Yan Zhang – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Chilliwack, BC

Yan Zhang is a dedicated Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Shenkang TCM Clinic in Chilliwack, BC, Yan 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.

Yan's role involves delivering skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. Patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, benefit from Yan's compassionate and holistic approach.

Yan Zhang completed their RTCMP with a strong foundation in clinical practice and ongoing professional learning. With extensive experience and a commitment to excellence, Yan has further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Yan's practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She prioritizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn) rather than just alleviating symptoms, adopting a holistic view of health as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Yan offers consultations in English, ensuring clear and compassionate communication with her patients.

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.

Other Common

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Natural and comprehensive solutions for combating persistent, debilitating tiredness, improving energy production, and enhancing overall resilience and quality of life.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Natural relief from sensations of spinning, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness by addressing the root energetic imbalance.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Acupuncture (often including electroacupuncture) and herbal medicine to help stimulate nerve regeneration, improve muscle tone, and accelerate recovery from Bell's Palsy or other forms of facial paralysis by expelling Wind, invigorating Qi and Blood flow to the facial meridians.

Dermatological Skin

• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Acupuncture and customized herbal formulas to treat acne by clearing pathogenic Heat and Damp-Heat from the Lungs and Stomach, reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and promoting healthy skin detoxification pathways.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Natural relief from acute and chronic hives, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of episodes.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): A holistic approach to support skin health and manage the chronicity of psoriasis.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Addressing internal imbalances that manifest as skin irritation and inflammation, aiming for long-term relief and healthier skin.

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. Yan can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work and achieved experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms under the care of Yan, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering with renewed vitality and ease.
• Understanding that brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory can be frustrating, Yan applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, making it possible to rediscover the joy in enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue.
• When ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Yan can help you work towards a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes.
• Experiencing knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult can be draining. Yan utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, so patients can re-engage with standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort feeling revitalized.

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

Yan's practice at Shenkang TCM Clinic is situated in the vibrant Downtown, Central neighborhood of Chilliwack. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Patients can reach the clinic via the Chilliwack/Agassiz-Harrison Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring a smooth and accessible journey. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, with convenient parking options typically available to support your visit.

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.

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.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners; patients are advised to verify their individual coverage, as levels of reimbursement vary.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is 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, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior parts such as muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to access and influence the flow of Qi to restore balance and health.

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 TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral, thanks to direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with individual insurance providers regarding their specific requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many patients feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some may experience a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which usually indicates effective stimulation of Qi. Many patients feel very relaxed and may even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and only use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, patients should inform Yan immediately so adjustments can be made.

Shenkang TCM Clinic
46785 Yale Rd
Chilliwack, BC, V2P 2C7

Phone: (778) 237-5256

Yan Zhang 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.