Maria Macgregor

Morven practices at Flourishing Health, situated within an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Invermere neighborhood of Invermere. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Our clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available nearby, offering additional convenience for visitors seeking comprehensive TCM care.

• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• 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).
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.

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

• Morven frequently assists patients in overcoming wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue.
• The journey to a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections when faced with pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica) can be supported by Morven's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy.
• The path to overcoming managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably and achieving effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy is often clearer with TCM. Morven guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it with improved health.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care? Morven works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort.

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

Morven practices at Flourishing Health, situated within an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Invermere neighborhood of Invermere. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of access for all patients seeking comprehensive TCM care. Our clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available nearby, offering additional convenience for visitors seeking comprehensive TCM care.

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.

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

Yes. In BC, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, as regulated health professionals in this field are licensed to provide care independently. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their individual policy requirements to confirm coverage.

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 provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to review individual private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for registered practitioners, which can help offset treatment costs.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to influence Qi flow to restore balance and health.

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 therapy can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions such as digestion and hormones, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by enhancing the body's natural healing response.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be comfortable, as the needles are very thin and cause minimal sensation. Some individuals might feel a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling during insertion. Many feel deeply relaxed or even fall asleep. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If any discomfort occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

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 herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important for patients to inform their practitioner about all medications and health conditions to ensure safe and appropriate herbal therapy. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions.

Flourishing Health
503 7th Ave #1
Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0

Phone: (782) 234-3031

Maria Macgregor 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.