Healthy Way is situated in the central North Vancouver neighborhood, conveniently located within an acupuncture and TCM clinic that is easily accessible by public transit. The clinic is near local community centers and parks, making it a welcoming environment for your healing journey. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

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

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.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

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 prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources, as improper use can cause adverse effects or interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers who 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 (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing root causes of health issues. TCM aims to restore harmony and promote long-term health by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

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 or Acupuncturist directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to understand your coverage requirements.

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. Most patients pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to verify with your private insurance provider, as many plans do offer some level of coverage for registered practitioners, depending on your policy.

Healthy Way
104-340 Brooksbank Ave
North Vancouver, BC, V7J 2C1

Phone: (604) 973-0242

Chien-Kai Wang 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.