Stefanie Satomi Sakata

Stefanie Satomi practices at Satomi Acupuncture and Wellness, located in a central Sechelt neighborhood that is easily accessible within the community. The clinic is situated near local community centers and public parks, making it convenient for patients to visit. It can be reached via various public transit routes, providing easy access for those using public transportation. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, and street parking is often available nearby for those arriving by car.

• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): A contemporary acupuncture technique involving the insertion of needles into specific therapeutic zones on the scalp that correspond to different body functions and brain areas (e.g., motor, sensory, balance zones), primarily used for neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional conditions.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• 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.

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

• Struggling with dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities? Stefanie Satomi develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, key to helping you get back to doing activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation with improved well-being and energy.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Stefanie Satomi assists patients with wanting to improve overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally in reaching improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, fostering a return to beloved activities like cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms, Stefanie Satomi crafts treatments to achieve a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, supporting a return to activities like reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance) with comfort and confidence.
• If digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) is affecting your ability to participate in engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind, Stefanie Satomi's TCM approach aims for improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, helping you to regain your stride.

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

Stefanie Satomi practices at Satomi Acupuncture and Wellness, situated in the heart of Sechelt in a welcoming clinic environment. The clinic is conveniently located near community centers and public parks, making it easy for clients to access via walking, biking, or public transit routes. Ample street parking is often available nearby, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all visitors. The serene setting provides an ideal atmosphere for healing and relaxation, supporting your journey toward better health.

What are Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Tui Na?

These are all adjunctive therapies often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and draw out toxins. Moxibustion is the therapeutic burning of an herb (mugwort) near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi and Blood, often used for pain, 'cold' conditions, or to boost energy. Gua Sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation, release muscle tightness, and reduce pain or inflammation. Tui Na is a form of Chinese therapeutic massage that uses various hand techniques on acupressure points and meridians to relieve pain and harmonize Qi. Your Registered TCM Practitioner will determine if any of these are appropriate and beneficial for your specific condition.

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 or extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check your individual policy, as coverage levels can vary significantly.

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 of all medications and health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources to prevent risks such as incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform rigorous quality testing.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and immune defense. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to access and influence Qi flow to restore balance and health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. You may experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Acupuncture is generally very relaxing. Registered practitioners strictly use sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

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

Patients in BC can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral from a doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy to confirm specific requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach rooted in ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance through methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice to restore balance and support your body's natural healing processes.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. This stimulates and balances the flow of Qi along meridians, helping to reduce pain, manage stress, improve sleep, regulate organ functions, strengthen immunity, and promote overall wellness through the body's natural healing response.

Satomi Acupuncture and Wellness
218-5710 teredo st
Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0

Phone: (604) 989-0330

Stefanie Satomi Sakata 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.