Laura Heslin

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.
• 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.
• 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.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a complementary therapy to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. (Used alongside conventional medical management).

Womens Health Gynecological

• 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.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Holistic support aimed at improving hormonal balance, reducing pain and other symptoms, enhancing fertility potential, and improving quality of life for women with PCOS or endometriosis.
• Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Specialized Traditional Chinese Medicine protocols, including acupuncture and individually prescribed herbal medicine, to improve reproductive health, optimize fertility markers (e.g., egg quality, sperm parameters, uterine lining), regulate ovulation, and support natural conception or improve success rates for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF/IUI.
• Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD: Natural and effective solutions for achieving smoother, more comfortable, predictable menstrual cycles and balanced hormonal health.

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. Laura can assess your needs.

• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Guidance on incorporating specific therapeutic foods and avoiding detrimental ones to align with your TCM pattern diagnosis, enhance treatment outcomes, and support seasonal well-being.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• 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.
• 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 Laura, 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 Campbell River Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Laura frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Laura, common concerns like wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions 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 swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome and achieved an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements under the care of Laura, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue with renewed vitality and ease.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally, Laura helps patients work towards experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, facilitating a return to cherished activities like sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic.
• Struggling with uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes? Laura develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, key to helping you get back to doing having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions with improved well-being and energy.

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

Located in the heart of Downtown Campbell River, Campbell River Acupuncture is easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Situated in the North Campbell River neighborhood, the clinic is conveniently near Campbell River Hospital and is well-served by the Campbell River Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a calm, welcoming environment for healing, complemented by nearby metered and paid parking lots that are usually available in the vicinity, making your visit as convenient and comfortable as possible.

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.

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. However, many private insurance plans offer varying degrees of coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners, so it's advisable to check with your provider to understand your benefits.

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 in place, you may experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which indicate that Qi is being influenced. Most people find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Safety is a priority; registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate any discomfort during treatment to your practitioner.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, maintaining health when it moves smoothly and abundantly. **Meridians** are channels or pathways that carry Qi and Blood, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or deficiencies in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians to promote health and balance.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood, restoring balance based on TCM principles. It can address various health issues such as pain, stress, digestive problems, menstrual disorders, and more, by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

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, potential interactions, and contraindications. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Avoid self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources due to risks of contamination or adverse interactions.

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

In BC, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral from a physician. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

Campbell River Acupuncture
2239 Arnason Rd
Campbell River, BC, V9W 4N9

Phone: (250) 818-2498

Laura Heslin 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.