About
Te Cheng Kao is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at DST Trading in Richmond, BC, Te Cheng 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.
Te Cheng's role involves offering skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Care is focused on utilizing acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. Te Cheng serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring tailored approaches to meet individual needs.
Having completed their RTCMP, Te Cheng brings clinical training and experience to their practice, demonstrating a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining the highest standards of TCM. With a particular interest in TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine, Te Cheng emphasizes a holistic approach to health. Their practice philosophy centers on preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs), empowering individuals to maintain their well-being through personalized, precise treatment plans tailored to each person's unique constitution and condition. Te Cheng offers consultations in English to facilitate clear communication and understanding.
Te Cheng practices at DST Trading, situated in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood of Richmond. The clinic is conveniently located near Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU Richmond) and is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Canada Line and local buses. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.
- Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
- Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
- Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
- Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
- Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting reflex points on the ear.
- Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
- 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.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Te Cheng, 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 DST Trading, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Te Cheng frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- It's rewarding for Te Cheng to witness patients find relief from feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality 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 feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings again.
- Acupuncture and TCM with Te Cheng can be a turning point for those affected by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed. The goal is achieving experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, paving the way for you to enjoy being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably and a more balanced, vibrant life.
- Te Cheng believes in a partnership with patients. When frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, enabling a more active lifestyle including swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
- Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms), Te Cheng crafts treatments to achieve a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, supporting a return to activities like maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions with comfort and confidence.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Te Cheng, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Te Cheng practices at DST Trading, situated in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood of Richmond. The clinic is conveniently located near Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU Richmond) and is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Canada Line and local buses. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, 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.
- 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. It is advisable to check with private or extended health insurance providers, as many offer some coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners, though levels of reimbursement vary.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered TCM Practitioner immediately.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.
- 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.
- 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 a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.
DST Trading
480-4400 Hazelbridge Way
Richmond, BC, V6X 3R8
Phone: (604) 304-3255
Te Cheng Kao 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.