Jennifer Lines

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: TCM strategies aimed at strengthening the Spleen, resolving Dampness and Heat, invigorating Blood, and regulating immune function to support gut healing and reduce flare-ups in IBD.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Harmonizing the Stomach Qi and directing its rebellious upward flow downwards to alleviate feelings of queasiness and prevent vomiting.
• 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.

Dermatological Skin

• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Natural solutions for clearer skin, aiming to reduce blemishes, prevent scarring, and promote a healthy complexion.
• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): TCM strategies involving acupuncture, cooling herbal formulas, and dietary recommendations to help manage rosacea symptoms like facial redness, flushing, papules, and pustules by clearing Stomach and Lung Heat, and cooling the Blood.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: TCM approaches including acupuncture, internal herbal medicine, and topical herbal applications to alleviate itching, redness, and inflammation associated with eczema by clearing Heat, resolving Dampness, expelling Wind, and nourishing Blood or Yin depending on the specific TCM pattern.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Addressing underlying immune system sensitivities and internal imbalances that trigger urticarial outbreaks.

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.
• 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.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Using specific acupuncture points and potent herbal formulas tailored to the stage and nature of the cold or flu (e.g., clearing Wind-Cold versus Wind-Heat invasions) to shorten duration and lessen severity.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM dietary advice to reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities, alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pain, and strengthen the body's defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to make it less reactive to allergens.

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. Jennifer can assess your needs.

• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Guidance on incorporating specific therapeutic foods and avoiding detrimental ones to align with your TCM pattern diagnosis, enhance treatment outcomes, and support seasonal well-being.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet? Jennifer works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• It's rewarding for Jennifer to witness patients find relief from that nagging back pain that just won't go away and experience accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing with children or grandchildren more comfortably and with sustained energy again.
• Rediscover your ability to reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance) without the burden of general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body. Jennifer focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches and achieved a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments under the care of Jennifer, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes with renewed vitality and ease.

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

Jennifer's practice at ELEMENTAL ACUPUNCTURE is situated in the central Duncan neighborhood, within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access peaceful treatment spaces in a familiar environment. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, the clinic offers a serene setting for healing and wellness. Parking options are typically available nearby, ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for every patient.

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.

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 through a process 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 for specific requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting very thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to promote the flow of Qi and restore balance. It can help manage conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual discomfort, and more, by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms and relieving stagnation or blockages in energy pathways.

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 private clinics are generally not covered by MSP in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans may offer partial or full coverage for these services. It is recommended to verify with individual insurance providers.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair, making the insertion usually painless or feeling like a tiny prick. Once inserted, some people may experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which are signs that the Qi is moving. Most find the experience relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners strictly adhere to safety protocols, using only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi is the vital energy or life force that circulates throughout the body, supporting all physiological functions. Meridians are channels through which Qi and Blood flow, connecting internal organs with the exterior body, including muscles and skin. Acupuncture points along these meridians are stimulated to restore balance, promote healing, and maintain health.

ELEMENTAL ACUPUNCTURE
1068 Holmes St
Duncan, BC, V9L 2C8

Phone: (778) 899-6865

Jennifer Lines 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.