Victoria Anastasia Switzer

Victoria Anastasia Switzer provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• 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.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.

Dermatological Skin

• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): A gentle, holistic approach to calm skin redness and improve overall complexion for individuals with rosacea.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Addressing internal imbalances that manifest as skin irritation and inflammation, aiming for long-term relief and healthier skin.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): A holistic approach to support skin health and manage the chronicity of psoriasis.

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. Victoria Anastasia can assess your needs.

• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• 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 Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.

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

• Many find that TCM with Victoria Anastasia not only helps with feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time but also brings about experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Victoria Anastasia can be a turning point for those affected by irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms. The goal is achieving visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, paving the way for you to enjoy walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• The path to overcoming heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals and achieving a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications is often clearer with TCM. Victoria Anastasia guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort with improved health.
• With Victoria Anastasia, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections are guided towards for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up again with greater zest.

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

Victoria Anastasia's practice at Victoria Switzer Acupuncture is situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood of Squamish. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for clients to incorporate their appointments into daily routines. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic provides a welcoming and serene environment for healing. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 due to the scope of 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 advisable to check with your individual insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Proper flow of Qi within these meridians is essential for health; blockages or deficiencies can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore and balance the flow of Qi within these channels.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and supporting long-term wellness.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi along meridians. It helps reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by MSP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for these services. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often no thicker than a human hair, making their insertion usually painless or feeling like a tiny prick. Most people experience sensations such as dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicate Qi movement. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles, ensuring safety. If any discomfort occurs, communicate with your practitioner immediately.

Victoria Switzer Acupuncture
1235 Village Green Way
Squamish, BC, V8B 0R7

Phone: (604) 849-6095

Victoria Anastasia Switzer 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.