Derek Gouweleeuw

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

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Acupuncture and herbal formulas to address various types of dizziness and vertigo by treating underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Qi and Blood deficiency.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): Working to address the underlying TCM imbalances that may contribute to the formation or growth of benign masses.
• Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD: Natural and effective solutions for achieving smoother, more comfortable, predictable menstrual cycles and balanced hormonal health.
• 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.

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. Derek can assess your needs.

• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Recommendation and dispensing of pre-made, standardized, classical Chinese herbal formulas in pill, tablet, capsule, or liquid form for common conditions and TCM patterns, offering convenience, consistent dosing, and proven efficacy. (May be recommended by R.Ac within certain guidelines or more comprehensively by R.TCMP).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Providing guidance on the preparation and proper usage of prescribed herbal formulas, including decoction instructions for raw herbs, dosage for granules or pills, and advice on potential dietary interactions or lifestyle adjustments to enhance herbal efficacy.

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

• For those whose wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes has made running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain seem difficult, Derek's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain with greater comfort.
• It's rewarding for Derek to witness patients find relief from high blood pressure needing complementary support for management and experience for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience again.
• Patients struggling with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory can find dedicated support from Derek. The therapeutic focus is on achieving improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise.
• Experiencing general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically can be draining. Derek utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, so patients can re-engage with managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain feeling revitalized.

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

Start Line Health and Wellness, where Derek practices, is situated in a central Duncan location within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The clinic is conveniently positioned in the heart of Duncan, close to local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. Public transit routes serve the area well, providing an accessible option for those without private transportation. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation, with metered and paid parking lots typically available nearby for added convenience.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.

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 coverage for services provided by registered practitioners, so it is advisable to check your individual policy as coverage levels vary.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in BC?

Patients in BC can usually see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). While a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

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.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once inserted, you may feel sensations like a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate Qi movement and are positive signs. Most patients find the experience relaxing. Safety is a priority; practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting fine needles at specific points to stimulate the body's energy flow. It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall health by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Start Line Health and Wellness
715 Canada ave
Duncan, BC, V9L 1V1

Phone: (250) 597-3959

Derek Gouweleeuw 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.