Michelle Therese Hughes

Dr. Michelle Therese Hughes provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Addressing underlying energetic imbalances like Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, and Blood Stasis, and improving overall vitality in individuals with these chronic pain conditions.
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na massage, and topical herbal applications to accelerate recovery from acute sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, and contusions, as well as chronic overuse conditions like tendinitis (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinitis).

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.

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. Dr. Hughes can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.
• 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).
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Dr. Hughes, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Doctor of TCMs in BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

At Comox Valley Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Hughes frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's rewarding for Dr. Hughes to witness patients find relief from symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery and experience a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it again.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Dr. Hughes, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when that nagging back pain that just won't go away impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time.
• Understanding that seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable can be frustrating, Dr. Hughes applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, making it possible to rediscover the joy in being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably.
• If general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically is affecting your ability to participate in managing their personal care routines independently, Dr. Hughes's TCM approach aims for achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, helping you to regain your stride.

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

Dr. Hughes practices at Comox Valley Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, situated in the heart of Courtenay, BC, within the vibrant community of the Comox Valley. The clinic is conveniently located near Home Depot and is easily accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with accessible parking options typically available to ensure a comfortable visit for every patient.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Doctor of TCM 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 Doctor of TCM (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 or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for treatments from registered practitioners, so patients are encouraged to check their individual policy details.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once inserted, patients might feel sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most people find the experience relaxing. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate any discomfort during treatment.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Doctor of TCM in BC?

In BC, patients can generally see a Doctor of TCM (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner) directly without a referral from a physician. However, some private health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check individual policy requirements before scheduling treatment.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often described as vital energy or life force that flows through the body, supporting all physiological functions. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the exterior parts of the body. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to access and influence Qi flow to restore balance and health.

Comox Valley Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
318 C Duncan Avenue
Courtenay, BC, V9N 2M5

Phone: (250) 334-3630

Dr. Michelle Therese Hughes 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.