Acupuncture Clinic

When performed by a competent, educated, and registered practitioner, acupuncture is considered extremely safe. Thorough knowledge of anatomy is essential to safely practice. Thomas graduated magna cum laude from a renown full time 3 year acupuncture program. In this he completed over 500 hours of supervised clinic, and the whole program was around 2200 hours of courses. There are practice standards set by a regulatory college which ensures safe practices, and we are required to use sterile single use needles.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe, however there are some potential side effects including bruising, numbness or tingling near the needling sites that may last a few days, and dizziness or fainting is rare, but also possible. Bruising is a common side effect of cupping. Aggravation of presenting symptoms is possible. Infection is another possible risk, although Heart Radiance uses sterile single use needles and maintains a clean and safe environment. Unusual and uncommon risks of acupuncture include spontaneous miscarriage and nerve damage. Pneumothorax (lung puncture) as well as other organ puncture, is a very rare risk of acupuncture and is most commonly a result of unqualified or inadequately trained practitioners. Other side effects and risks not listed may also occur.

Acupuncture is commonly used in the treatment of pain, fatigue, digestive issues, sleep challenges, mental and concentration issues, emotional imbalance, infertility, headaches, high blood pressure, menstruation conditions, and is very supportive to all sorts of chronic illnesses. Acupuncture helps regulate health in general and is truly helpful for any and all conditions.

Thomas is most passionate when working with people who experience chronic and challenging conditions, it’s about guiding people on their journey, it’s not only about treating the illness symptoms.

Acupuncture points are places where information is exchanged through the circulation of energy and blood, they regulate the acupuncture channels which impact internal organ function as the channels directly stem from the organs, and the channels irrigate surrounding tissues and connect our body systems together as a unified whole. Acupuncture creates movement and initiates a cascade of physiological changes influencing local tissues as well as the internal organs which impact systemic health. This is how acupuncture may be used to treat any and all conditions, it is far more than just for the treatment of pain.

Acupuncture doesn’t typically hurt, there is sometimes a momentary prick felt as the needle is inserted which usually doesn’t cause pain and subsides to a dull pressure or tingling around the area during the treatment. This is the sensation of qi, there is activation and movement but it isn’t uncomfortable. Most people are surprised by how relaxed they feel during and after a treatment.

Currently, in order to become a licensed acupuncturist BC, practitioners must graduate from a nationally accredited school or program that is typically 3 years of full time education. We are also required to pass the national board exams and become certified by the CCHPBC. Thomas trained at Pacific Rim College in British Columbia, Canada.

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2020

• 605 hours — Acupuncture foundations and theory

• 470 hours — Chinese medicine foundations and theory

• 90 hours — Western herbal medicine (not required for the program)

• 525 hours — Clinic practice - observation, supervised practice, and independent practice

• 390 hours — Western medicine - anatomy and physiology, pathology, biomedicine, biology, pharmacology, and western lab diagnosis

• 180 hours — Professional development, patient communications, business, and ethics

• Certification in Clean Needle Technique

Herbal medicine has always been the people’s medicine, it has been passed down from generation to generation, and people engage with plant medicines at many different levels. Whether one has deeply studied herbal medicine or if one simply enjoys a nice cup of tea, herbs are infused in our lives. However there is a huge difference in knowledge and efficacy. There are many people who are considered folk herbalists, they have a moderate degree of training, and can offer some supportive remedies for their friends and family.

An herbal medicine practitioner on the other hand rigorously studies herbal medicine as well as many other aspects of healthcare. We understand the foundations of health that any western trained medical practitioner knows such as anatomy and physiology. We learn about traditional plant uses and plant energetics to know their properties, but also look at the science to gain a rounded understanding of each remedy. We also have basic training in pharmacology, western lab diagnosis, and so much more. An herbal medicine practitioner has dedicated their life to the art of herbal medicine to ensure safe and effective custom remedies are selected for each patient.

Thomas has deeply studied Western herbal medicine for many years and growing, being in relationship with, and sharing plant medicine is his true passion. He spent a year apprenticing on a medicinal herb farm, followed by many years of self exploration, took many courses at Pacific Rim College, engaged in another year long apprenticeship, and most notably completed a program with the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, one of the most comprehensive online training available in Western herbalism. However there is still so much to learn, he will be studying his entire life.