Steven David Thomas

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

Dermatological Skin

• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Acupuncture and anti-allergic herbal formulas to reduce itching, redness, and welts associated with hives by expelling Wind, clearing Heat, and calming allergic responses in the skin.
• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying inflammation and vascular reactivity contributing to rosacea flare-ups.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.

Other Common

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).
• 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.
• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Integrative TCM care focused on alleviating treatment-related discomfort, enhancing immune function, and supporting the patient's overall well-being throughout their cancer journey.

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. Steven David can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Recommendation and dispensing of pre-made, standardized, classical Chinese herbal formulas in pill, tablet, capsule, or liquid form for common conditions and TCM patterns, offering convenience, consistent dosing, and proven efficacy. (May be recommended by R.Ac within certain guidelines or more comprehensively by R.TCMP).
• 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.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.

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

• Many find that TCM with Steven David not only helps with managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably but also brings about a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort.
• Rediscover your ability to keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them without the burden of skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives. Steven David focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• For those whose feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality has made resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely seem difficult, Steven David's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely with greater comfort.
• It's rewarding for Steven David to witness patients find relief from frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness and experience effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in having more regular and comfortable menstrual cycles, allowing for uninterrupted daily life and activities again.

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

Steven David practices at Discovery Chiropractic, situated in the Downtown Campbell River area within the North Campbell River neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Museum at Campbell River and is easily accessible via the Campbell River Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with street parking often available nearby, providing a comfortable setting for your treatment sessions.

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 and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments by registered practitioners, though coverage levels vary significantly. Patients are advised to check with their insurance providers to understand their specific benefits and reimbursement options.

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 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 (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources, as this can lead to incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient principles that aim to restore balance and harmony within the body. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance through methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, personalized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary or lifestyle advice to promote natural healing and well-being.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (energy). This therapy aims to restore balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall health. It can be effective for conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, headaches, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more, by activating the body's innate healing mechanisms.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most individuals find acupuncture to be a comfortable experience. The needles are very thin, and many people feel little to no discomfort during insertion. Some sensations such as a slight pinch or a feeling of warmth or tingling may be experienced. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use only sterile, single-use needles to 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 (including Registered Acupuncturists and TCM Practitioners) directly without a referral from a physician. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

What types of conditions do Registered TCM Practitioners at Discovery Chiropractic treat?

Our practitioners treat a wide range of health concerns, including headaches and migraines (such as tension, cluster, or hormonal), digestive issues, stress-related conditions, sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall wellness. Treatments often involve acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, or other modalities depending on individual needs.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital life energy that flows through the body, maintaining health and vitality. Meridians are the channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting various organs and tissues. Disruptions in Qi flow, such as blockages or deficiencies within meridians, can lead to illness or pain. TCM therapies like acupuncture aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these channels.

Discovery Chiropractic
1250B Shoppers Row
Campbell River, BC, V9W 3A3

Phone: (250) 287-8487

Steven David Thomas 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.