Richmond Acupuncture Services

Providing a therapeutic and relaxing experience to help people move forward in their healing process, balancing the mind, body and spirit.

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Acupuncture involves the use of thin needles to stimulate specific points in the body.

When the acupuncture needles are inserted into the body, they are manipulated to activate and balance Qi (energy) in the body.

As the balance of Qi is restored, the body's natural healing processes is activated and set into motion.

acupuncturist treating patient with needles

Acupuncture FAQ

It’s my first time to have acupuncture. Will it hurt?

Generally, acupuncture should not be painful. Most people find acupuncture calming and relaxing – a lot of our patients take a short nap during treatment, even those who are afraid of needles! Sometimes during the treatment, you may feel a temporary sensation of tingling, heaviness or movement. Also, some points are more sensitive than others. If you feel any discomfort during the treatment, speak up and let us know so we can adjust the treatment. Every body is different and your body may be different every time you come in.

acupuncture needle being inserted into woman's leg
What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions – the most common one we see in the clinic is for pain. Gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety and stress, recovery from trauma, infertility, allergies, menopause, headaches as well as a general tune up (or preventative treatment) can be treated by acupuncture. The list goes on. If you have any questions, just ask. We are here to help you feel better.

What if I am too nervous or scared?

It’s okay to be nervous. Let us know when you come in if you are anxious or have any questions. We will take extra care to make you feel comfortable. Treatment can go at your pace and the practitioner can adjust. If needles are not an option, we have other modalities that we can use.

Are there any side effects from acupuncture?

The most common side effects I have encountered in the clinic are mostly positive – a relief of symptoms, improved sleep, better digestion, improved energy, a sense of well-being and relaxation and improved immune function. Negative side effects are rare but can happen. These include bruising at the site of the needle insertion, soreness or sensitivity at needle areas, a worsening of symptoms before they improve. If any of these happen, please contact us right away so that we can give you advice on what to do. Usually a follow up treatment quickly resolves these issues.

How much do acupuncture treatments cost?

Our current acupuncture rates are below:

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!

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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

    Acupuncture Testimonials

    ★★★★★★★★★★
    ★★★★★★★★★★
    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.

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

    Book an Appointment