FAQs

Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system developed over thousands of years of practice.
In Chinese medicine theory, the body is made up of parts, which are then grouped into systems. For example, the Digestive System in made of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. The Nervous System is made up of the brain, spinal cords and nerves. The Reproductive System in women is made up of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. All of the body systems are connected and exert an effect upon each other. If one system is weak or not functioning well, it affects the other systems and you feel symptoms.

One of the beauties of Chinese Medicine, is that all the systems and parts are connected via an internal network called meridians. The meridians connect the parts & systems together allowing them to communicate with each other.

Chinese Medicine uses different treatments to invite the systems to work better within themselves and with each other. Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Massage, Cupping & Nutrition are the techniques used to facilitate regulation in the body.

More and more clinical trials are proving that acupuncture is effective in treating a wide range of health issues. Reproductive clinics are recommending it as standard treatment to increase success. Many medical doctors are recommending it to patients to decrease all types of body pain, improve sleep, regulate period cycles, boost emotions and reducing effects of chemotherapy or radiation. I find it is one of the quickest and most effective ways to get clients to come out of flight or flight stress mode and come into a real, deep rest.
Many of my patients ask; “How does acupuncture work?”

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the body at specific “acupuncture points”. The points have been mapped out along the energy channels or “meridians” over 2000+ years of practice. Electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points.

Acupuncture is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory of the flow of qi (pronounced chee). Qi or energy is a fine, essential substance, which nourishes and constructs the body. It flows & moves through meridians in the body. Acupuncture adjusts the flow of qi in the body leading it to areas where it is stuck and/or superabundant. In this way, acupuncture invites and allows the parts and systems to return to their natural way of functioning, of balance.

As your acupuncturist, my goal is to help your body come back into balance, so all the parts and systems can function their best.

“If there is pain, there is no free flow, if there is free flow there is no pain”
~Chinese Proverb

In British Columbia, one must be registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturist of BC (CTCMA). Jen Cherewaty is registered and licensed as both Registered Acupuncturist (RAc) and Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (RTCMP). This means that she can legally practice Traditional Chinese Medicine including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and diet therapy.
All RAc & RTCMP in BC are required to take continuing education classes to maintain their licenses, which provide the most up to date techniques and research in acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine.

Jen is currently working towards certification through American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM), which will give her a certification that recognizes her years of specialized training, practice and experience in miscarriage and fertility support.

The Chinese Herbs are powerful and effective super foods and my favorite part of Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Herbs help to strengthen and improve function of the parts and systems in the body so they are able to work at their best. There are certain formulas that are specific for certain symptoms and other formulas that are custom made for each individual.

Some herbal formulas can be used short term to treat acute symptoms such as a common cold that starts with a sore throat or pain from a recent shoulder injury.

Other herbal formulas are used daily to help boost your constitution such as a woman who has chronic iron deficiency and fatigue.

I blend one herbal formula that people take just before bed to help them get a deeper, more restful sleep. It is so beneficial; we have to make sure we always have it in stock.

To boost fertility, there are very effective combinations of herbs to take during certain parts of the period cycle to flow the period, assist building uterine layer and egg recruitment for next cycle and to support holding a pregnancy if there is one.

Using Chinese herbs and acupuncture together produces a very effective treatment for many ailments.

Chinese Herbal Medicine uses ingredients from vegetable, animal, insect, mineral and shell sources. Most of the herbs are from plant-based sources and include leaves, roots, blossoms & barks.
As many of the formulas I prescribe are custom made, it is easy to create formulas for vegan or vegetarians as desired.

I choose to order the majority of my herbs from a few sources including Bema Botanicals and Golden Flower due their high quality and GMP Manufacturing standards. This means that all the herbs are guaranteed to be free of toxins & contaminants and to have the medicinal qualities of the herbs present.
You can read more about the Bema Botanicals here;
http://www.bemabotanicals.com/about/our_quality.php
And Golden Flower Manufacturing Process here;
http://gfcherbs.com/index.php/manufacturing/

The formulas recommended for you will be based on your symptoms and part of a customized program just for you.

Capsules

Most of my patients take their herbs in capsules. A common dose may be 3 capsules 3 times per day. Capsules are good for those with busy lives.

Powders

Some clients prefer to take a powder which they mix with warm water into a tea and drink. Common dose for powders is 3 scoops 2 to 3 times per day. Powders are great for those who can take time to sip a cup of tea a few times a day and absorb well.

Tinctures

A tincture is a vial of liquid where the herbs have been have been processed with alcohol and/or glycerin to make a highly concentrated version of tea. Tinctures are very concentrated so give quick results and absorb easily. Those with sensitivity to alcohol can drop the tincture into warm water to evaporate the alcohol.

Not usually, when they are prescribed according to your specific diagnosis, they should have virtually no unbeneficial side effects.
If the herbs are causing the symptoms, it will usually arise in the first few hours after taking the formula and should go away after 2-8 hours. If you experience discomfort while taking Chinese herbs, you should let me know.

Chinese herbs work by balancing your whole body to bring balance. Herbs for you will always be chosen that do not interact with any medications you are taking. If there are symptoms that arise, they will usually come within 2-3 hours of taking the herbs.
If you are taking medications to support an IUI or and IVF I will explain the benefits or using herbs during the treatments and you and your fertility doctor can decide what is best for you.

If your herbs begin to make you feel better and you feel you no longer need your medications you will need to check with your medical doctor about adjusting, reducing or eliminating you medication.

Very little if at all. Acupuncture needles are thinner than a hair making insertion practically painless.
Jen Cherewaty uses special, coated needles and has 11+ years experience most patients do not feel any pain on insertion.

