Lawrence Chan

Lawrence's practice is located at Integrative Naturopathic Medical Center, situated in the Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently near the Stanley Park Entrance and is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

• 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.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Recommending specific Qigong or Tai Chi forms tailored to an individual's health needs and constitution to support healing and maintain well-being.
• 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: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Providing guidance on the preparation and proper usage of prescribed herbal formulas, including decoction instructions for raw herbs, dosage for granules or pills, and advice on potential dietary interactions or lifestyle adjustments to enhance herbal efficacy.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Convenient and effective classical herbal formulations, often derived from famous ancient prescriptions, to complement your acupuncture treatment or as a standalone therapy for various health concerns.
• 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.

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

• Experiencing high blood pressure needing complementary support for management can be draining. Lawrence utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, so patients can re-engage with enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again feeling revitalized.
• Patients struggling with heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals can find dedicated support from Lawrence. The therapeutic focus is on achieving experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity.
• Understanding that dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities can be frustrating, Lawrence applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, making it possible to rediscover the joy in engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
• The journey to better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot when faced with general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically can be supported by Lawrence's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue.

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

Lawrence's practice is located at Integrative Naturopathic Medical Center, situated in the Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently near the Stanley Park Entrance and is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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 issues. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources, as this can carry risks such as incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your acupuncture session, it's advisable to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior; avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine or alcohol just before treatment. After your session, it’s best to rest and stay well-hydrated. Some individuals feel very relaxed or slightly tired, while others may feel energized. Pay attention to how your body responds and report any significant changes to your practitioner at your next visit.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health based on ancient principles, involving diagnosis of patterns of imbalance through methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health and creates a personalized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle recommendations to restore balance and promote healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many individuals feel minimal sensation such as a slight pinch or tingling. Some may feel a dull ache, warmth, or fullness at the needle site, which indicates effective stimulation. Many patients relax deeply and may even fall asleep. Practitioners are trained to use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infections. If you experience any discomfort, inform your practitioner immediately.

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

In BC, patients can generally see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your coverage details beforehand to understand your options.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy). This helps to balance the body's energy pathways, alleviating pain, reducing stress, improving sleep, and supporting overall health by enhancing the body's natural healing abilities.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, maintaining health when in balance. Meridians are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or imbalances in these meridians can lead to illness or pain. TCM therapies aim to restore proper Qi flow within these channels.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner are generally not covered by MSP in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket, but many private insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage. It’s recommended to review your individual plan for details.

Integrative Naturopathic Medical Center
730 - 1285 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC, V6H 3X8

Phone: (604) 738-1012

Lawrence Chan 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.