Lisa Jan Cogan – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Vancouver, BC

Lisa Jan Cogan is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Vancouver, BC, Lisa Jan is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

Lisa Jan's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to individual needs.

Lisa Jan Cogan completed her RAC. With extensive clinical training and experience, Lisa Jan is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest and further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She adopts a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Lisa Jan emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. She offers consultations in English.

Lisa Jan practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Vancouver, situated in the Downtown Vancouver (Central Business District, Granville) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Oakridge Centre (redeveloping) and is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.

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

• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Lisa Jan assists patients with TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches in reaching a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, fostering a return to beloved activities like enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue.
• Patients struggling with general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically can find dedicated support from Lisa Jan. The therapeutic focus is on achieving gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions.
• Understanding that uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes can be frustrating, Lisa Jan applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, making it possible to rediscover the joy in doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Experiencing feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings can be draining. Lisa Jan utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), so patients can re-engage with walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue feeling revitalized.

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

Lisa Jan practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Vancouver, situated in the Downtown Vancouver (Central Business District, Granville) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Oakridge Centre (redeveloping) and is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 MSP in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments performed by registered practitioners. Patients are advised to check their individual policies for specific coverage levels.

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 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 herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform the practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. Reputable practitioners source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along pathways known as meridians. This stimulates and balances the flow of Qi (vital energy), which can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, and their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. You may experience sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most find treatment very relaxing. Safety is a priority; practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate any discomfort during treatment.

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

Patients in BC can typically access a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to confirm their requirements.

8-200 Nelson Street
Vancouver, BC, V6B 2E2

Phone: (604) 608-1081

Lisa Jan Cogan 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.