Dry Needling Vancouver
Dry Needling Dry needling is a modern treatment technique that involves the insertion of sterile, thin filiform needles into myofascial trigger points, muscles, and connective tissue to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support musculoskeletal healing.
If you’re looking for dry needling in Vancouver delivered with warmth, expertise, and personalized care, you’re in the right place. At Honey + Garlic, we provide a calming, client-centered environment where dry needling is integrated into a broader approach to rehabilitation and pain management.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a treatment that uses thin, sterile needles to penetrate skin and stimulate underlying trigger points and tight muscle bands. The goal is to release tension, reduce inflammation, and restore proper function to the affected area. Unlike acupuncture, which focuses on energy flow through meridians, dry needling is rooted in Western anatomical and neurophysiological science.
What’s the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?
While dry needling and acupuncture both use fine, sterile needles inserted into the body, the two practices come from different origins and operate under distinct frameworks.
Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique rooted in Western medicine. It targets trigger points—tight, knotted bands in the muscles that can cause pain or limit movement. By inserting a needle into these areas, dry needling helps to release tension, reduce pain, and restore range of motion. At our clinic offering dry needling in Vancouver, this technique is commonly used for athletic injuries, chronic muscle tension, and postural imbalances.
In contrast, acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves a more holistic approach. It works by stimulating specific points along meridians, or energy channels, to regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) and balance the body’s internal systems.
The sensations you experience during treatment may be similar, but the intention behind dry needling vs acupuncture is quite different. One targets neuromuscular dysfunction, while the other focuses on energetic balance and systemic wellness.
Still unsure which one is right for you? Our Vancouver team is trained in both approaches and can help you determine whether dry needling Vancouver sessions or acupuncture would better support your health goals.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is an ancient therapy used in many cultures around the world throughout history. A cup is attached to the body by using suction, opening the pores on the body and invigorating the flow of Qi and blood, therefore stimulating energy and circulation.
Cupping creates an outlet for toxins to exit the body by pulling latent impurities into the connective tissue and fascia below the skin so that the lymph system can flush it out. This helps to break down congestion and obstruction in the body in the form of toxins such as excess fluid and accumulated debris.
By relieving the stagnation and increasing blood flow to undernourished skin and muscles, the flow of Qi in the body can be balanced and realigned.
With proper lifestyle adjustments, including diet and exercise, a series of cupping treatments can greatly affect cellulite, both smoothing and tightening the skin.
Some people see a smoothing of the skin in as little as one treatment, but generally after a treatment strategy has been created, around the 3rd or 4th session results are usually noticed. Results may vary, and a skilled acupuncturist in Vancouver will guide you through what to expect based on your specific needs.
Discover the revitalizing effects of cupping therapy in Vancouver, BC and start your journey toward better circulation and skin health today.
Some Benefits of Cupping are:
Sore Muscles
Common Colds and Respiratory Issues
Joint & Muscle Pain
Rheumatic Diseases
Hypertension
Circulation and Detoxification
What is Facial Acupuncture?
An acupuncture facial treatment involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck in order to reduce the visible signs of aging. In Oriental medicine, the meridians or pathways of Qi (energy) flow throughout the entire body from the soles of the feet up to the face and head; consequently, a facial acupuncture treatment addresses the entire body constitutionally, and is not merely “cosmetic.” Acupuncture facial involves the patient in an organic, gradual process, that is customized for each individual. It is no way analogous to, or a substitute for, a surgical “face lift”. A treatment session may confine itself solely to facial acupuncture, or it may be used in conjunction with other procedures.
BENEFITS – Facial acupuncture can improve tone, reduce puffiness, and restore radiance. Fine lines often fade, and deeper ones may soften. A skilled acupuncturist in Vancouver will tailor each session to address both facial concerns and internal imbalances.
Looking for natural rejuvenation? Trust an experienced acupuncturist in Vancouver to guide you toward a healthier, more radiant glow. Many of our clients choose facial acupuncture Vancouver BC sessions as part of their long-term self-care strategy.
Experience the natural rejuvenation of facial acupuncture in Vancouver, BC — book your personalized treatment today for a radiant, refreshed glow.
FAQ
Commonly Asked Acupuncture Questions
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During your treatment, life history, current symptoms, and concerns will be discussed in a relaxed and supportive environment. Your acupuncturist in Vancouver will develop a personalized treatment plan toward optimal health and wellness using acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine therapies. The goal is to ensure that each session reflects your unique needs and comfort level. Your acupuncturist in Vancouver will develop a personalized treatment plan toward optimal health and wellness using acupuncture Vancouver BC methods and other traditional Chinese medicine therapies.
