About
Sung-Yeon Jess Cho is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at The Essence Wellness Centre in Squamish, BC, Sung-Yeon Jess is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.
Her role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. Sung-Yeon Jess serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, with a compassionate and holistic approach.
Sung-Yeon Jess completed her RTCMP training with a strong foundation in TCM principles and clinical practice. With ongoing professional development and a passion for holistic healing, she has cultivated a particular interest in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn) rather than just alleviating symptoms, with a focus on preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. Sung-Yeon Jess offers consultations in English, ensuring clear communication and personalized care.
Sung-Yeon Jess Cho provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Womens Health Gynecological
- Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Holistic and personalized support to enhance the chances of conception, support a healthy implantation and pregnancy, and address factors contributing to subfertility.
- Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Supporting a smoother and more comfortable transition through menopause by rebalancing hormones naturally and strengthening the body's vital energy and adaptive capacity.
- Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): Holistic support to help reduce discomfort and potentially manage the size or recurrence of fibroids and cysts.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage symptoms associated with PCOS (e.g., irregular or absent menses, acne, hirsutism, ovarian cysts, insulin resistance) and endometriosis (e.g., pelvic pain, painful periods, heavy bleeding, infertility) by regulating hormones, reducing inflammation, invigorating Blood circulation, and resolving Phlegm-Damp or Blood Stasis.
Mental Emotional Sleep
- Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.
- Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.
- Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
- Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.
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. Sung-Yeon Jess can assess your needs.
- 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.
- 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).
- Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
- Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
- Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Providing guidance on the preparation and proper usage of prescribed herbal formulas, including decoction instructions for raw herbs, dosage for granules or pills, and advice on potential dietary interactions or lifestyle adjustments to enhance herbal efficacy.
- 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.
- Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sung-Yeon Jess, 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 The Essence Wellness Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Sung-Yeon Jess frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Struggling with managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably? Sung-Yeon Jess develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, key to helping you get back to doing enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time with improved well-being and energy.
- Sung-Yeon Jess frequently assists patients in overcoming that nagging back pain that just won't go away using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment.
- Many find that TCM with Sung-Yeon Jess not only helps with symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery but also brings about effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus.
- The journey to enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum when faced with frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness can be supported by Sung-Yeon Jess's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Sung-Yeon Jess, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Sung-Yeon Jess practices at The Essence Wellness Centre, situated in a central location in the Squamish neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned within the local community, close to community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access and enjoy a peaceful environment for their healing journey. Public transit routes serve the area well, providing accessible options for those relying on transportation. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.
- 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 Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without needing a physician's referral, as part of the province's direct access system. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your individual insurance provider to understand their specific requirements.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- **Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. When Qi flows smoothly and freely, health is maintained. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in these meridians can lead to pain or illness. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi within these channels to promote healing and balance.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and treat imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues. It aims to restore harmony and promote long-term wellness across a wide range of conditions.
- 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) with extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of contamination, incorrect formulations, or adverse interactions, but when professionally prescribed, herbal medicine can be a safe and effective component of your health care.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi. It can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall health by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms. Many patients experience a relaxing sensation during treatment, often feeling calm or sleepy afterward.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) are generally not covered by the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket, though many private or extended health insurance plans may offer partial coverage. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider regarding specific benefits.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Most people find acupuncture to be comfortable, with the needles feeling very thin and causing little to no pain. Some may experience a mild sensation such as a pinch or warmth, which indicates effective stimulation of Qi. All needles are sterile and single-use, ensuring safety and preventing infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, practitioners will adjust or remove the needles immediately to ensure your comfort and safety.
The Essence Wellness Centre
38023 2nd Ave
Squamish, BC, V8B 0C4
Phone: (604) 653-6777
Sung-Yeon Jess Cho 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.
