Downtown Vancouver Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles placed at selected points on the body. In British Columbia, “acupuncturist” is a protected title, and registered acupuncturists are licensed through the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.
People come to us for acupuncture for pain, muscle tension, headaches, sport or work-related concerns, stress, sleep, digestive symptoms, menstrual concerns, or as support during rehabilitation. The evidence is stronger for some uses than others, and everyone responds differently, so your acupuncturist will explain what acupuncture can help with for your concern, when another assessment would be a good idea and how you’ll review progress together.
Our acupuncture team offers different combinations of traditional Chinese medicine assessment, acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, acupressure and related techniques. Not every practitioner offers every service, so use the practitioner cards below to find your best match. Initial acupuncture appointments are $145, and the appointment length depends on your practitioner.
Is acupuncture the right treatment for me?
Acupuncture is a good fit when you’d like a non-drug option for a pain or symptom-management goal, or as part of a broader plan with your physician, physiotherapist, chiropractor, RMT or kinesiologist.
Before treatment, let your acupuncturist know if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, take anticoagulants, have a bleeding disorder, a pacemaker, immune compromise or an active infection, have fainted around needles, or are receiving cancer treatment. These details shape your treatment plan, and in some cases your acupuncturist will ask for medical clearance first.
What happens at your first acupuncture appointment?
- Health history and goals. Your acupuncturist asks about the reason for your visit, relevant diagnoses, medications, symptoms, sleep, digestion, activity and anything else that informs your care.
- Assessment. Depending on your practitioner’s approach, this includes movement or palpation, pulse and tongue observation, and questions based on traditional Chinese medicine.
- Treatment plan and consent. Your practitioner explains the proposed points and techniques, the sensations to expect, alternatives, risks and which areas of the body need to be accessible. You can decline any part of the plan.
- Needle placement. Sterile single-use needles are inserted at selected points. Most people feel a brief pinch, pressure, warmth, heaviness or tingling. Let your practitioner know straight away about any sharp or persistent pain.
- Rest and monitoring. The needles stay in place while you rest. Your practitioner checks on your comfort and uses heat or another technique when it suits your treatment.
- Aftercare and follow-up. Minor bruising, light bleeding or temporary soreness can happen. Your acupuncturist will explain what to watch for and when to contact us.
Eat a normal meal before your appointment, wear loose, comfortable clothing, and please don’t arrive intoxicated. Tell your practitioner if you feel faint, anxious or uncomfortable at any point.
Meet our acupuncturists
Elena (Hyun Joo) Lee, R.Ac.
Elena is a registered acupuncturist with a diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture from the Calgary College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Her approach includes sport and motor-vehicle injury rehabilitation, TCM acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, acupressure and cupping, and she also offers facial acupuncture.
Greg Cheng, R.TCM.P., R.Ac.
Greg is a registered acupuncturist and registered traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in British Columbia. He graduated from PCU College of Holistic Medicine and provides care in English and Mandarin. His methods include acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, acupressure, herbal formulas and dietary or lifestyle guidance, and he works with pain and injury, sleep, stress, digestion and menstrual concerns.
Jessica Von Sacken, R.Ac.
Jessica is a CCHPBC-registered acupuncturist who graduated from Tzu Chi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2023. She adapts needling intensity to your preference, and her interests include neck and shoulder pain, digestive concerns and stress management. Her techniques include acupuncture, fire cupping, gua sha, dry needling, electro-stimulation and trauma-informed care, and her treatment space is LGBTQ2S+ inclusive.
River Fa, R.Ac., RMT
River is both a registered acupuncturist and a registered massage therapist. He trained at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, with an earlier professional background in physiotherapy outside Canada. His treatments combine acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, tuina and manual techniques, and he speaks English and Mandarin.
Rudy Lee, R.Ac.
Rudy completed a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program in Vancouver and graduate study at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. His techniques include acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, scalp and ear acupuncture, fire cupping, acupressure and Chinese herbal formulas, and his interests include pain, headaches, digestive concerns, reproductive health and facial acupuncture.
Acupuncture safety
Acupuncture is considered safe when it’s provided by a qualified practitioner using sterile single-use needles. Minor bruising, bleeding, soreness, tiredness or light-headedness can happen, and serious complications are uncommon. Your acupuncturist will explain the risks that apply to your proposed points and techniques and ask for your consent before starting.
For chest pain, difficulty breathing, new weakness or numbness, signs of stroke, a severe sudden headache, heavy bleeding, high fever, major trauma or rapidly worsening symptoms, please seek urgent medical care rather than booking acupuncture.
Fees, direct billing and ICBC
Initial acupuncture appointments are $145. Follow-up fees vary by practitioner and appointment length, and every current rate is on our pricing page.
We submit acupuncture claims directly to your insurer at the time of your appointment when your extended health plan allows it. Coverage, deductibles, annual limits and referral requirements are set by your plan. Learn more on our direct billing page.
ICBC pre-approves acupuncture during the first 12 weeks after an eligible crash, and we bill ICBC directly. Please call reception with your claim number before booking so we can confirm the right appointment and billing. Care beyond the first 12 weeks depends on ICBC’s rules and approval. See our ICBC rehabilitation program for more.
Visiting our clinic
We’re at 970 Burrard Street, MZ1, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R4, in the Electra Building. Use the Burrard Street entrance marked “Executive Offices.” The Nelson Street entrance is residential and doesn’t connect to our health floor. Take the elevator from the main lobby to the mezzanine level.
Burrard, Granville and Yaletown-Roundhouse SkyTrain stations are all within walking distance. Metered street parking is close by, so check the signs for rush-hour restrictions, and there’s paid underground parking near the Scotiabank Theatre. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible.
The building doors are locked after 6:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends and statutory holidays. At those times, use buzzer 001 at the Burrard Street entrance and we’ll let you in.
Acupuncture FAQs
Will I feel the needles?
Yes. Most people feel a brief pinch or very little as the needle goes in, and pressure, heaviness, warmth or tingling are common. Sharp or persistent pain isn’t something you need to put up with, so tell your practitioner straight away.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes. Registered acupuncturists use sterile, single-use needles, which are disposed of after your treatment.
Is there a set number of appointments?
No. It depends on your concern, how long you’ve had it, your goals and how you respond. Your practitioner reviews your progress and adjusts or ends the plan when that’s the right call.
Can I have acupuncture during pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnancy changes which points and techniques your acupuncturist will use, so before treatment begins, let them know you’re pregnant, how far along you are and about any complications or instructions from your prenatal provider.
Can acupuncture be combined with physiotherapy, massage or chiropractic care?
Yes. It works well as part of a coordinated plan when each practitioner’s role is clear and your overall schedule makes sense. Share your current plan with each practitioner, since more treatment isn’t automatically better.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Yes. Many extended health plans cover treatment by a registered acupuncturist, and we direct bill when your insurer and plan allow it. Coverage varies by plan.
Choose an acupuncturist and appointment length
Compare our acupuncturists’ approaches above, then book an initial appointment. Please call reception before booking ICBC acupuncture.
Booking and billing help: 604-685-4325.
Helpful links: Pricing · Direct billing · ICBC rehabilitation program · Contact and directions · All practitioners
Last updated: November 2026