Donna Ruth Rasplica

Dr. Donna Ruth Rasplica provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Other Common

• 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.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Early and consistent TCM intervention to maximize functional recovery and minimize residual facial weakness or asymmetry.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD: Natural and effective solutions for achieving smoother, more comfortable, predictable menstrual cycles and balanced hormonal health.
• Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Specialized Traditional Chinese Medicine protocols, including acupuncture and individually prescribed herbal medicine, to improve reproductive health, optimize fertility markers (e.g., egg quality, sperm parameters, uterine lining), regulate ovulation, and support natural conception or improve success rates for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF/IUI.
• 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.
• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Supporting a smoother and more comfortable transition through menopause by rebalancing hormones naturally and strengthening the body's vital energy and adaptive capacity.

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. Dr. Rasplica can assess your needs.

• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Convenient and effective classical herbal formulations, often derived from famous ancient prescriptions, to complement your acupuncture treatment or as a standalone therapy for various health concerns.
• 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.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.
• 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).

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Dr. Rasplica, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Doctor of TCMs in BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

At Lakeside Health, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Rasplica frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life? Dr. Rasplica works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Dr. Rasplica, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably.
• Let Dr. Rasplica help you navigate general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body with targeted TCM care. The goal is effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy, so you can fully enjoy participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation and other life pleasures once more.
• Understanding that uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes can be frustrating, Dr. Rasplica applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, making it possible to rediscover the joy in handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease.

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

Dr. Rasplica practices at Lakeside Health, situated within a welcoming acupuncture and TCM clinic in the heart of Salmon Arm's central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and parks, making it easy for patients to access. Public transit routes serve the area well, providing an accessible option for those without a vehicle. Our clinic offers a serene environment dedicated to healing and relaxation, with street parking often available nearby for added convenience.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Doctor of TCM, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.

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.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Doctor of TCM help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Doctor of TCM 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.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Doctor of TCM in BC?

Patients in BC can typically see a Doctor of TCM, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (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. Patients are advised to check their individual policy requirements.

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 the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans offer coverage for these services. Patients are encouraged to verify their own insurance policies, as coverage levels vary.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often less thick than a human hair. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less than an injection. Once inserted, some patients may feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs the treatment is working. Most find acupuncture relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

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

When prescribed by a qualified and registered TCM practitioner, such as an R.TCMP or Dr. TCM, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. These practitioners have extensive training in herbal pharmacology and are skilled at selecting quality herbs, avoiding herb-drug interactions, and contraindications based on your health profile. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions and to avoid self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources to prevent adverse effects or contamination.

Lakeside Health
#2 - 140 Harbourfront Drive NE
Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 2T3

Phone: (250) 833-5899

Dr. Donna Ruth Rasplica 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.