Tania Tak Yan Lee

Dr. Tania Tak Yan Lee provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Womens Health Gynecological

• Pregnancy, Labor Preparation & Postpartum Care (TCM): Natural, supportive care to enhance well-being, manage common discomforts, and promote a positive experience during pregnancy, childbirth, and new motherhood from a TCM perspective.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Kidney deficiency, Spleen Qi deficiency with Dampness, Liver Qi stagnation, and Blood stasis commonly seen in these complex gynecological conditions.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Managing arthritic symptoms by addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction due to Wind, Cold, Damp, or Heat), and nourishing Kidney essence to support bone and joint health.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Effective TCM management strategies for shooting, burning, or electric-shock like pain that follows nerve pathways, aiming to improve sensation and function.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).

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. Dr. Lee can assess your needs.

• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• 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.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• 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.
• 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 Dr. Lee, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Doctor of TCMs in BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

At Dr. Tania Tak Yan Lee's practice, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Lee frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Let Dr. Lee help you navigate general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout your body with targeted TCM care. The goal is a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, so you can fully enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue and other life pleasures once more.
• Dr. Lee frequently assists patients in overcoming circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic.
• It's rewarding for Dr. Lee to witness patients find relief from wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions and experience visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy again.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed, Dr. Lee crafts treatments to achieve significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, supporting a return to activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease with comfort and confidence.

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

Dr. Lee's practice is located at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Richmond, situated in the South Richmond (Broadmoor, Shellmont) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Steveston Village and is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Canada Line and local bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing and is designed to support your wellness journey. Street parking is often available nearby, making your visits convenient and stress-free.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Doctor of TCM if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Doctor of TCM in BC?

In British Columbia, patients can typically access a Doctor of TCM, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without needing a referral from a medical doctor. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to receive treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage details.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Doctor of TCM, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Doctor of TCM help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Doctor of TCM 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.

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 do offer coverage for treatments by registered practitioners. Patients are encouraged to review their individual insurance policies to understand their coverage options and levels.

11646 Williams Rd
Richmond, BC, V7A 1J4

Phone: (604) 649-9288

Dr. Tania Tak Yan Lee 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.