Daniel Hengsbach

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

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

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.
• 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.

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. Daniel can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Supporting patients in their herbal medicine journey with clear instructions, quality-sourced herbs, and ongoing monitoring of their response to treatment.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.

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

• Patients struggling with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that’s bothersome can find dedicated support from Daniel. The therapeutic focus is on achieving gaining a deeper understanding of their body’s unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Daniel believes in a partnership with patients. When fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), enabling a more active lifestyle including playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy.
• Experiencing TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches can be draining. Daniel utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, so patients can re-engage with walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery feeling revitalized.
• Understanding that wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes can be frustrating, Daniel applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, making it possible to rediscover the joy in standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort.

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

Daniel practices at Kootenay-Columbia Therapeutics, situated in the central Trail neighborhood of Trail, BC. The clinic is nestled within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM facility that is easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. It is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to incorporate their appointments into their daily routines. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options for all. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

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.

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.

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 provincial health plans like MSP in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer varying degrees of coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check your insurance policy for specific details regarding reimbursement.

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 (e.g., Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). While a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy requirements beforehand.

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.

Kootenay-Columbia Therapeutics
1686 2nd Ave.
Trail, BC, V1R 1M5

Phone: (250) 364-1516

Daniel Hengsbach 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.