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.

Book an Appointment

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)

traditional chinese medicine herb tray

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

acupuncturist treating patient with needles

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.

Learn more about Acupuncture

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.

Learn more about Moxibustion

Cupping Therapy

cupping treatment on patient's back

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.

Learn more about Cupping

Acupuncture Rates

TREATMENTRATE
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!

Book an Appointment
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.

acupuncture treatment bed


chrystal malapas registered acupuncturist

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.

Contact Chrystal

Begin your journey back to health, vitality and balance today!

Book an Appointment

Contact Us

Call Us
(604) 277-5550
Address & 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
    Monday10am – 6pm
    TuesdayClosed
    Wednesday10am – 6pm
    ThursdayClosed
    Friday10am – 6pm
    Saturday10am – 6pm
    SundayClosed

    Richmond Acupuncture Reviews

    ★★★★★★★★★★
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    Chrystal is an attentive acupuncturist. She listens well to your concerns and is able to deliver top notch service. She is gentle and is very considerate of your comfort level especially if it's your first time getting acupuncture. In my case, I had pain on my wrist due to carrying my heavy baby and after my first visit with Chrystal, I already felt better and her treatment was able to alleviate most of the pain. Her space is also very clean and very relaxing.
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    Chrystal is phenomenal. Her calm and comforting demeanor along with her great knowledge of chinese medicine and acupuncture has got me hooked. Because of her I cannot live without regular acupuncture appointments.
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    Chrystal is an amazing acupuncturist! She is very knowledgeable and has a calm bedside manner. She helped me with various injuries and helped improve my immune system. She also was able to help me when my baby was breech and overdue. Her clinic is clean, well maintained and peaceful. I highly recommend her!
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    Chrystal is a registered acupuncturist who is very knowledgeable in both traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. She was friendly and helpful in answering my questions.She alternates between this acupuncture clinic in Richmond and another in Vancouver, so if you are located in Vancouver or you have a hard time scheduling an appointment, you may want to check her schedule when she is in Vancouver (Kitsilano area).The Richmond acupuncture clinic in Steveston Village is well maintained, neat and clean. There is free parking on the street and a few spots in the parking lot. Her acupuncture rates are very reasonable and well worth it.
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    Chrystal is amazing! She is friendly, kind, knowledgeable and a sweetie. I suffer from sciatic pain and subsequent stiff muscles - after my first treatment I felt incredible improvement. On my followup visit she was also able to lift my prolapsed bladder!! I will definitely continue seeing Chrystal.
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    Chrystal was absolutely amazing. She was very friendly and kind and she not only answered all my questions before my session (it was my first time trying acupuncture), but also walked me through what she was doing and took her tome to listen to me too (which is pretty rare these days). The centre is clean, inviting and cozy. It was a great experience and I can't wait to go back.
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    I see Chrystal at “Healing River” for over 7 years now. She treats me for migraine headaches, and back pain. I feel immediate release and so much relaxed during and after her treatment . For migraine, I stoped using my medication after I started seeing Chrystal. I highly recommend acupuncture for migraine, but you have to find the right acupuncturist. She also treated my 80 years old mother after her knee replacement surgery. My mother’s two visits with Chrystal made a huge difference in releasing the pain and the swelling. Chrystal is not a wonderful "acupuncturists" only, but someone who truly cares! I am so thankful for her and appreciate her so much!
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    Crystal has been amazing for both my 9 year old daughter and myself! She has helped with my shoulder issue as well as with increasing my energy level. She is super friendly and so easy to talk to. We love going to see her!
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    Chystal is an excellent practitioner, very knowledgeable and attentive to any health concerns that I need working on. My health issues improve whenever I have acupuncture here.

    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!

    Book an Appointment