Shatara Crowe – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Vancouver, BC

Shatara Crowe is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at PainPRO City Square Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, Shatara is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

Shatara's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. Shatara serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized and compassionate care tailored to individual needs.

Shatara Crowe completed their RAC. With clinical training and experience, Shatara is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. Shatara has a particular interest or further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism); emphasizing preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. Shatara offers consultations in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with her patients.

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

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): A holistic and integrative TCM approach to help modulate the immune response, alleviate autoimmune-related fatigue and pain, and support the body's innate healing capacities.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore balance.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Natural support for strengthening your immunity, reducing susceptibility to common infections, and helping you recover more quickly and completely when you do get sick.
• 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.

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. Shatara 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• 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.

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

• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Shatara assists patients with trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed in reaching effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy, fostering a return to beloved activities like being able to concentrate better on tasks requiring mental focus for longer periods.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work, Shatara crafts treatments to achieve experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, supporting a return to activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings with comfort and confidence.
• The path to overcoming TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches and achieving better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot is often clearer with TCM. Shatara guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain with improved health.
• The journey to clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function when faced with fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy can be supported by Shatara's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.

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

Shatara practices at PainPRO City Square Vancouver, located in the vibrant Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Downtown Financial District and is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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.

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

In British Columbia, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (also known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health based on ancient principles that view the body as an interconnected system. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance through methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary recommendations to help restore balance and support natural healing.

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 during insertion. Some sensations like a slight pinch or dull ache may occur but are generally well tolerated. Practitioners are highly trained and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. Many patients feel relaxed during treatments and may even fall asleep. If any pain or discomfort occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a vital energy or life force that flows through the body, supporting health and vitality. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. When the flow of Qi is blocked, deficient, or excessive, health issues can arise. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians to promote balance and healing.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these treatments. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for services by registered practitioners. Patients are advised to verify their individual insurance policies to understand the extent of their coverage.

PainPRO City Square Vancouver
495-555 12th Ave W
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 3X7

Phone: (604) 876-0029

Shatara Crowe 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.