Kendra Shirley Leona Wilks

Kendra Shirley Leona Wilks provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, to address symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, belching, and indigestion by strengthening Spleen Qi, ensuring the proper downward flow of rebellious Stomach Qi, and clearing any Stomach Heat or Food Stagnation.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to effectively alleviate common menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and cognitive changes ('brain fog') by nourishing Kidney Yin and Essence, clearing deficiency heat, and calming the Shen.
• Pregnancy, Labor Preparation & Postpartum Care (TCM): Nourishing Qi, Blood, and Essence, strengthening the Kidney and Spleen organ systems, and ensuring smooth Qi flow to support the mother and baby throughout the entire perinatal journey.
• Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD: Addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis or Deficiency, Kidney Essence Deficiency, or Damp-Phlegm obstruction that contribute to menstrual and emotional cycle problems.

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. Kendra Shirley Leona can assess your needs.

• 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): 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• 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 Kendra Shirley Leona, 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 Yanaroot Art of Health, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Kendra Shirley Leona frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Experiencing managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably can be draining. Kendra Shirley Leona utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, so patients can re-engage with having more regular and comfortable menstrual cycles, allowing for uninterrupted daily life and activities feeling revitalized.
• When looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Kendra Shirley Leona can help you work towards a stronger, more resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Kendra Shirley Leona assists patients with a general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically in reaching better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, fostering a return to beloved activities like experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Kendra Shirley Leona, common concerns like feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, helping people to once again enjoy reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance).

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

Located in the central neighborhood of Nelson, Kendra Shirley Leona practices at Yanaroot Art of Health, an accessible acupuncture and TCM clinic. The clinic is conveniently situated near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for clients to incorporate their treatments into their daily routines. It is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey for patients. Our clinic offers a serene environment designed to promote healing and relaxation, and metered or paid parking lots are usually available nearby for added convenience.

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 (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer reimbursement for treatments performed by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly, so it is advisable for patients to check with their insurance providers to understand their specific benefits.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner (e.g., R.TCMP) uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health. TCM can address a wide range of health issues, supporting overall well-being and vitality.

Approximately how many Acupuncture/TCM sessions will I need and how often?

The required number and frequency of sessions depend on factors such as the nature and severity of the condition, its duration, and individual response to treatment. Acute issues may require fewer sessions, such as 1-3 times weekly for a couple of weeks, while chronic conditions often need a longer course, such as 6-12 weekly or bi-weekly treatments. Your practitioner will develop a tailored treatment plan after your initial assessment and adjust it as needed based on your progress.

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 enhance overall health. Many patients experience a relaxing sensation during treatments, and acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a trained professional using sterile needles.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed and administered by a qualified and registered TCM practitioner, Chinese herbal medicines are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, recognize potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications. It is essential to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions. Self-prescribing herbal formulas or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of contamination, incorrect formulations, and adverse effects. Always seek treatment from licensed practitioners who source herbs from reputable suppliers that perform quality testing.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force in TCM that animates and sustains the body. Meridians are channels through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting different organs and tissues. Proper flow of Qi within these meridians is essential for health; blockages or deficiencies can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the smooth and balanced flow of Qi to maintain health and vitality.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be comfortable and not painful. The needles are very thin, and many individuals feel only a mild sensation, such as a slight pinch or warmth. Some may experience a dull ache or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation of Qi. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, it should be communicated immediately so adjustments can be made.

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 directly without a physician’s referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements before scheduling your first appointment.

Yanaroot Art of Health
2107 Svoboda Rd
Nelson, BC, V1L 3V3

Phone: (403) 862-7746

Kendra Shirley Leona Wilks 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.