Travis Harry Douglas Mcindoe – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Travis Harry Douglas Mcindoe is a dedicated Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Balance Point Acupuncture in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Mcindoe 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.

Dr. Mcindoe's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches, stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. His care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles, serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Having completed their DRTCM, Dr. Mcindoe brings clinical training and experience, with a strong commitment to ongoing professional learning and maintaining the highest standards of TCM practice. He has a particular interest in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. His practice philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism); identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health; and utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). Dr. Mcindoe offers consultations in English.

Dr. Travis Harry Douglas Mcindoe provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Other Common

• 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.
• 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).
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Acupuncture and herbal formulas to address various types of dizziness and vertigo by treating underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Qi and Blood deficiency.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).

Dermatological Skin

• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Targeting the root causes of acne breakouts, whether related to diet, stress, hormonal fluctuations, or internal toxicity according to TCM diagnosis.
• 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).
• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): TCM strategies involving acupuncture, cooling herbal formulas, and dietary recommendations to help manage rosacea symptoms like facial redness, flushing, papules, and pustules by clearing Stomach and Lung Heat, and cooling the Blood.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to effectively alleviate common menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and cognitive changes ('brain fog') by nourishing Kidney Yin and Essence, clearing deficiency heat, and calming the Shen.
• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): TCM strategies, often involving acupuncture and herbal medicine, aimed at managing symptoms associated with uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, such as heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure, by promoting circulation, resolving Blood stasis and Phlegm accumulation. (As an adjunct to gynecological monitoring).
• Pregnancy, Labor Preparation & Postpartum Care (TCM): Nourishing Qi, Blood, and Essence, strengthening the Kidney and Spleen organ systems, and ensuring smooth Qi flow to support the mother and baby throughout the entire perinatal journey.
• Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD: Natural and effective solutions for achieving smoother, more comfortable, predictable menstrual cycles and balanced hormonal health.

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. Mcindoe can assess your needs.

• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Comprehensive assessment and prescription of individually tailored Chinese herbal formulas (raw herbs for decoction, granular extracts, powders, or pills) based on your specific TCM pattern diagnosis and constitution to address underlying imbalances and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. (Primarily within R.TCMP scope).
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).

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

• Many find that TCM with Dr. Mcindoe not only helps with my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems but also brings about feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• Dr. Mcindoe frequently assists patients in overcoming curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• If seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable is preventing you from fully enjoying cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort, Dr. Mcindoe offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• The journey to gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles when faced with feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality can be supported by Dr. Mcindoe's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue.

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

Balance Point Acupuncture is situated in the Central Kelowna area, specifically in the South Pandosy neighborhood of Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near South Pandosy Village and is easily accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing and relaxation, with convenient parking options that are typically accessible for patients visiting from various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

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

Patients in British Columbia can typically see a Doctor of TCM, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral due to the scope of practice in BC (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private and extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to understand specific requirements.

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 rooted in ancient principles. A Doctor of TCM will assess your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance through methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if applicable), cupping, moxibustion, and tailored dietary and lifestyle recommendations to restore balance and promote natural healing.

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 trained to select quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and recognize contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for certain health conditions. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications and health issues. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources can pose serious risks, including incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse reactions. Reputable herbal suppliers perform quality testing to ensure safety.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or may feel like a tiny prick. Once inserted, you may experience sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which indicate Qi movement. Most patients find acupuncture relaxing. Safety is a priority; practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi along meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and support the body's natural healing response, promoting overall well-being.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body, responsible for physiological functions and protection against illness. Meridians are channels through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior. Acupuncture points along these meridians are accessed to restore balance and health.

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

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket, but many private insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.

Balance Point Acupuncture
303-570 Raymer Ave
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4Z5

Phone: (778) 484-9922

Dr. Travis Harry Douglas Mcindoe 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.