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The course of treatments depends upon the imbalance at hand. Acute issues can be cleared up quickly if treated soon, as chronic issues can take more commitment. With acupuncture, consistent treatments create consistent results.
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People react differently to acupuncture; some people feel energized, and some feel deeply relaxed, others feel giddy. No matter what the reaction is, the relaxing effects of acupuncture Vancouver BC sessions can continue throughout the day., and so it's advisable to rest or at least take a gentler approach to the remainder of the day, staying hydrated. Patients that are strongly affected by acupuncture are advised to make safe arrangements to get home.
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TCM treatments are gentle and safe and for pregnant women. Ailments in all three trimesters can be addressed.
Acupuncture can help with:
Morning Sickness
Threatened Miscarriage
Exhaustion & Anxiety
Heartburn & Constipation
Sciatica, Pelvic & Hip Pain
Urinary Tract Infection
Breech Babies & Malpresentation
Pre Birth Acupuncture (Cervical Ripening)
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Pediatric Chinese medicine uses other traditional therapies to treat children, such as lifestyle and diet, cupping, gua sha, and tui na in addition to acupuncture. Your acupuncturist in Vancouver will choose gentle, age-appropriate treatments tailored to your child’s specific condition.
Auriculotherapy Ear Seeds can also be quite effective for children.
Children respond well to acupuncture, as they have a more "clean slate" of a health foundation to work with, as they don't have the life length and health history that adults possess. They are also full of Qi, so the needles do not need to be retained. A simple insertion and withdrawal is the most needling that children under age 10 require. For children under 5, the most effective treatment is tui na, a traditional Chinese massage therapy often recommended by your acupuncturist in Vancouver.
Pediatric treatments are adapted for comfort and safety using trusted acupuncture Vancouver BC protocols.
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Gua Sha is a scraping technique using a round edged instrument which helps to move and raise stagnation in subcutaneous tissue to the skin surface. The action mimics sweating and creates redness and bruising that fades within a weeks' time. Similar to cupping, gua sha allows congestion and obstruction to exit the body naturally and effectively.
Some Benefits of Gua Sha are:
Acute and Chronic Pain
Strains & Sprains
Muscle Spasms
Common Cold and Flu
Asthma & Bronchitis
Post Work Out Muscle Soreness
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Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi, and maintain general health.
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TCM dietary therapy considers foods for their five flavors, five energies, movements, the common actions of foods (e.g., to lubricate dryness, soften hardness, or nourish blood), and organic actions (the specific internal organs on which certain foods can act). A trusted acupuncturist in Vancouver can help you understand how these principles apply to your individual constitution.
According to TCM, a balanced diet means two things. The first is that one should eat a variety of whole foods in order to benefit from all the flavors, energies, and organic actions a varied diet offers.
The second is that foods are selected according to one's particular needs and physical constitution. With guidance from an experienced acupuncturist in Vancouver, a prescribed diet can be used not only for treating disease, but also for maintaining a person’s good health.
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Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage meant to invigorate Qi and Blood in the body. Techniques used during Tui Na are pressing, rubbing, kneading, and pinching to restore balance, and promote structural and locomotive health increasing mobility and range of motion in the body.
Tui Na is helpful for:
stiffness and soreness
joint and soft tissue problems
musculoskeletal disorders
acute and chronic pain
constipation
frozen shoulder
Pediatric Tui Na is helpful for:
colds
cough
earache
colic
asthma
vomiting
diarrhea
allergies
fever
indigestion
constipation
stomachache
Pediatric Tui Na can be used on children up to age 12, however its effect is most pronounced in children under age 5.
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Small black seeds of cow-herb are secured on the ear with a piece of tape over specific acupressure points. The seeds stimulate the point by mild pressure. This therapy is especially suitable for children and adults who are afraid of needles.
Some Benefits of Ear Seeds:
Mental-Emotional Disturbances
Hypertension
Back Pain
Headache/Migraines
Insomnia
Digestive Issues
Meet our Acupuncturist
Eva is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine currently registered with the CTCMA of British Columbia. She is a graduate of the renowned Tzu Chi International College of Traditional Chines Medicine College in Vancouver, BC.
As a deeply intuitive and experienced acupuncturist in Vancouver, Eva has built a loyal following through her compassionate care, thoughtful diagnostics, and tailored treatment strategies. Her ability to combine traditional methods with a modern, patient-first approach sets her apart.
