Dana Marie Alden

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.
• 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): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): TCM strategies, often involving acupuncture and herbal medicine, aimed at managing symptoms associated with uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, such as heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure, by promoting circulation, resolving Blood stasis and Phlegm accumulation. (As an adjunct to gynecological monitoring).
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Kidney deficiency, Spleen Qi deficiency with Dampness, Liver Qi stagnation, and Blood stasis commonly seen in these complex gynecological conditions.
• 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.
• Pregnancy, Labor Preparation & Postpartum Care (TCM): Natural, supportive care to enhance well-being, manage common discomforts, and promote a positive experience during pregnancy, childbirth, and new motherhood from a TCM perspective.

Dermatological Skin

• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Working to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response from a TCM perspective to improve skin lesions and overall comfort.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Natural relief from acute and chronic hives, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of episodes.
• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Targeting the root causes of acne breakouts, whether related to diet, stress, hormonal fluctuations, or internal toxicity according to TCM diagnosis.

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. Dana Marie can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• 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.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).

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

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Dana Marie, common concerns like uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, helping people to once again enjoy reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• Dana Marie believes in a partnership with patients. When seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, enabling a more active lifestyle including playing with children or grandchildren more comfortably and with sustained energy.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery, Dana Marie crafts treatments to achieve reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, supporting a return to activities like enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with comfort and confidence.
• Struggling with digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms)? Dana Marie develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, key to helping you get back to feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes with improved well-being and energy.

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

Krell Wellness Center, where Dana Marie practices, is situated in the South Prince George, Pineview neighborhood of Prince George. The clinic is conveniently located near Exploration Place Museum & Science Centre and is easily accessible via the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, providing a peaceful setting for your treatments. Street parking is often available nearby, making your visit comfortable and hassle-free.

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 process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm their specific requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been utilized for thousands of years. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary and lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health. TCM can address a wide range of health concerns, supporting overall wellness and vitality.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points along the body's meridians to stimulate Qi flow. This practice helps alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and activate the body's natural healing mechanisms. It is effective for conditions such as pain management (back pain, headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual discomfort, and more, contributing to overall well-being.

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

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. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for treatments by registered practitioners, though coverage levels vary significantly.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are extremely thin, and many patients feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some may experience a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which typically indicates effective Qi stimulation. Many patients find the sessions relaxing and may even fall asleep. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use only sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any discomfort, inform your practitioner immediately.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is considered the vital life energy that flows through the body, responsible for movement, warmth, and immune defense. **Meridians** are specific pathways through which Qi circulates, connecting internal organs with the surface and extremities. Acupuncture points along these meridians are accessed to influence Qi flow, restore balance, and promote health.

Krell Wellness Center
109-6007 Southridge Ave
Prince George, BC, V2N 6Z4

Phone: (250) 596-3236

Dana Marie Alden 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.