Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Naturopathic Physician and Registered Acupuncturist Dr. Jeffrey Lee provides natural, effective care that is tailored to your specific needs. A combination of acupuncture, physical medicine, herbs/supplements, and other traditional therapies may be recommended as part of your treatment plan. Dr.Lee's specialties are the restoration of balance and promotion of healing to the entire individual.

Summary of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a dynamic and integrated health care system. The goal of acupuncture is to activate the natural self-healing abilities of the human body. It also helps the body prevent future illness. Acupuncture works with the intelligent energetic system inside your body that helps maintain health and balance. In Chinese Medicine, we call this energy "Qi" (pronounced chee.)

In Naturopathic Medicine we call this energy "The Vital Force," and various cultures refer to it as "prana," "pneuma," or "the spirit." Qi is the "life energy" that flows throughout our bodies. It is this invisible energy that animates our bodies, and protects us from illness, pain, and disease. Your health is influenced by the amount, quality, and balance of this life energy. Qi flows through specific pathways in your body called Meridians. Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body; where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants, and people. Wherever the Meridian pathways in your body flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue, and muscle.

The stresses of daily life affect the quality and flow of Qi. An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam: when Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. The  blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person's health because it cuts off vital nourishment to parts of the body. The blockage of the flow of Qi cn be detrimental to a person's health because it cuts off vital nourishment to parts of the body. Physical trauma, emotional trauma, lack of exercise, accidents, poor diet and excessive activity are among the many things that can negatively influence the amount, quality and balance of Qi. Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back and returns to its natural state of health and well-being. However, when an imbalance is prolonged, excessive, or if the body is weak to begin with, then illness, pain, or disease can set in. At Brio Integrative Health Centre, we help our patients achieve a healthy balance of Qi by nourishing the body and removing blockages (pain, trauma).  (reference: Acupuncture Media Works Brochure)

What does Dr. Lee do for treatment?

Dr. Lee is licensed as a Naturopathic Physician and Registered Acupuncturist. Because of his extensive training, he has a large scope of practice. Dr. Lee also continues to train under a number of experienced practitioners. He has studied with a variety of Naturopath Physicians, Chiropractors, Acupuncturist, Chinese Doctors, and other healers. He brings the best of many modalities to most effectively treat his patients. This inclusive approach not only allows Dr.Lee to address the symptoms of a health condition, but also its underlying cause. Dr. Lee may incorporate some of the following modalities in your customized treatment plan:

1. Acupuncture: Tiny, single-use, sterile needles placed gently into specific acupuncture points.
2. Herbs: Chinese and Western Herbal Medicine draw from a pharmacopoeia of thousands of herbs for specific conditions.
3. Spinal Manipulation: Gentle spinal manipulation is done to re-align the spine, which relieves muscle spasms and nerve problems.
4. Muscle Energy Stretching: Assisted stretching techniques allow for deep and specific stretching. This type of stretching is especially helpful for neck and back muscles.
5. Moxibustion: Dried mugwort leaves are rolled into sticks or placed on the end of acupuncture needles, and then burned as a warming therapy.
6. Oriental Nutrition: Specific foods are used to strengthen, rebuild, and balance the body.
7. Qi Gong: Specific movements and breathing exercises are used to improve health and vitality.
8. Electro-Acupuncture: Acupuncture points are stimulated using a safe, gentle electrical current.
9. Auricular Acupuncture: A map of the entire body is located on the ear. Small acupuncture needles are placed in specific ear points to stimulate the balance of Qi.
10. Acupressure/Tuina: A massage technique which stimulates the Meridians to facilitate the flow of Qi. It relaxes muscles and re-energizes the body.
11. Cupping: Using glass or plastic cups to create a vacuum in order to increase warmth and circulation.