Jia Ping Guo is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at BLUE HILL CLINIC in New Westminster, BC, Irene 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.
Irene's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused 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.
Jia Ping Guo completed their RTCMP. With clinical training and experience, Jia Ping Guo is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest or further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Irene's practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being; adopting a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Irene offers consultations in English.
Jia Ping Guo provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Womens Health Gynecological
- 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.
- 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.
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Natural and effective solutions for managing debilitating headaches and migraines, aiming to reduce their frequency, intensity, and duration without heavy reliance on medication.
- Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Holistic support to improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic joint pain, swelling, and stiffness due to osteoarthritic degeneration or autoimmune joint conditions (as an adjunct to conventional care).
- Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Reducing inflammation and swelling, promoting efficient tissue repair, alleviating pain, and restoring optimal function to injured areas to facilitate a quicker and safer return to athletic activity or work.
- Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Addressing underlying energetic imbalances like Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, and Blood Stasis, and improving overall vitality in individuals with these chronic pain conditions.
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. Irene can assess your needs.
- Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
- Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
- 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.
- TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
- 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.
- 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 Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Irene, 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 BLUE HILL CLINIC, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Irene frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably? Irene 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 managing their personal care routines independently.
- Understanding that frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life can be frustrating, Irene applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, making it possible to rediscover the joy in maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
- Let Irene help you navigate seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable with targeted TCM care. The goal is improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, so you can fully enjoy reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance) and other life pleasures once more.
- The path to overcoming knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult and achieving feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient is often clearer with TCM. Irene guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back with improved health.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Irene, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Practicing at BLUE HILL CLINIC, situated in the Downtown New Westminster, Quayside neighborhood, Irene's clinic is conveniently located near the New Westminster SkyTrain Station and easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and street parking is often available nearby, making it easy for patients to visit.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in BC?
- In British Columbia, patients 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. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to understand coverage details.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health based on ancient principles that view the body as an interconnected system. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses overall health using diagnostic methods like tongue and pulse analysis. Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice aimed at restoring balance and promoting natural healing.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many people feel little to no discomfort upon insertion. Common sensations include a slight pinch, warmth, tingling, or fullness around the needle site, which indicates effective stimulation of Qi. Patients often feel relaxed or may even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and only use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any pain, inform your practitioner immediately.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, though many private and extended health insurance plans may offer coverage. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy to understand your coverage options.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- **Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, supporting health when circulating freely. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or deficiencies in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. TCM therapies like acupuncture aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians to maintain health.
BLUE HILL CLINIC
625 Fifth Ave #406
New Westminster, BC, V3M 1X4
Phone: (604) 842-3278
Jia Ping Guo 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.