Gang Pan

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Addressing TCM patterns often associated with trauma, such as Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Qi Stagnation, or Kidney Jing depletion.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, to address symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, belching, and indigestion by strengthening Spleen Qi, ensuring the proper downward flow of rebellious Stomach Qi, and clearing any Stomach Heat or Food Stagnation.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Holistic approach to calming an irritable gut and improving overall digestive health and comfort using personalized TCM treatments.

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. Gang can assess your needs.

• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.
• 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Using food as medicine according to traditional Chinese dietary wisdom to strengthen organ function (especially Spleen and Stomach), improve digestion, build Qi and Blood, clear pathogenic factors, and promote overall harmony and longevity.

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

• For those whose general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body has made feeling more energetic, focused, and productive throughout the workday without energy slumps seem difficult, Gang's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to feeling more energetic, focused, and productive throughout the workday without energy slumps with greater comfort.
• Gang frequently assists patients in overcoming trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness and achieved experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days under the care of Gang, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow with renewed vitality and ease.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Gang can be a turning point for those affected by stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work. The goal is achieving a stronger, more resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, paving the way for you to enjoy being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably and a more balanced, vibrant life.

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

Gang's practice at pan-zeng acupuncture clinic is situated in the Burnside Gorge area within the Hillside-Quadra neighbourhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near the Downtown Core and is easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with accessible facilities and ample parking options typically available to support your visit.

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 a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy to ensure coverage.

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 herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform the practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources, as this can pose health risks due to incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often use herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as many plans do offer some reimbursement for registered TCM services, though coverage levels vary.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance according to TCM principles. It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestion, and promote overall well-being by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, **Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via specific pathways called **meridians**. These pathways connect internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points along these meridians can be stimulated to restore the proper flow of Qi, promoting health and balance.

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

TCM is a holistic approach to health based on ancient principles, involving acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifies patterns of imbalance, and tailors treatments to restore harmony, support healing, and improve quality of life.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be comfortable, with many feeling little to no pain. Needles are very thin, and practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety. Some sensation such as a slight pinch or tingling may occur, but overall, acupuncture is a safe and well-tolerated therapy. If any discomfort arises, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

pan-zeng acupuncture clinic
#370-1641 Hillside Ave.
Victoria, BC, V8T 5G1

Phone: (250) 598-9668

Gang Pan 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.