Shannan Colleen Hazard

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

Other Common

• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Natural relief from sensations of spinning, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness by addressing the root energetic imbalance.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): Focusing on harmonizing Yin and Yang, clearing pathogenic factors (like Heat or Damp), nourishing deficient substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang), and resolving stagnation to support overall systemic balance.
• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Supporting the body's strength (Zheng Qi), protecting healthy cells, reducing toxic side effects, and promoting recovery and vitality during and after chemotherapy or radiation therapy from a TCM perspective.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.
• 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: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• 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).

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. Shannan Colleen can assess your needs.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• 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.
• 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 Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Using food as medicine according to traditional Chinese dietary wisdom to strengthen organ function (especially Spleen and Stomach), improve digestion, build Qi and Blood, clear pathogenic factors, and promote overall harmony and longevity.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.

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

• Rediscover your ability to feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days without the burden of irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms. Shannan Colleen focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Shannan Colleen, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Shannan Colleen assists patients with high blood pressure needing complementary support for management in reaching experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, fostering a return to beloved activities like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• Let Shannan Colleen help you navigate dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities with targeted TCM care. The goal is accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, so you can fully enjoy returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain and other life pleasures once more.

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

Shannan Colleen practices at Elemental Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, situated in the Courtenay City, within the Comox, Cumberland, and Rural Comox Valley neighbourhoods of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently located near Driftwood Mall and is easily accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a tranquil environment conducive to healing, with metered and paid parking lots usually available in the vicinity, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patients.

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 the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check individual private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer partial or full coverage for treatments from registered practitioners. Coverage levels can vary widely depending on the insurance provider and specific policy.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach based on ancient principles that view the body as an interconnected system. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health using methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis to identify patterns of imbalance. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary recommendations aimed at restoring balance and promoting healing.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

It’s recommended to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours before your appointment; avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to areas to be treated, such as arms, legs, or abdomen. Avoid caffeine or alcohol before treatment. After your session, it’s best to rest and stay well-hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity for a few hours. Some patients may feel very relaxed or slightly tired, while others experience a boost in energy. Pay attention to your body’s responses and report any changes to your practitioner.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, supporting physiological functions, movement, warmth, and immune defense. **Meridians** are pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting organs and tissues. Acupuncture points along these meridians are used to influence and restore the flow of Qi, helping to balance the body's energies and promote health.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance. It can help with pain management, stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual discomfort, and various other conditions by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms. Many patients find it relaxing and beneficial for overall well-being.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people experience little to no discomfort during acupuncture. The needles are very fine, and sensation upon insertion is often minimal, such as a slight pinch or tingling. Many patients feel relaxed or even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If any pain or discomfort occurs, it should be immediately communicated to the practitioner.

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

In BC, patients can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician’s referral, as part of direct access healthcare. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy to confirm specific requirements for reimbursement.

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

Elemental Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine
391 11th St
Courtenay, BC, V9N 1S4

Phone: (778) 585-0552

Shannan Colleen Hazard 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.