Kai Chen

Dr. Kai Chen provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): A holistic and integrative TCM approach to help modulate the immune response, alleviate autoimmune-related fatigue and pain, and support the body’s innate healing capacities.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore balance.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.

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. Dr. Chen can assess your needs.

• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Personalized dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (Shi Liao), considering the energetic properties of foods (e.g., warming/cooling, drying/moistening, Five Flavors) and their effects on specific organ systems to support your unique constitution, address health imbalances, and promote healing.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): A contemporary acupuncture technique involving the insertion of needles into specific therapeutic zones on the scalp that correspond to different body functions and brain areas (e.g., motor, sensory, balance zones), primarily used for neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional conditions.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Practical strategies for living in harmony with nature, managing daily stressors effectively, conserving vital energy (Qi), and cultivating healthy habits from a TCM perspective to support overall resilience and a vibrant life.
• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Dr. Chen, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Doctor of TCMs in BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

At Kai Chen Acupunctuer, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Chen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness has made attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus seem difficult, Dr. Chen's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus with greater comfort.
• Many find that TCM with Dr. Chen not only helps with looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue but also brings about a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery.
• Struggling with curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach? Dr. Chen develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, key to helping you get back to doing cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment with improved well-being and energy.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Dr. Chen can be a turning point for those affected by knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult. The goal is achieving achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, paving the way for you to enjoy enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering and a more balanced, vibrant life.

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

Dr. Chen's practice at Kai Chen Acupunctuer is situated in the vibrant Victoria West, Esquimalt neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Antique Row, making it easy for patients to find and access. It is well-connected via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring public transportation options for those who prefer not to drive. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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 your practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health conditions. Patients are strongly advised against self-prescribing Chinese herbs or purchasing them from unreliable sources due to risks of 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.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

During your first visit, the Doctor of TCM will conduct a detailed consultation to understand your health concerns from a TCM perspective. This involves asking in-depth questions about your symptoms, overall health, daily routines, and emotional well-being. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as examining your tongue for its color, coating, and shape, and palpating your pulse at various positions on your wrists, are essential components. After assessing your condition and identifying your TCM pattern, your practitioner will explain their findings and propose a treatment strategy. This typically includes an acupuncture session during the first visit, and may also involve recommendations for Chinese herbal medicine (if within their scope), dietary adjustments, or other TCM therapies based on your individual needs.

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 Doctor of TCM in BC?

In BC, patients can typically see a Doctor of TCM (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without requiring a referral from a physician. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to understand their specific requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates effective stimulation of your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and may even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use only sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any notable pain or discomfort, inform your Doctor of TCM immediately.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Doctor of TCM help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient principles. A Doctor of TCM assesses your overall health to identify patterns of imbalance through methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if qualified as an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary recommendations to restore balance and support the body's natural healing processes.

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

In general, acupuncture and TCM services provided by registered practitioners such as R.Ac or R.TCMP in private clinics are not covered by MSP in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, although some private insurance policies may offer partial reimbursement. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage options.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. This stimulates the flow of Qi along meridians, helping to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and promote overall well-being. Many people experience a sense of relaxation and improved energy following treatment, making acupuncture an effective complementary therapy for many health conditions.

Kai Chen Acupunctuer
205 Burnside Road East
Victoria, BC, V9A 1A4

Phone: (250) 381-9669

Dr. Kai Chen 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.