Tzu-Hsuan Lai

Tzu-Hsuan Lai provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, to address symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, belching, and indigestion by strengthening Spleen Qi, ensuring the proper downward flow of rebellious Stomach Qi, and clearing any Stomach Heat or Food Stagnation.

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.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: TCM approaches including acupuncture, internal herbal medicine, and topical herbal applications to alleviate itching, redness, and inflammation associated with eczema by clearing Heat, resolving Dampness, expelling Wind, and nourishing Blood or Yin depending on the specific TCM pattern.

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. Sabrina 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.
• 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.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Personalized dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (Shi Liao), considering the energetic properties of foods (e.g., warming/cooling, drying/moistening, Five Flavors) and their effects on specific organ systems to support your unique constitution, address health imbalances, and promote healing.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Many find that TCM with Sabrina not only helps with managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably but also brings about a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Sabrina believes in a partnership with patients. When asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, enabling a more active lifestyle including maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet? Sabrina works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• Patients struggling with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory can find dedicated support from Sabrina. The therapeutic focus is on achieving reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it.

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

Sabrina's practice is situated at Amber TCM Healing Centre, located in the serene and accessible Caulfeild, Eagle Harbour neighborhood of West Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently near Park Royal Shopping Centre, making it easy for patients to visit from surrounding areas. Accessible via TransLink (BlueBus operated by West Vancouver), the clinic offers a peaceful environment dedicated to healing and well-being. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available nearby, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free visit for all patients.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It’s considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

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. It’s advisable to check individual private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some coverage for registered practitioners, although the extent of coverage varies.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once inserted, you might feel sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness—these are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most patients find the experience very relaxing. Registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

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 or Acupuncturist directly without a referral from a physician (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

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 (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary and lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by correcting imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to restore harmony and promote lasting health.

Amber TCM Healing Centre
2419 Bellevue Ave
West Vancouver, BC, V7V 4T4

Phone: (604) 913-2988

Tzu-Hsuan Lai 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.