Niels Morten Christensen

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

Respiratory & 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.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Natural and effective strategies for managing acute allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of chronic allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney deficiencies that often contribute to chronic respiratory conditions and recurrent coughs, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.

Digestive & Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.

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. Niels Morten can assess your needs.

• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• 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.
• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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).

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

• For those managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably, Niels Morten's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation). These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic with greater comfort.
• Niels Morten believes in a partnership with patients. When wanting to improve overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally, a collaborative TCM plan targets experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, enabling a more active lifestyle including cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult, Niels Morten helps patients work towards improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, facilitating a return to cherished activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably.
• Patients struggling with uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes can find dedicated support from Niels Morten. The therapeutic focus is on achieving feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as having more regular and comfortable menstrual cycles, allowing for uninterrupted daily life and activities.

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

Niels Morten practices at the Acupuncture and bodycare clinic, situated in the Downtown Campbell River area within the North Campbell River neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Spirit Square and is easily accessible via the Campbell River Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and street parking is often available nearby, making it easy for you to attend your appointments.

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 and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly, so it is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits.

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

In BC, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or R.TCMP) directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy to confirm any such requirements.

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) with extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify high-quality herbs, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. It is crucial to inform your practitioner about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, to avoid adverse interactions. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or harmful interactions.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system rooted in ancient principles, focusing on restoring balance within the body. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health through tongue and pulse diagnosis, symptom analysis, and lifestyle evaluation. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary or lifestyle recommendations to promote natural healing and maintain wellness.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, essential for health. When Qi flows freely and abundantly, health is maintained; disruptions can cause illness or pain. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting organs and tissues. Acupuncture and other TCM modalities aim to restore balanced Qi flow within these meridians to promote health and alleviate symptoms.

Does Acupuncture and bodycare clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

The clinic typically offers direct billing to major private insurers for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and/or Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP). Patients should bring their insurance details and confirm coverage specifics, including any limits or requirements such as referrals. The patient remains responsible for non-covered portions.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. This stimulates the flow of Qi along meridians, helping to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being. It supports the body's natural ability to heal itself and restore balance.

Acupuncture and bodycare clinic
#6-522 S. Dogwood
Campbell River, BC, V9W 6R4

Phone: (250) 286-1848

Niels Morten Christensen 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.