Sumi Kang

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

Other Common

• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and gentle herbal therapies to help manage common side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety, thereby improving quality of life and treatment tolerance. (Always in coordination with primary oncology care).
• 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): 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.

Dermatological Skin

• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Natural solutions for clearer skin, aiming to reduce blemishes, prevent scarring, and promote a healthy complexion.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage psoriasis flare-ups by clearing Blood Heat, invigorating Blood circulation, resolving Dampness, and nourishing Yin to address skin scaling, redness, and itching. (As an adjunct to dermatological care).

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. Sumi can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).

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

• The path to overcoming that nagging back pain that just won't go away and experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days is often clearer with TCM. Sumi guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days with improved health.
• If my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems is preventing you from fully enjoying participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back, Sumi offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• It's rewarding for Sumi to witness patients find relief from curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach and experience a more positive outlook and improved mood stability through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being again.
• Many find that TCM with Sumi not only helps with feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings but also brings about a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.

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

Sumi practices at Integral Health and Wellness, an acupuncture and TCM clinic situated in the central Shawnigan Lake neighborhood of Shawnigan Lake. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to access for residents and visitors alike. It is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring convenient access for those relying on public transportation. Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing and relaxation, with metered and paid parking lots usually available nearby, allowing for a comfortable and accessible experience for every patient.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It’s considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.

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 (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or R.TCMP) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral is not always legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for coverage details.

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 private clinics are generally NOT covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to review your private or extended health insurance plans, as some may offer partial coverage for treatments by registered practitioners, with coverage levels varying significantly.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on your body to stimulate energy flow and restore balance. It can be effective for conditions such as pain management (e.g., back pain, headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more, by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not thicker than a human hair. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. Once in place, you might experience sensations like dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs of Qi activation. Most patients find acupuncture to be relaxing. Registered practitioners prioritize safety by using only sterile, disposable needles. If any discomfort occurs, patients should communicate with their practitioner immediately.

Integral Health and Wellness
1760 Shawnigan Lake-Millbay Road #101
Shawnigan Lake, BC, V0R 2W0

Phone: (250) 929-6116

Sumi Kang 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.