John Asher – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | New Westminster, BC

John Asher is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Asher Acupuncture in New Westminster, BC, John 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.

John'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. His approach emphasizes individualized care, addressing each patient's unique constitution and health needs, and supporting their journey toward optimal well-being. John serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring compassionate and effective treatment for everyone.

John Asher completed his RAC, gaining clinical training and experience that underpin his practice. He is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. With a particular interest in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine, John continually enhances his skills. His practice philosophy emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs), empowering individuals to maintain their health and vitality. John offers consultations in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with his patients.

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

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.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain sensitivity, improving energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and restoring a better quality of life for those with fibromyalgia or widespread myofascial pain.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Addressing neuropathic pain by invigorating Qi and Blood flow along affected meridians, nourishing Yin and Blood to repair damaged nerves, and resolving blockages or stagnation.

Dermatological Skin

• 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.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage psoriasis flare-ups by clearing Blood Heat, invigorating Blood circulation, resolving Dampness, and nourishing Yin to address skin scaling, redness, and itching. (As an adjunct to dermatological care).

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.
• 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. John can assess your needs.

• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.
• 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.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Providing guidance on the preparation and proper usage of prescribed herbal formulas, including decoction instructions for raw herbs, dosage for granules or pills, and advice on potential dietary interactions or lifestyle adjustments to enhance herbal efficacy.
• 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.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.

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

• The journey to clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function when faced with symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery can be supported by John's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably.
• Acupuncture and TCM with John can be a turning point for those affected by knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult. The goal is achieving improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, paving the way for you to enjoy maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with high blood pressure needing complementary support for management can find dedicated support from John. The therapeutic focus is on achieving a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions.
• Let John help you navigate brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory with targeted TCM care. The goal is a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, so you can fully enjoy engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow and other life pleasures once more.

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

John practices at Asher Acupuncture, situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal City Centre Mall and is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and bus routes. Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing, where patients can feel comfortable and supported. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity, ensuring convenient access for visitors seeking holistic care in a peaceful setting.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered TCM Practitioner if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

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 provincial health plans like MSP in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners, though coverage levels vary significantly. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in BC?

In BC, patients can typically access a Registered TCM Practitioner (including Registered Acupuncturists) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It's recommended to verify your insurance policy requirements beforehand.

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 Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, 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.

Asher Acupuncture
414 E Columbia St.
New Westminster, BC, V3L 3W9

Phone: (604) 524-3145

John Asher 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.