When the needles enter the acupuncture points, there can be a feeling of warmth, heaviness, numbness, tingling, aching or energy/qi is starting to move and flow better. After the needles are inserted, most people slide into a deep relaxation & rest.

Very safe when performed by a competent, trained, experienced, CTCMA licensed Registered Acupuncturist, TCM Practitioner or TCM Doctor.
In North America all acupuncturists are required to use individual, sterile, single use, disposable needles. After removal, the needles are discarded in sharps containers and go to incineration after use. The needles are never re-used.

Both Crossroads Naturopathic and Restoration Health Clinic have super friendly supportive front desk staff that can book your appointment for you. We prefer speaking to you in person so we can establish a human connection from the start and book you the appropriate amount of time you need for your appointments.
You can call Crossroads at 604.568.6899 daily 8am to 9pm weekdays and 8-5 on weekends to speak with reception. At Restoration Health Clinic you can call 604.990.6963 from 9-5 Tuesday to Saturday. Jen can also be reached on her business cell at 778.877.9460.

After your initial consultation Jen will let you know what she recommends for frequency of treatment depending on your needs and treatment plan. One of the beauties of treating with Chinese Medicine is that treatments are individualized for each person and thus frequency of treatment differs. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition like common cold or short term back pain.
Fertility

• ideal is 3-4X during period cycle to support the changes in cycle (at period, after period, before ovulation, between ovulation & period)
Birth Preparation
• 1X/week from week 36-40 (or until baby arrives)

Digestive Problems

• 1X/week for 4 weeks and then re-evaluate

Insomnia

• short term 1-4 treatments
• long term 1 treatment/week until insomnia improves and/or is eliminated

We are working on this!

We love cash and cheques as there are no banking fees for these, but do, gladly accept debit and credit cards.
Jen also accepts email money transfer, PayPal and credit card payments via SQUARE for home treatments and online consultations.

Initial Consultation $130-135
Acupuncture Return Visit (45 minutes) $86-90
Acupuncture Extended Return (1 hour) $100-120
Home Treatment (45 minutes) $120

1. Wear loose clothing (especially loose pant legs)
2. Eat some food within 2 hours of coming to appointment so you do not get hungry when resting.
3. Please relax and stay still while having your treatment (if you are uncomfortable, please tell Jen).

Over the 11+ years I have been practicing, I have found that acupuncture is effective for most health problems. The World Health Organization recognizes effectiveness for over 40 common health issues, including;

1. Gynecology

(PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, tubal blockage, mid-cycle bleeding, menstrual pain & cramping, short or long periods, amenorrhea, fibroids, migraines or headaches at period time, elevated FSH, menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings and poor sleep)

2. Fertility

(nurturing fertility, supporting IUI & IVF, low sperm count, low motility, low libido)

3. Musculoskeletal Disorders

(low back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia)

4. Gastrointestinal Disorders

(food allergies, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, ulcerative colitis)

5. Psychoemotional & Neurological Disorders

(depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, Bell’s Palsy, dizziness, tinnitus)

6. Respiratory Disorders

(colds & flus, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema)

7. Circulatory Disorders

(hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris)

8. Urogenital Disorders

(cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy)

9. Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders

(toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis)

Yes, while sleeping medications can help you sleep, they are not addressing the root cause of why you are not sleeping. In chinese medicine, there are many reasons that one does not sleep well and our comprehensive intake will uncover the root cause and then the acupuncuture, chinese herbs and lifestyle recommendations that you are given will improve your sleep. You may eventually be able to wean off your sleeping medications (under the support of your medical doctor or naturopath).
Jen has a special “Sleep Formula” that does wonders for helping to improve sleep.

Acupuncture enhance the Central Nervous, Endocrine and Reproductive Systems by regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis and increasing blood flow and circulation in the pelvis to invigorate the ovaries, uterus and testis.
Specific points & herbs are used during specific times in the your menstrual cycle to boost the natural process taking place during the Period, Follicular, Ovulation and Luteal phases.

While a few women get pregnant after just 1 or 2 session, most women and/or men need 2-3 months of regular timed to cycle phases treatments. Most couples get pregnant between 4-12 months.
Most women begin to see changes in their cycle right away after starting acupuncture. As the treatments continue there are greater changes that take place as the body comes back into balance. The longer and more consistently you give your body time to balance the better your chances are.

If you have gone through several IUI’s or IVF procedures without success, receiving long-term regular acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments will significantly improve your chances of conception.

We must cultivate a nest before growing an offspring!

You may begin treatment at any part in the cycle. What is key, is doing treatments according to the specific times in the cycle and taking your herbs accordingly during each of these phases.

When treated with acupuncture and chinese herbs in addition to your medications, there is an increased chance of conception. The acupuncture and herbs can also mediate some of the side effects of the medications.
Jen has 11+ years clinical experience using acupuncture, chinese herbs and guided meditation to boost fertility in hundreds of women.

If you are ever in doubt about what to do, Jen will explain the benefits of taking herbs during your cycle. You can then make an informed decision with your reproductive specialist. You will never be forced to take chinese herbs.

Jen has had several patients with high FSH conceive naturally and several conceive with IUI or IVF. FSH is usually high due to advanced maternal age , low ovarian reserve or high stress. Acupuncture and in particular, chinese herbs influence the hypothalamus-ovarian-pituitary axis inviting balance and lowered FSH.

Yes, just as acupuncture and chinese herbs can affect hormones and circulation in women, it can also help in men. Furthermore, there are specific chinese herb combinations to assist with all or each of the sperm issues.