Christopher Ryan Davies

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Holistic approach to calming an irritable gut and improving overall digestive health and comfort using personalized TCM treatments.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Restoring balance to the large and small intestines and related organ systems (like Spleen, Liver, Kidney) to promote normal stool consistency, frequency, and ease of passage.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.
• 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).

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.
• 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: Natural and effective approaches to promote profound relaxation, improve resilience to stressors, foster a sense of inner peace and emotional stability, and manage symptoms of overwhelm.

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): Focusing on harmonizing Yin and Yang, clearing pathogenic factors (like Heat or Damp), nourishing deficient substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang), and resolving stagnation to support overall systemic balance.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore balance.

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. Christopher Ryan can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• 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.

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

• When frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Christopher Ryan can help you work towards a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Christopher Ryan, common concerns like feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, helping people to once again enjoy simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity.
• Patients struggling with irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms can find dedicated support from Christopher Ryan. The therapeutic focus is on achieving accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Christopher Ryan can be a turning point for those affected by pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica). The goal is achieving feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, paving the way for you to enjoy attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus and a more balanced, vibrant life.

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

Christopher Ryan practices at Meridian Integrative Health, located in the central Salmon Arm neighborhood within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The location is conveniently situated near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into daily routines. Accessible via various public transit routes, the clinic offers a serene environment designed for healing and relaxation. Street parking is often available nearby, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patients.

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.

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 (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your individual insurance provider to understand their specific requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints on the body. According to TCM, this stimulates the flow of Qi along meridians, helping to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, sterile, and typically not much thicker than a human hair. Needle insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. You may experience sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate Qi is being influenced. Most find acupuncture relaxing. Safety is a priority; practitioners use only sterile, single-use needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

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. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to check with your private or extended health insurance plan, as many offer varying levels of coverage for these services.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner or Doctor of TCM, herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. Practitioners are trained to identify quality herbs and potential interactions, and they consider contraindications, especially during pregnancy. Always inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions to ensure safe and appropriate herbal use. Avoid self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources due to risks of contamination or incorrect formulations.

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

TCM is a comprehensive medical system with therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na, cupping, and dietary advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner addresses health issues by correcting imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

Is TCM and Acupuncture suitable for children or the elderly?

Yes. TCM offers gentle, effective options for all ages. Pediatric treatments may include non-invasive techniques like Shonishin and acupressure, while seniors can benefit from acupuncture and herbal medicine for age-related conditions, pain, and overall well-being. Treatments are always adapted to suit individual age and health status.

Meridian Integrative Health
2110 11 Ave NE #203
Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 2V5

Phone: (778) 824-1900

Christopher Ryan Davies 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.