Bara Acu, 1717 Grant Street, Vancouver, BC (2026)

03/16/2026

During the pandemic, I turned to yoga nidra. Monthly, we would connect with friends over Zoom for Dreamspells - an hour or so for deep listening, deep breathing and deep visualization. It was a powerful way to connect with each other and stay embodied. I did a yoga training that was specific to yoga nidra and this is where my studies into neuroscience began. I learned how the space between waking and dreaming was Incredibly powerful for managing pain and stress, and could even improve your memory. I learned how monks would practice yoga nidra which improved their ability to memorize huge amounts of information. I learned that 20 minutes of yoga nidra is equivalent to your brain as 3 hours of sleep. I now use yoga nidra for pain and stress relief, to manage jet lag, to restore my tired brain, and for studying. I often recommend yoga nidra to my patients who have trouble with sleep.

I've started mixing some of these recordings and you can now find the first one on my website: Yoga Nidra for Deep Sleep and Relaxation 😌

03/13/2026

Imagine your back, but relaxed 🌸

03/09/2026

Cranial Nerves are so important in regulating our physiology. These 12 nerves originate in the brain, innervate the head, neck and torso, and manage our senses, eye movements, and autonomic functions such as breathing and digestion.

Chuang Scalp Acupuncture was developed by Dr Chuang during his 40 years of practice as a neurosurgeon and Acupuncturist. The technique neuromodulates cranial nerves and works to restore nerve function and regulation, improve blood circulation, and support your system to return to homeostasis. The brain is the control center of our entire body, and our cranial nerves work extra hard in our overstimulating modern work. Scalp acupuncture gives your cranial nerves a chance to reset.

Scalp acupuncture has emerged as a promising treatment for neurological conditions, complex chronic pain and illness, stress and trauma, as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-concussion syndrome and PTSD. With neuroimaging techniques, we are able to become more and more precise with how we direct treatment, and the results are exciting.

Read more about the latest research on Scalp acupuncture in my newsletter and dont forget to subscribe for more deep dives on health and wellness ~ link in bio

02/18/2026

Did you know your spinal column connects to your organs?

Chinese Medicine and Western physiology highlight the same connection points to the organs. Physiology shows how our nerves from our spinal column direct the pathway between the brain and our organ function. Chinese medicine looks to these points to identify disorders of the organ system. Tenderness, tension, and pain are signs of deficiency or hyperfunction in the organ. When we needle these points, we clear blockages from the nerve pathway, allowing for a better flow of Qi and blood throughout the channel. This nourishes the organs and overtime can restore the organ function to homeostasis. Recent studies have reinforced that when we stimulate an acu channel, we release stem cells into the system that actively repairs organs and tissue.

I have had the great fortune to study with Doctors who specialize is spinal treatments and I've carried this knowledge into my practice as I work with chronic injuries, structural conditions, Herniated disc's, spinal cord injuries, arthritis and more. This past month, I've had patients tell me their pain of 15 years is nearly gone after just a few treatments. I am always looking to the spine for the root cause of physiological dysfunction as it is so often an integral part of the puzzle. The spine is truly the backbone of our well-being.

What is your spinal column telling you?

02/12/2026

This week in ~ what does the research say ~

There is a common misconception that the mechanisms of acupuncture are not well understood in western medical research. While there are still many gaps and much to be done, there have been hundreds if not thousands of studies analysing the effects and mechanisms of acupuncture. Because acupuncture and TCM theory is always administered with the consideration of the individual constitution and syndrome differentiation, the methodology challenges the scientific method of objective and consistent results. TCM always centres this important variable: the individuality of every persons unique physiological landscape. However, medical research has still found measurable and tangible result in studies on acupuncture and TCM. Studies show that the mechanisms of acupuncture are vast and benefit almost every physiological function in the body.

This study has shown that acupuncture:

~ speeds tissue repair
~ neuromodulates the brain
~ releases stem cells
~ relives pain
~ is anti-inflammatory

I look forward to sharing my favourite studies with you over the next few months - so stick around :)

02/06/2026

Seeing lots of neck and shoulder tension in the clinic lately!

It’s common this time of year to have extra strain on the neck, shoulders and head. With windy, damp, and cold weather conditions we are more susceptible to neck tension.

