Fariba Chaichi – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Kelowna, BC

Fariba Chaichi is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Physique Therapy Clinic in Kelowna, BC, Fariba is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

Fariba's role involves offering skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her approach focuses on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs.

Fariba completed her RAC with extensive clinical training and experience, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining the highest standards in TCM practice. Her interests extend to TCM dietary therapy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture, integrating these modalities to optimize health outcomes. Her practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than merely alleviating symptoms, utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore Yin-Yang harmony. Fariba offers consultations in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with her patients.

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a supportive and complementary approach to manage asthma and chronic bronchitis symptoms by strengthening Lung Qi and Wei Qi, resolving phlegm and dampness, descending rebellious Lung Qi to calm wheezing and cough, and tonifying Kidney Qi to grasp the Lung Qi.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.

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. Fariba can assess your needs.

• 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.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• 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.

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

• Fariba frequently assists patients in overcoming skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes and achieved feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient under the care of Fariba, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back with renewed vitality and ease.
• Rediscover your ability to swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation without the burden of curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach. Fariba focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• The path to overcoming dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities and achieving reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers is often clearer with TCM. Fariba guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy with improved health.

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

Fariba practices at Physique Therapy Clinic, situated in the Central Kelowna area within the South Pandosy and Downtown neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently located near Rutland Centennial Park, making it easy for clients to access. It is well-connected via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring accessible transportation options. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation, with metered and paid parking lots typically available nearby for your convenience.

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 protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

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 (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 insurance policies to confirm specific requirements.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to review your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for treatments administered by registered practitioners.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi along meridians. This treatment can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions such as digestion and hormones, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall wellness by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

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), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and consider contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. It is essential to inform your practitioner of all medications and health history. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers with strict quality testing.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance through techniques like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice aimed at restoring balance and facilitating healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be gentle and comfortable. The needles are very thin, and many experience little to no sensation. Some may feel a slight pinch or warmth; others find the treatment deeply relaxing or even sleep-inducing. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques, using sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

Does Physique Therapy Clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, the clinic typically offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists and Registered TCM Practitioners to major private insurance companies. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance details and confirm coverage specifics—such as per-visit limits, annual maximums, and whether a referral is needed—directly with their insurer. The patient remains responsible for any non-covered portions.

Physique Therapy Clinic
1680 Lloyd Ave, Suite #3
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9S6

Phone: (778) 340-9108

Fariba Chaichi 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.