What do you like about practicing TCM/A in Nova Scotia?

Before moving to Nova Scotia over 30 years ago the practice of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine was non-existent in the Maritime Provinces. Dr. Franklyn Chen and I were the first to open an Alternative Medicine Clinic in Halifax, Nova Scotia that was fully dedicated to the practice of Acupuncture & TCM. Since then, the practice of Acupuncture & TCM has been rapidly developing as more and more people are seeking out alternative medicine for their conditions and health. In addition to our clinics, Dr. Chen and I have opened up the first and only career college in Atlantic Canada that primarily focuses on Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I enjoy sharing the practice of Acupuncture & TCM to the people of Nova Scotia because it is my passion and I personally know how successful Acupuncture & TCM treatments can be. I am dedicated to educating others on the great benefits Acupuncture & TCM can have on one’s mind, body and spirit. Dr. Chen and I have helped thousands of patient’s conditions with Acupuncture & TCM in Nova Scotia and have seen the amazing benefits Acupuncture & TCM has in helping pain conditions, allergies, infertility, weight loss and many more conditions.
As you are aware, Acupuncture & TCM is not regulated in Nova Scotia. As the president of CMAAC Nova Scotia Chapter and Vice President of the Acupuncture & Naturopathy Association of Nova Scotia (ANANS), I play a strong role in lobbying for regulation in the province for the health and safety of the patients and practitioners. Dr. Franklyn Chen and I are the only doctors in Nova Scotia with PhD degrees in Acupuncture & TCM. I enjoy practicing in Nova Scotia because I know I am giving the best possible care to my patients due to my experience and education. I am actively training new Acupuncturists through the Canadian College of Acupuncture & TCM to make sure that the residents of Nova Scotia can receive Acupuncture & TCM treatment from qualified professional. My students receive high end education from experienced Acupuncturists who follow equivalent guidelines to Acupuncture & TCM colleges in regulated provinces. I truly enjoy being part developing and growing the practice of Acupuncture & TCM in Nova Scotia.

What is your specialty?

I co-own and operate ST/LC Acupuncture & Natural Medicine Clinics with Dr. Franklyn Chen. My main specialities at the clinics are working with infertility and motor vehicle accident patients.
From Dr. Franklyn Chen and my forty years of combined experience we have created the Dr. Li-Chen Fertility program which has helped over 280 women successfully conceive. Due to our 25 years of success helping with healing and conceiving Dr. Chen and I have been interviewed for various media outlets such as CBC, ATV, The Chronicle Herald, Chatelaine and most recently Global Nightly News.
I also recently presented at the 8th Annual WFAS World Conference of Acupuncture in Sydney, Australia in November 2013. I was able to present two of my research articles that focused on infertility and motor vehicle accident patients. The first article was titled, “A study on the pregnancy when using acupuncture treatments for infertility patients undergoing IVF,” and the second article was titled, “A special five elements acupuncture treatment for whiplash syndrome.”

What made you join CMAAC?

I joined CMAAC 25 years ago because it was and is a qualified and well-regarded association in Nova Scotia and Canada. CMAAC shares the same mission and vision of mine when it comes to developing and regulating the education and practice of Acupuncture & TCM in Canada. The leadership skills of the members of CMAAC, such as Professor Cheung are remarkable and really make CMAAC what it is today. I first was able to understand the commitment of the association when I attended the 2nd Annual WFAS Word Conference on Acupuncture in Paris with alongside other CMAAC members from across Canada. CMAAC only accepts members of high standards of training and qualifications of Acupuncture & TCM, which I truly respect as a Doctor of Acupuncture & TCM. In addition, CMAAC is a member society of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) which is the only international acupuncture organization recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).As the President of CMAAC Nova Scotia Chapter and as an elected member on the WFAS executive committee, I work closely with CMAAC head office to lobby for regulation of Acupuncture & TCM in Nova Scotia.
Since joining CMAAC 25 years ago, I have been the President of the CMAAC Maritime Chapter, and am now the active President of the CMAAC Nova Scotia Chapter. When I first became President of CMAAC N.S. Chapter there was only 2 to 3 members. As of now, we have an estimated 38 members and counting that are part of the N.S. Chapter. I am a proud member of CMAAC and try to represent the association as best as I can in my professional practice.

What do you hope to see in the future of TCM and Acupuncture care in your area, or in Canada?

It is my goal to advocate for regulation in Nova Scotia and educate others on the great success of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine. The demand for Acupuncture & TCM in Nova Scotia, as well as in Canada is actively growing as people are becoming more familiarized with the benefits of alternative medicine. By being the president of CMAAC N.S. Chapter, as well as the Vice President of the Acupuncture & Naturopathy Association of Nova Scotia (ANANS), I have been actively lobbying for regulation in Nova Scotia for many years. I believe as one of the two Acupuncturists and TCM practitioners in Nova Scotia with PhD degrees from Traditional Chinese universities (the other being my husband and clinical partner Dr. Franklyn Chen,) it is my duty to advocate for regulation so patients can be treatment by qualified professionals. . I continuously try to promote Acupuncture & TCM in Nova Scotia by attending various tradeshows and events. I am often am asked to be a guest speaker and lecturer at events, such as the International Women’s Show which is put on by the Federal Government and by Dalhousie University.
I recently was elected onto the executive committee for the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies during the 8th annual WFAS World Conference on Acupuncture in Sydney, Australia. By having the honour to sit on the executive committee, I am able to give Nova Scotia and Canada a voice in the rapidly growing world of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine. I am hoping that this position will allow me create great progress in lobbying for regulation in Nova Scotia.