Shea Catherine O'connor

Shea Catherine practices at SCO Alternative Health, situated within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Sechelt neighborhood of Sechelt. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring straightforward access for those using public transportation. Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity, offering convenient parking options for patients.

• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives? Shea Catherine works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
• It's rewarding for Shea Catherine to witness patients find relief from knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult and experience clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue again.
• Many find that TCM with Shea Catherine not only helps with that nagging back pain that just won't go away but also brings about feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes.
• When feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Shea Catherine can help you work towards accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.

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

Shea Catherine practices at SCO Alternative Health, situated within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Sechelt neighborhood of Sechelt. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring straightforward access for those using public transportation. Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity, offering convenient parking options for patients.

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), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and any health conditions. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers who conduct quality testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

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, you may feel sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, pressure, or heaviness—these are positive signs that Qi is being influenced. Many patients find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Safety is a top priority; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, wellness is maintained. **Meridians** are network channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and TCM therapies aim to restore balanced Qi flow within these meridians.

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

Patients in BC can generally see a Registered TCM Practitioner (including Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral, as the profession is regulated for direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements for reimbursement.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years, including therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues. TCM can help with a wide range of conditions, promoting harmony and long-term wellness.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians to stimulate the flow of Qi. This can reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and promote overall health by activating the body's natural healing processes.

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 MSP in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to verify with your private or extended health insurance plans, as some offer partial or full coverage for these services depending on your plan's specifics.

SCO Alternative Health
5-5477 Wharf Avenue
Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0

Phone: (604) 377-8953

Shea Catherine O'connor 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.