Mei Kwan Yu

Mei Kwan practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic located in the central North Vancouver neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors. It is well-connected by local public transit routes, allowing for easy travel to and from appointments. The clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, with accessible facilities and typically available parking options for patients' convenience.

• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Utilizing the synergistic therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese herbs, often in complex combinations, to restore organ function (Zang-Fu), balance Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and promote profound healing from within by addressing the root cause of illness.
• 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.

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

• Struggling with wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions? Mei Kwan develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, key to helping you get back to doing getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up with improved well-being and energy.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Mei Kwan assists patients with seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable in reaching improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, fostering a return to beloved activities like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
• If high blood pressure needing complementary support for management is preventing you from fully enjoying reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain, Mei Kwan offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Patients struggling with general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically can find dedicated support from Mei Kwan. The therapeutic focus is on achieving reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus.

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

Mei Kwan practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic located in the central North Vancouver neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors. It is well-connected by local public transit routes, allowing for easy travel to and from appointments. The clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, with accessible facilities and typically available parking options for patients' convenience.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered TCM Practitioner immediately.

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 or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. Patients are strongly advised to check with their insurance providers to understand their specific coverage levels and reimbursement policies.

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

In BC, patients can generally access a Registered TCM Practitioner (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or R.TCMP) directly without a referral from a physician, known as direct access. Nonetheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended that patients verify their insurance policy requirements before scheduling their first appointment.

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 physiological processes, movement, warmth, and immune defense. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs to the body's exterior, including muscles and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and serve as access points to influence and restore the flow of Qi, helping to rebalance the body's energy system.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been used for thousands of years. It encompasses various therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle counseling. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues. TCM aims to restore harmony within the body, promote healing, and prevent future illness.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance. Performed by a qualified practitioner, it can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and treat various internal conditions. Many patients experience relaxation during treatment and report improvements in their overall health and well-being.

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 select high-quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources can pose risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse reactions. Always follow your practitioner's guidance for safe and effective herbal therapy.

5-1480 Marine Dr
North Vancouver, BC, V7P 1T6

Phone: (604) 612-2301

Mei Kwan Yu 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.