Dr. Melissa Carr
I’m a registered Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes licensing as a registered acupuncturist and a registered TCM herbalist.
It all started with…
…”bad” knees, nearly daily headaches, parents in science/healthcare/education, and a love of finding out how things work.
I began my career in health with a Bachelors degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph in Ontario where I learned how uniquely different each human body is from the next and how truly amazing we are.
Next stop was Japan, where I did research at Ehime Medical University (my study is published in The European Journal of Pharmacology) and fully experienced the eastern values of holism—the understanding that all parts are interconnected.
When I returned to Canada, it was my happy destiny to complete the 4-year training for Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the International College of TCM in Vancouver. As part of the program, I spent three months interning at two hospitals in China.
Health experience and passion
I live the recommendations I give, so if you have questions, I encourage you to ask me for help. Even though I have been in practice since 2001, I learn more and discover new tools every day, and I’m happy to share!
During my schooling in Vancouver I worked as a nutritional consultant, where I advised people on the use of western herbs and supplements. I also taught nutrition at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy.
I love learning about all things health-related, but particularly enjoy studying and training in things to do with food and nutrition, pain management, stress reduction, and digestive disorders.
Media Appearances
To see more detailed information about the various media appearances and articles I have written for various publications.
Beyond My Practice
Health is my number one passion, exceeded only by opportunities to share this passion. In addition to running my clinic, I also offer the following services.
Writing
I have written for newspapers, magazines, websites, and blogs. I have created health courses. I have also written research papers.
Lectures
I love, love, love to talk about health. Standing in front of a group of people to talk about Traditional Chinese Medicine and health is one of my favourite things.
Formulating
I make recommendations for the formulations of natural products for companies (big and small) that want to use Chinese herbs and foods.
Some of my work outside my practice includes:
- Alive Magazine (Advisory Board)
- Integrative Practitioner (Editorial Board)
- Mikei Japanese Red Reishi
- Kyth + Kyn modern Chinese herbal shop
- 24 Hours Vancouver Newspaper
- Sierrasil
- The Juicery Co.
- Bing Han ginseng
- Naturally Savvy
- Fitness Goop
- My Yoga Online
- Inside Tract Newsletter from Canadian Society for Intestinal Research
- David Suzuki Foundation
- Blue Cross, Industrial Alliance Pacific, Desjardins Financial Services
- and more
Volunteer Experience & Fun
Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics:
No introduction needed for these amazing events that I was proud to be a part of as a volunteer acupuncturist at the Polyclinic in the Athlete’s Village. Yes, this is Sumi, the Paralympic mascot I’m acupuncturing here. Ahhhhhhcupuncture…zzzzz.
I was also one of the lucky ones who got to carry the Olympic torch!
World Police & Fire Games:
This event was the largest games in world history with 10,577 competitive athletes from all around the world.