Marzieh Shirdelan

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including preventative acupuncture and immune-boosting herbs, to help strengthen the body's resistance to colds and flu. For active infections, TCM aims to accelerate recovery by expelling pathogens (Wind, Cold, Heat, Damp), relieving symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: TCM strategies, including regular acupuncture, moxibustion, and constitutional herbal tonics, to strengthen the body's overall defensive energy (Wei Qi) and address underlying deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang that may lead to a weakened immune system and frequent infections (e.g., colds, sinus infections, UTIs).

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain sensitivity, improving energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and restoring a better quality of life for those with fibromyalgia or widespread myofascial pain.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to head pain (e.g., temporal, occipital, vertex headaches) and providing personalized treatments, including acupuncture and herbal formulas, for lasting relief and prevention.
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Comprehensive TCM strategies to manage pain, improve healing, and address underlying imbalances that may contribute to recurrent sports injuries or repetitive strain conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.

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. Marzieh can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally, Marzieh crafts treatments to achieve a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, supporting a return to activities like simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity with comfort and confidence.
• For those whose that nagging back pain that just won't go away has made engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind seem difficult, Marzieh's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind with greater comfort.
• Let Marzieh help you navigate stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work with targeted TCM care. The goal is significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, so you can fully enjoy actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back and other life pleasures once more.
• Marzieh believes in a partnership with patients. When high blood pressure needing complementary support for management arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, enabling a more active lifestyle including running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain.

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

Marzieh practices at gatheredroots acupuncture, situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster. The clinic is conveniently located near Historic Downtown New Westminster and is accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 the practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health conditions. Patients should avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources due to risks of 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.

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 (vital energy) along meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

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

TMC is a holistic health approach based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, diagnosing patterns of imbalance through techniques like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice, all aimed at restoring balance and promoting healing.

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 or Acupuncturist directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. Meridians are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excess in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and TCM therapies aim to restore proper Qi flow within these meridians.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by MSP in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket but should check their private or extended health plans, as some offer partial or full coverage for qualified practitioners. Coverage varies significantly.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some experience a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. Many patients find the experience relaxing and may even fall asleep during treatment. If any discomfort occurs, inform the practitioner immediately.

gatheredroots acupuncture
328 Columbia Street
New Westminster, BC, V3L 1A6

Phone: (604) 521-6639

Marzieh Shirdelan 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.