Lana Dawn Unger

Located at Inner Harmony in the South Nanaimo, within the University District neighborhood, Lana Dawn’s practice is conveniently situated near Bastion, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The clinic is well-connected via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient transportation options. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, with metered and paid parking lots typically available nearby for your ease.

• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Supporting patients in their herbal medicine journey with clear instructions, quality-sourced herbs, and ongoing monitoring of their response to treatment.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Comprehensive assessment and prescription of individually tailored Chinese herbal formulas (raw herbs for decoction, granular extracts, powders, or pills) based on your specific TCM pattern diagnosis and constitution to address underlying imbalances and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. (Primarily within R.TCMP scope).

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

• Lana Dawn believes in a partnership with patients. When feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, enabling a more active lifestyle including enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time.
• It's rewarding for Lana Dawn to witness patients find relief from fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy and experience accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back again.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Lana Dawn assists patients with wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions in reaching achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, fostering a return to beloved activities like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Lana Dawn, common concerns like circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, helping people to once again enjoy engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus.

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

Located at Inner Harmony in the South Nanaimo, within the University District neighborhood, Lana Dawn’s practice is conveniently situated near Bastion, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The clinic is well-connected via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient transportation options. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, with metered and paid parking lots typically available nearby for your ease.

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.

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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check with individual private or extended health insurance plans, as coverage varies widely. Many plans do offer reimbursement for services provided by registered practitioners, so verifying your policy is recommended.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi along meridians. This traditional practice can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immune response, and promote overall well-being by supporting your body's natural healing processes.

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

TCM is a holistic health system rooted in ancient principles, focusing on restoring balance within the body. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health through methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis, then creates a personalized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle recommendations to promote healing and balance.

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

Patients in BC can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture not painful. The needles are very thin, and many individuals feel only a slight pinch or no sensation at all. Common sensations include warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness, which indicate effective stimulation of Qi. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If you experience any discomfort during treatment, inform your practitioner immediately.

Inner Harmony
#101-321 Wallace St
Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5B6

Phone: (250) 740-5437

Lana Dawn Unger 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.