Acupuncture in Downtown Vancouver

Restore balance from the root

Acupuncture is one of the core therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at specific points to support the smooth flow of Qi and help the body find its own balance. Rather than chasing symptoms one by one, your acupuncturist looks at the whole pattern, sleep, digestion, stress, energy and pain, and treats the root of the imbalance.

Our Registered Acupuncturists are licensed with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC). Treatments are calm, unhurried and tailored to you, and most extended health plans cover acupuncture by a registered practitioner.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete system of health care developed in China over more than two thousand years. It sees the body as an interconnected whole, where physical symptoms, emotions, sleep, digestion and environment all influence one another.

A few ideas sit at its heart:

• Qi is the vital energy that animates the body and flows through pathways called meridians. When Qi flows smoothly, the body tends toward health; when it is blocked or depleted, symptoms appear.
• Yin and Yang describe complementary qualities, such as cooling and warming, or rest and activity, that need to stay in balance.
• Organ systems in TCM, such as the Liver, Spleen and Kidney, describe groups of functions as well as physical organs, which is why your acupuncturist may connect symptoms that seem unrelated.

To understand your pattern, your practitioner asks detailed questions and looks at your pulse and tongue. Treatment can then draw on several TCM tools: acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, tui na massage and herbal medicine.

What people commonly come to us for

• Back, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica and sports injuries
• Stress, anxiety and feeling run-down
• Sleep difficulties
• Headaches and migraines
• Digestive and hormonal concerns
• Pregnancy, fertility and postpartum (fourth trimester) support
• Gentle, non-needle care for babies and children
• Natural facial rejuvenation

What to expect at your first visit

Your initial appointment includes a thorough health history, traditional pulse and tongue assessment, and a full treatment. Most people find acupuncture deeply relaxing, many drift off while the needles rest. Your practitioner may also include cupping, moxibustion or gua sha where it suits your plan.

Acupuncture at The Qi Station

Our Registered Acupuncturists practise Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture. Each treatment is based on a full assessment, including your health history and traditional pulse and tongue diagnosis, so the points chosen reflect your whole pattern rather than a single symptom.

Depending on your needs, a session may also include cupping, moxibustion, gua sha or acupressure. Delphine has practised in Vancouver since 2009 and opened her downtown clinic in 2017. Trace-Ace became a registered acupuncturist in 2022 and focuses on pain and stress relief, facial acupuncture and microneedling.

How to prepare for your appointment

• Have a light meal an hour or two before, so you are not hungry or very full
• For best results, try your best to be well hydrated and plan to hydrate after your treatments as well
• Bring a list of any medications and supplements you take
• Allow a little extra time after your session to rest and drink some water
• If possible, try your best to not have to rush anywhere after your treatment. If life just doesn't allow for the extra room in your schedule, please let us know so we can be sure to adjust your treatments accordingly, and help you feel your best for whatever your circumstances are.

Acupuncture in downtown Vancouver: getting here

The Qi Station is in Suite 523 of the Duncan Building, 119 W Pender St, between Gastown and Chinatown.

• SkyTrain: Stadium-Chinatown Station is about one block away, and Waterfront Station about 10 minutes.
• Bus: routes along Hastings St stop one block north.
• Parking: metered street parking and pay lots are nearby.
• Nearby: a short walk from Victory Square, Gastown and Chinatown.

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy. It works alongside, not instead of, care from your physician or specialist. Please tell your practitioner about any diagnoses, medications or pregnancy.