Deborah Lynn Grech

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

Womens Health Gynecological

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Holistic support aimed at improving hormonal balance, reducing pain and other symptoms, enhancing fertility potential, and improving quality of life for women with PCOS or endometriosis.
• 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.

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• 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.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Natural support for strengthening immunity, reducing susceptibility to infections, and helping recovery when sick.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors contributing to allergic responses and sinus inflammation.

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. nee SILVEY can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
• 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 Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Utilizing the synergistic therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese herbs, often in complex combinations, to restore organ function (Zang-Fu), balance Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and promote profound healing from within by addressing the root cause of illness.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with nee SILVEY, common concerns like my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, helping people to once again enjoy traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult? nee SILVEY works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain.
• If general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically is preventing you from fully enjoying engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus, nee SILVEY offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Experiencing feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings can be draining. nee SILVEY utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, so patients can re-engage with planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being feeling revitalized.

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

nee SILVEY's practice is located at My Zen, situated in the Horseshoe Bay, Gleneagles neighborhood of West Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently positioned near the Lions Gate Bridge access and is easily reachable via TransLink, including the BlueBus service operated by West Vancouver. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, designed to support your wellness journey. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity to accommodate visitors.

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 requiring a referral from a physician (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally necessary, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to understand coverage requirements.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

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

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), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify high-quality herbs, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. It is crucial to inform your practitioner about all medications and health issues. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources to prevent risks such as incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs typically source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform rigorous quality testing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less than an injection. You may experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which indicate Qi activation and treatment effectiveness. Most patients find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if discomfort occurs.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to check individual private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for treatments by registered practitioners, though coverage varies.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and support overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your health through tongue and pulse diagnosis, then provides personalized treatments including acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle recommendations to help restore balance and promote healing.

My Zen
4146 Burkehill Rd
West Vancouver, BC, V7W 1B4

Phone: (604) 347-8714

Deborah Lynn Grech 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.