Mary Feddema is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Cranbrook Acupuncture in Kimberley, BC, Marybeth 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.
Marybeth's role focuses on 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, with compassionate and individualized care.
Mary Feddema completed their RAC. With clinical training and experience, Marybeth is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest or further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine.
Her practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. Marybeth adopts a personalized approach based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, ensuring each treatment is tailored to the individual's unique constitution and condition. She views the body holistically, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional aspects (Holism). Mary Feddema offers consultations in English.
Marybeth practices at Cranbrook Acupuncture, situated in an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Kimberley neighborhood of Kimberley. 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, providing an accessible option for patients. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.
- Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
- 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.
- Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
- 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.
- 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.
- TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Personalized dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (Shi Liao), considering the energetic properties of foods (e.g., warming/cooling, drying/moistening, Five Flavors) and their effects on specific organ systems to support your unique constitution, address health imbalances, and promote healing.
- Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Marybeth, 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 Cranbrook Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Marybeth frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of high blood pressure needing complementary support for management? Marybeth works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
- Marybeth frequently assists patients in overcoming sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions.
- It's rewarding for Marybeth to witness patients find relief from wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions and experience an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation again.
- Patients struggling with stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work can find dedicated support from Marybeth. The therapeutic focus is on achieving clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Marybeth, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Marybeth practices at Cranbrook Acupuncture, situated in an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Kimberley neighborhood of Kimberley. 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, providing an accessible option for patients. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.
- 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.
- 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 MSP in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check with your private or extended health insurance, as many plans offer varying levels of coverage for registered practitioners.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to help restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be effective for conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more, by activating your body's own healing mechanisms.
- 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, as part of direct access. However, some private or extended health plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy's requirements before your appointment.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Common sensations include a slight pinch, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness, which indicate effective stimulation. Practitioners are highly trained and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety. If you experience any discomfort, inform your practitioner immediately.
Cranbrook Acupuncture
97 Wallinger Ave
Kimberley, BC, V1A 1Y6
Phone: (778) 350-3996
Mary Feddema 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.