Kayla Lynn Storkson

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

Dermatological Skin

• 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: Natural relief from acute and chronic hives, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of episodes.
• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Natural solutions for clearer skin, aiming to reduce blemishes, prevent scarring, and promote a healthy complexion.
• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying inflammation and vascular reactivity contributing to rosacea flare-ups.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.

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.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.

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. Kayla Lynn can assess your needs.

• 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): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Let Kayla Lynn help you navigate uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes with targeted TCM care. The goal is experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, so you can fully enjoy planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being and other life pleasures once more.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Kayla Lynn, common concerns like general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, helping people to once again enjoy returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• Kayla Lynn frequently assists patients in overcoming looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience.
• Kayla Lynn believes in a partnership with patients. When frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, enabling a more active lifestyle including enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.

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

Kayla Lynn practices at RED SAGE WELLNESS, situated in the Courtenay City area of the Rural Comox Valley, including nearby Comox and Cumberland neighborhoods. The clinic’s convenient location near Simms Millennium Park makes it easily accessible for residents of Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, and surrounding areas. Easily reachable via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit), the clinic offers a peaceful environment dedicated to healing and well-being. Street parking is often available nearby, ensuring a smooth visit for all clients.

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?

In British Columbia, patients can generally 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. Patients are encouraged to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage and any specific documentation needed.

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), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify high-quality herbs and potential herb-drug interactions, as well as contraindications during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. It is essential to inform your practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs typically source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing to ensure safety.

Does RED SAGE WELLNESS offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, the clinic generally offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) to major private insurers. Patients should bring their insurance details and confirm coverage specifics, including any limits or requirements, directly with their insurance provider. The patient is responsible for any non-covered portions.

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 physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to access and influence the flow of Qi for restoring balance and health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many feel little to no sensation during insertion. Some may experience a slight pinch, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness, which indicates effective stimulation of Qi. Many patients find the treatment relaxing and may even fall asleep. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any pain or discomfort, notify your practitioner immediately.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in private clinics are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, although some private insurance plans may reimburse part of the costs. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding coverage and reimbursement policies.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along meridians to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi. This process can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and support the body's natural healing processes for overall health and well-being.

RED SAGE WELLNESS
3627 Trent Rd
Courtenay, BC, V9N 9R4

Phone: (778) 679-6240

Kayla Lynn Storkson 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.