Tammie York

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Addressing neuropathic pain by invigorating Qi and Blood flow along affected meridians, nourishing Yin and Blood to repair damaged nerves, and resolving blockages or stagnation.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Addressing underlying energetic imbalances like Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, and Blood Stasis, and improving overall vitality in individuals with these chronic pain conditions.

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): Focusing on harmonizing Yin and Yang, clearing pathogenic factors (like Heat or Damp), nourishing deficient substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang), and resolving stagnation to support overall systemic balance.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and tonifying herbal therapies to address the profound exhaustion and complex symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by strengthening Spleen Qi, nourishing Kidney Essence (Yin and Yang), resolving Dampness, and calming the Shen.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• 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: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.

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. Tammie can assess your needs.

• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Supporting patients in their herbal medicine journey with clear instructions, quality-sourced herbs, and ongoing monitoring of their response to treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Utilizing the synergistic therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese herbs, often in complex combinations, to restore organ function (Zang-Fu), balance Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and promote profound healing from within by addressing the root cause of illness.
• 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.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Convenient and effective classical herbal formulations, often derived from famous ancient prescriptions, to complement your acupuncture treatment or as a standalone therapy for various health concerns.

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

• The path to overcoming heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals and achieving enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures is often clearer with TCM. Tammie guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days with improved health.
• If asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care is affecting your ability to participate in playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness, Tammie's TCM approach aims for experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, helping you to regain your stride.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Tammie, common concerns like irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, helping people to once again enjoy keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.
• Rediscover your ability to easily carry groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain, without the burden of feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings. Tammie focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

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

Tammie's practice is located at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Courtenay, situated in the Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently near Lewis Park and easily accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing with accessible facilities and typically available parking options for patients.

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 referral from a physician (known as direct access). While a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable for patients to check their individual insurance policies to understand coverage requirements.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Generally, Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Most patients pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners, though coverage levels vary. Patients are encouraged to review their insurance policies for details.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues. TCM aims to restore harmony and promote long-term health and well-being.

What types of conditions do Registered TCM Practitioners at our clinic treat?

Our Registered TCM Practitioners treat a broad range of health concerns, including insomnia and sleep disorders, chronic pain conditions like back pain or arthritis, digestive issues such as IBS or reflux, women's health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall vitality. Treatments often involve acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice tailored to individual patterns and diagnoses.

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 extensively trained in herbal pharmacology, quality control, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications. It is essential to inform your practitioner of all medications and health conditions. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs typically source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform rigorous quality testing.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is considered the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, powering all physiological functions. Meridians are the pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to influence the flow of Qi to restore balance and health.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood, promoting self-healing and restoring balance. It can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestive health, and treat various other conditions by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be a comfortable experience. The needles are very thin, and insertion often causes little to no pain, with some feeling a slight pinch or tingling sensation. Many patients feel deeply relaxed during treatments. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If any discomfort occurs, it should be immediately communicated to the practitioner, who can adjust or remove the needles as needed.

432 10th St
Courtenay, BC, V9N 1P6

Phone: (250) 897-0069

Tammie York 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.