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.

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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.

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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.

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Formulating

I make recommendations for the formulations of natural products for companies (big and small) that want to use Chinese herbs and foods.

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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.

Excerpt from my book: Egg substitutes

I thought I’d share an excerpt from my book, Modern Chinese Medicine Food Cures: A Personalized Approach. I chose my segment on egg substitutes because it’s always good to have options, whether you’re looking to avoid buying eggs or you simply ran out and want to bake a cake.

Healing Is Not Linear: The Journey Through Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Pathways

Just like you, I want predictable, fast results. It would be so much easier if I had specific protocols for each condition, symptom, illness, or disease. I would love it if people would react exactly as I expect, in every situation. If I prescribe X herb, Y results....

Buying Canadian: Natural Health Products for a Healthier Life

The 25% tariffs came into effect today. For many, this is stressful, as we foresee jobs losses and increases in prices. But enough talk about that, as you don’t need me adding to your stress! Instead, let’s talk about healthy choices for your purchasing in Canada....

Relieving the Pinch: Acupuncture for Neck Nerve Impingement

Acupuncture is an effective treatment to relieve neck nerve impingement causing pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Learn how acupuncture works and book in for your own Vancouver acupuncture treatment.

Needling Away Stress: How Acupuncture Soothes the Nervous System

When it comes to our bodies, the nervous system is like an intricate symphony, orchestrating everything from our heartbeat to our thoughts and emotions. But what happens when the symphony plays a tune of stress and anxiety, leaving us feeling out of tune? Enter...

Should I use a smart device to monitor my body?

A patient asked me this question recently, and I had to think about that. I don’t use one personally. Maybe I put too much stock into worries about how large corporations use data directly from us to better sell to us. I don’t mind that they use information to improve...

What Acupuncture Really Does

Acupuncture helps your body regulate itself. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system that is designed so that practitioners like me can use personalized treatments to stimulate your body in such a way that it recognizes where there is an imbalance. Once...

Positive Words to Help You Destress

Do you remember Stuart Smalley (funny, I remembered his name as Smiley) from the Saturday Night Live skip? He used to host a mock self-help show and he would stand in front of a mirror and say positive affirmations to himself. It was meant to be funny--and was--at the...

Skip the Caffeine Before Your Acupuncture Treatment

Want to get the most out of your acupuncture treatment? Of course you do! Here's an easy--at least I think it's easy--step you can take prior to your acupuncture session with me, particularly if your treatment is to address pain, stress, or anxiety. Skip the caffeine....

Dairy-Free Matcha Chip Ice Cream

Before I lived in Japan (1995-97), matcha was something I had never heard of in Canada. I had it only in hot water as a ceremonial tea in Japan, so I was surprised when I returned to Canada and it became popularized here in matcha lattes. You NEVER add milk and/or...