Urszula Dragowska

Dr. Dragowska practices at Lotus House Acupuncture & TCM Clinic, situated in a central location within the Sechelt neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, providing an accessible option for those using public transportation. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

• 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• For those whose irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms has made engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind seem difficult, Dr. Dragowska's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind with greater comfort.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach, Dr. Dragowska crafts treatments to achieve improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, supporting a return to activities like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain with confidence.
• If heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals is preventing you from fully enjoying sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play, Dr. Dragowska offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Many find that TCM with Dr. Dragowska not only helps with skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives but also brings about accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in feeling more energetic, focused, and productive throughout the workday without energy slumps.

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

Dr. Dragowska practices at Lotus House Acupuncture & TCM Clinic, situated in a central location within the Sechelt neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, providing an accessible option for those using public transportation. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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 is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. Coverage levels can vary significantly depending on the insurer and plan.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians. According to TCM, this helps reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions such as digestion and hormones, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

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** are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect internal organs with external parts such as muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians where Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your session, have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior, and avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to your arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine or alcohol just before treatment. Afterward, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity for a few hours and drink plenty of water. Some individuals feel very relaxed or sleepy, while others may feel energized. Report any changes in your symptoms or well-being at your next visit.

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

In BC, patients can typically see a Doctor of TCM, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your individual insurance policy requirements to confirm coverage.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach based on ancient principles. A Doctor of TCM assesses your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance through methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice aimed at restoring balance and promoting healing within the body.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many feel only a slight pinch or tingling upon insertion. Common sensations include warmth, heaviness, or a dull ache, which indicate effective Qi stimulation. Many patients relax and even fall asleep during treatments. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any pain or discomfort occurs, inform your practitioner immediately.

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), herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and avoid contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. Always inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions.

Lotus House Acupuncture & TCM Clinic
5710 Teredo St, Unit #218 / PO Box 10
Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0

Phone: (604) 885-9527

Dr. Urszula Dragowska 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.