Acupuncture in Richmond BC
As a registered acupuncture clinic in Steveston Village, we provide Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture services to help our clients with their healing process.
Our Mission Statement
To provide a healing, therapeutic and relaxing experience with the use of acupuncture.
To help people move forward in their healing process and balance the mind, body and spirit.
Our Services
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM focuses on the human body as a whole.
When there is disease, TCM does not focus on treating symptoms but takes in to consideration environment, diet, emotional state and external/internal influences.
TCM mainly involves the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat disease.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the use of fine needles to stimulate precise points in the body.
When the acupuncture needles are inserted into the body, they are manipulated to activate Qi (energy), which restores the balance of Qi in the body.
As the balance of Qi is restored, it promotes the body's natural healing processes.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves the slow burning of the mugwort herb above acupuncture points for healing purposes and is often used in tandem with acupuncture treatments.
"Moxa" is an abbreviated term for Moxibustion. Moxibustion stimulates better blood circulation and is often used to treat infertility, injuries, arthritis, digestive disorders and other ailments. Overall, moxa provides benefits that are anti-viral, antibiotic and anti-parasitic.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping provides many benefits such as lowered inflammation, pain relief, faster muscle recovery, toxin removal, smoother blood flow and deep tissue massage.
During a cupping session, cups are placed on the patient's body and air is removed from the cups, creating a suction that pulls on the patient's skin. Circular bruise marks are normal and disappear on their own in a few days.
Acupuncture Rates
| TREATMENT | RATE |
|---|---|
| Initial Acupuncture Treatment 60 min - For new patients. Review history, main complaint, diagnosis and treatment. | $110 |
| Subsequent Acupuncture Treatments 45 min - Review main complaint and progress, diagnosis and treatment. | $90 |
| Facial Acupuncture 75 min - Cosmetic Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture | $140 |
* By Appointment Only
Begin your journey back to health, vitality and balance today!
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The theory of acupuncture is based on the belief that there are many intricate channels running throughout the body, and Qi flows through these channels like water flowing through a river or stream.
A disease or ailment occurs when there is blockage in the channels obstructing the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. Patients will often feel numbness or heaviness at the point of needling.
The needles used in this clinic are stainless steel, “one time use”, disposable needles.
As part of our acupuncture services, we also practice Moxibustion and Facial Acupunture. Click below to learn more:
About Us
At Healing River Acupuncture Centre, we use acupuncture therapy to restore and rejuvenate the health of our clients by activating their body's own ability to heal itself. To compliment the acupuncture treatments, we often provide Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy to supply the body with the nutrition and resources it needs to heal. The combination of acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal therapy has been known to successfully treat a wide range of chronic and acute conditions that Western medicine has had difficulty treating effectively.
Healing River Acupuncture Centre was established in Steveston Village in 2009 by Bobbi Hayashi and has been operating from the same location where it is today ever since. The clinic was transferred in 2018 to Chrystal Malapas, who continues to operate and manage the Richmond acupuncture clinic. All acupuncturists on staff are very experienced, well-trained and certified.
Chrystal Malapas
Reg. Acupuncturist, B.Sc., R.Ac.
She is a graduate of the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) program at PCU College of Holistic Medicine in Burnaby, BC. Chrystal also did training in Acupuncture at the Western Canadian Institute of TCM Practitioners in Richmond, BC.
Chrystal also has additional training in Japanese Meridian Therapy with Ikeda Masakazu sensei and Edward Obaidey sensei.
Chrystal obtained her Bachelor's degree in Biology under the Pre-Med Program from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. A last minute decision to take an elective TCM class in her final year of university transformed her outlook. After finding success in the treatment of a lifelong condition by TCM, Chrystal decided to dedicate her life to TCM.
Inspired by experience, Chrystal is passionate about helping others regain their health.
Workdays: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Begin your journey back to health, vitality and balance today!
Contact Us
Call Us
(604) 277-5550Address & Location
3571 Chatham St #105, Richmond BC
We are located in Steveston Village at Chatham St and Third Ave.
Free parking is available in our parking lot or on the street.
Contact Form
Clinic Hours
| Monday | 10am – 6pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10am – 6pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 10am – 6pm |
| Saturday | 10am – 6pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Richmond Acupuncture Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions you will need depends on the condition and severity of your issue. Acute problems can be resolved in as little as one or two treatments whereas chronic conditions may need a course of four or more treatments to get significant results.
How should I prepare for my treatment?
You’ll want to make sure you are hydrated and have a light meal or snack before your appointment. If you can, please avoid large amounts of caffeine. Bring an open mind that will help you get the best possible results from your treatment.
What should I wear?
We’ll provide everything you need for the treatment but if you feel uncomfortable undressing in any capacity, you can wear clothing that is comfortable, stretchy and loose enough to roll up sleeves and pant legs. You can opt to bring a change of clothes if you prefer but we will keep you covered and warm throughout your treatment. Your comfort is important to us.
Can I exercise after a treatment? Am I allowed to take a bath? Do I drink a lot of water?
Yes, yes and yes.
Some people feel great after their treatment, and I have to remind them to take it easy and not run a marathon or clean the whole house. Yes, you can exercise after an acupuncture treatment. Light movement is best to keep the circulation and flow of energy and blood. But remember not to overdo it and do more than you usually do. Baths/showers are allowed but moderation is key – avoid very cold or very hot water and don’t let your hair stay damp for too long (your pores tend to stay open after an acupuncture session and you can be vulnerable to damp and cold). Staying hydrated assists in your body’s healing and the physiological rebalancing process.
We do recommend taking it easy and not scheduling anything too strenuous afterwards. This can help your body to continue to heal itself and complement the effects of your acupuncture treatment, making it last longer.
Am I covered under my health benefits?
Extended Health
Most extended health benefits offer coverage for acupuncture. Please check your benefits booklet or contact your provider since everyone’s plans are different. We will issue a receipt with all the information you need for reimbursement to be submitted directly to your provider.
BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
If you are on the MSP premium assistance program, you are eligible to be reimbursed for a combined annual limit of 10 visits of acupuncture, massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathy and non-surgical podiatry. MSP reimburses $23.00 per visit. Please bring your care card and we can check your coverage and apply for this reimbursement which will be mailed to your home address.
ICBC
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) covered by ICBC on or after April 1, 2019, you are automatically pre-authorized for up to 12 acupuncture sessions within 12 weeks of the date of the accident. For accidents before this date, please check with your adjuster for approval. We are an approved vendor with ICBC and can directly bill them. No doctor’s referral or upfront payment needed. Just bring your claim number.
Begin your journey back to health, vitality and balance today!