Shilo Dawn Cameron

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• 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.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a supportive and complementary approach to manage asthma and chronic bronchitis symptoms by strengthening Lung Qi and Wei Qi, resolving phlegm and dampness, descending rebellious Lung Qi to calm wheezing and cough, and tonifying Kidney Qi to grasp the Lung Qi.
• 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.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Effective TCM management strategies for shooting, burning, or electric-shock like pain that follows nerve pathways, aiming to improve sensation and function.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Holistic TCM approaches, including acupuncture, gentle cupping, moxibustion, and carefully selected herbal support, to manage the complex symptoms of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, such as widespread pain, tender points, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and 'fibro fog'.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to effectively alleviate common menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and cognitive changes ('brain fog') by nourishing Kidney Yin and Essence, clearing deficiency heat, and calming the Shen.
• Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD: Addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis or Deficiency, Kidney Essence Deficiency, or Damp-Phlegm obstruction that contribute to menstrual and emotional cycle problems.
• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): Working to address the underlying TCM imbalances that may contribute to the formation or growth of benign masses.
• Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Addressing underlying TCM imbalances that may affect fertility in any gender, such as Kidney essence deficiency, Blood stasis, Qi stagnation, Cold in the Uterus, or Damp-Heat affecting the reproductive system.

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. Shilo Dawn can assess your needs.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.

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

• Struggling with frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness? Shilo Dawn develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, key to helping you get back to doing participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back with improved well-being and energy.
• Understanding that dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities can be frustrating, Shilo Dawn applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, making it possible to rediscover the joy in keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically? Shilo Dawn works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Shilo Dawn, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus.

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

Shilo Dawn practices at Balanced Health, situated in the heart of Invermere's central neighborhood. The clinic is housed within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic close to local community centers and scenic public parks, making it a convenient and welcoming location for clients. Easily accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing. Ample parking options are typically available nearby, ensuring a hassle-free visit for all patients.

Approximately how many Acupuncture/TCM sessions will I need and how often?

This is very individual. Some acute problems might resolve in just a few closely spaced sessions, while chronic conditions often require a series of treatments, perhaps once or twice a week initially, then tapering off as your condition improves over several weeks or months. Your Registered TCM Practitioner will be able to give you a better estimate after your first visit and will reassess your progress regularly to adjust the treatment frequency. The goal is to achieve stable improvement and then maintain it with less frequent visits if necessary.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. Meridians are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check with private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for services provided by registered practitioners, though coverage varies widely.

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 Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to verify the requirements of their individual insurance policies.

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), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify high-quality herbs, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is essential to inform your practitioner about all medications you are taking (including over-the-counter drugs) and your health history. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources can pose serious risks, including incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs typically source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform rigorous quality testing.

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 Chinese philosophy. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance based on tongue and pulse diagnosis, among other methods. Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary recommendations aimed at restoring harmony and promoting natural healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair, making insertion usually painless or felt as a tiny prick. Many patients experience sensations such as warmth, tingling, heaviness, or a dull ache, which are signs that the treatment is effective. Most find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Safety is paramount; practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles and follow strict protocols. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

Balanced Health
1383 canterbury Way
Invermere, BC, V0A 1K4

Phone: (250) 341-4806

Shilo Dawn Cameron 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.