Here are some tips on how to reduce tension:

Wear a scarf and cover your ears: cold makes your muscles contract

Strength train & stretch: movement is medicine

Reduce screen time and heavy loads on the shoulders: what is in your backpack???

Prioritise rest and sleep: we need more recovery time in the winter months

Herbal patches: great for warmth and local blood circulation

Acupressure:

Jiāng Jing (GB21), or shoulder well, is used for shoulder and neck pain, dizziness, headache, and limited mobility of upper extremities. This point activates the Gall Bladder meridian, descends Qi, and resolves phlegm.

Fēng Chí (GB 20) or Wind Pool, is used for treating the common cold, nasal congestion, headache and swelling or pain of the eye. It is also effective for shoulder and neck pain, limitation of the shoulder, dizziness, and vertigo. This point expels exterior and interior wind, clears the head, benefits eyes, nose and ears, and subdues Liver Yang.

Thank you to all the Chinese elders and knowledge keepers who have generously passed along TCM knowledge - Traditional Chinese Medicine is not a trend !! TCM is a complete medical system rooted in cultural tradition that takes years of dedication to honour and understand. TCM tips and tricks are fun and helpful, but don’t underestimate or simplify the complexities and depth of TCM as a science and system. :)

02/05/2026

Seeing lots of neck and shoulder tension in the clinic lately!

It's common this time of year to have extra strain on the neck, shoulders,and head. With windy, damp, and cold weather conditions, we are more susceptible to neck tension.

Here are some tips on how to reduce tension:

Wear a scarf: Protection from wind and cold will save your energy, decrease strain and tension, and keep your blood circulating effectively and efficiently.

Find ways to reduce screen time: phones, laptops and TVs all strain our necks, eyes and brain.

Strength training & Stretching: movement is medicine! Keep the blood flowing.

Reduce load: Backpacks and bags filled with heavy laptops, etc, can add a significant load on our neck and shoulders.

Herbal patches: This is a great way to bring local warmth and blood circulation. You can find muscle relaxant patches at most drug stores. My favorite brand is salonpas!

Acupressure: Massage yourself and your loved ones :)

Jiāng Jing (GB21), or shoulder well, is used for shoulder and neck pain, dizziness, headache, and limited mobility of upper extremities. This point activates the Gall Bladder meridian, descends Qi, and resolves phlegm.

Fēng Chí (GB 20) or Wind Pool, is used for treating the common cold, nasal congestion, headache and swelling or pain of the eye. It is also effective for shoulder and neck pain, limitation of the shoulder, dizziness, and vertigo.

02/03/2026

When you go to acupuncture and win 🏆 Best Sleep of the Year 🏆

01/27/2026

Some updates!

🌞 So excited to officially announce that I have joined 💕 you can find me in Gastown Thursdays and Saturdays!

🌞 You can find me 3 days a week - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - at both Yaletown and Olympic Village locations

🌞 And I'm always popping in - Thursdays, Fridays and alternating Sundays 🫧

🌞 Info is now updated on my website baraacupuncture.com

🌞 Questions if acupuncture is right for you? Email me Bara.acupuncture@gmail.com

painrelief stressrelief

01/21/2026

2016 was a catalyst

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis at 24 years old. I was told it was incurable and progressive. Thay my spine would slowly and painfully fuse over the course of my life. I already had spinal fusion that was visible on MRI and often used a cane to walk. I also graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Arts. My final papers were on Rhetoric of Medicine, Epistemology of Care and Disabilty Justice. I visited my home country and learned more about traditional and folk medicine.

Ten years later? This week, I learned that my Ankylosing Spondylitis is in remission. No further degeneration and the inflammation visible on MRI is resolved. This news is beyond my wildest dreams.

Ten years of hard work and 5 years of Acupuncture education and practice. Countless doctors, practitioners, healers. Endless support from family and friends.

I will be putting everything I've learned about putting autoimmune disease into remission into a series of articles, so stay tuned and follow along.

For now, it's time to celebrate ✨️

Bara Acu

03/16/2026

03/13/2026

03/09/2026

02/18/2026

02/12/2026

02/06/2026

02/05/2026

02/03/2026

01/27/2026

01/21/2026

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