For Richmond, a city with the largest Asian immigrant population in Canada, it's no surprise that a new acupuncture clinic is opening its doors.
However, this one at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is set up to help students become better Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners.
Beginning Sept. 8, Student Acupuncture Clinic, on the third floor at KPU’s Richmond campus, will serve the needs of the public and help students enrolled in the TCM program at KPU to better understand TCM through more hands-on experience.
John Yang, chair of the TCM program at KPU, said the clinic would be a “life-changing” educational experience for students.
"When we talk about the history, the origin and approaches of TCM in class, these are vague concepts and some students might find it's a bit difficult for them to understand,” said Yang.
"It's like talking about how to make a plane in class without actually working on it. Instructors are very good at explaining theories, but it's crucial for students to put their knowledge into practice."
For quite a long time, Yang, who spent his life learning and teaching TCM in China and Canada, has been sharing the clinic idea with his colleagues and the school faculty.
Eventually, his voice was heard.
"I am so thankful for the overwhelming support I've received from school faculty members and the provincial government. Although the acupuncture clinic hasn't officially opened yet, many students have reached out to me, saying they couldn't wait to try. Everyone in my class is so excited and grateful," said Yang.
Sharmen Lee, Dean Faculty of Health at KPU, said they look forward to welcoming the public to the clinic this fall.
“Not only is this a great opportunity for individuals seeking treatment, but also a learning opportunity for our students working under the careful guidance of our expert instructors.”
And for people who might feel hesitant in using the clinic, since it's student-run, Yang said they shouldn't be worried, because all treatment will be provided under guidance of school instructors.
When it opens, people can make an online appointment before visiting, with each visit costing $25.
