Patricia Lorraine Macpherson

Patricia Lorraine practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic situated in the central Powell River neighborhood. 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, allowing for straightforward access from various parts of Powell River. Our clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation. Additionally, parking options are typically available nearby, offering a hassle-free experience for patients seeking holistic health care.

• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Comprehensive coaching to help you integrate TCM wisdom into your daily life for improved balance, vitality, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, fostering a proactive approach to health.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Guidance on incorporating specific therapeutic foods and avoiding detrimental ones to align with your TCM pattern diagnosis, enhance treatment outcomes, and support seasonal well-being.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• 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.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.

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

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Patricia Lorraine, common concerns like asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, helping people to once again enjoy participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back.
• Experiencing feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings can be draining. Patricia Lorraine utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, so patients can re-engage with playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy feeling revitalized.
• The path to overcoming looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue and achieving an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements is often clearer with TCM. Patricia Lorraine guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic with improved health.
• Patients struggling with managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably can find dedicated support from Patricia Lorraine. 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 cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment.

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

Patricia Lorraine practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic situated in the central Powell River neighborhood. 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, allowing for straightforward access from various parts of Powell River. Our clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation. Additionally, parking options are typically available nearby, offering a hassle-free experience for patients seeking holistic health care.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It’s considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

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 do offer coverage for treatments performed by registered practitioners, so it is advisable to check your individual policy for reimbursement options.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi along meridians. This process helps to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions such as digestion and hormones, strengthen the immune system, and facilitate the body’s natural healing processes, promoting overall wellness.

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

Patients in BC can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician’s referral, as direct access is permitted. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy’s specific requirements before your appointment.

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 that aim to restore balance and harmony within the body. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health using diagnostic methods like tongue and pulse analysis, and creates personalized treatment plans that may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice to promote healing and wellness.

4680 Willingdon Ave.
Powell River, BC, V8A 2N4

Phone: (604) 485-0250

Patricia Lorraine Macpherson 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.