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About Me

I came to Chinese medicine through a series of events that helped me see the limitations and harmful effects of the conventional health care model and taught me about holistic health care practices like herbal medicine, massage, yoga, meditation and holistic eating. I began my formal education at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson B.C. in 2000 and graduated in 2006 from the acupuncture and Chinese herbology programs which included over 4,000 hours of study and practice. My work is informed by my own experience of having lived with hormone imbalance, IBS, chronic pain, eczema, postpartum depression and chronic insomnia. Through self study and experimentation along with the tools of Chinese medicine I have learned a lot. I have trained with world renowned leaders in Chinese medicine who have helped to evolve this medicine and aspire to continue this legacy.

Chinese Medicine

Dating back thousands of years, Chinese medicine is one of the oldest systems of health care in the world. It’s a complete medical system that has a unique system of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. In British Columbia, people who are licensed to practice acupuncture are called “Registered Acupuncturists,” a title which obscures the other branches of the medicine that we learn like cupping, tui na therapeutic massage, gua sha, diet therapy, qi gong and lifestyle recommendations.


In Chinese medicine, we see the body as an ecosystem rather than a bunch of disconnected parts. Symptoms in different systems of the body might be connected to an underlying imbalance in the body. We work on correcting that imbalance so that all the symptoms improve. Chinese medicine is a holistic medicine: we look for the interconnections of the body, mind, emotions and spirit.

How does it work?

Chinese medicine taps into our innate self healing ability. Once the needles are placed in concert with each other, they send a message to the body reminding us how to heal.


Acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which views the body as a system of energy channels through which vital energy flows. Disruptions or imbalances in this flow can lead to health issues.


Acupuncture involves inserting hair thin needles into specific points on the body that correspond to these channels. By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to restore the balance and flow of qi, which promotes healing and relieves pain or discomfort.


From a modern scientific perspective, acupuncture is one of the most evidence based therapies. There have been over 20,000 research studies published on it.


It is explained through the biomedical lens by having these effects:

  • Neurotransmitter Release: Acupuncture stimulates nerves, prompting the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters that reduce pain and inflammation and balance the autonomic nervous system.

  • Blood Flow: Acupuncture improves circulation in the targeted areas, which aids in healing.

  • Muscle Relaxation: The insertion of needles relaxes tense muscles and reduces muscle spasms.

  • Modulation of Immune Response: Studies show acupuncture influences immune function and by modulating an over or underactive immune response. 

  • Brain Activity: Imaging studies show that acupuncture can facilitate beneficial neuroplastic adaptations that improve brain health and function promoting optimal neuroplasticity.

Acknowledging my Teachers

Warren Fischer: Dr of TCM, founder and dean of the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences, author and translator of Chinese medical books. My original teacher, this man’s brilliance and vision opened the door for many to learn about Chinese medicine, myself included for which I am deeply grateful. 

Richard Teh-Fu Tan: L.Ac, O.M.D. originator of “balance method” acupuncture and author of many books. He revolutionized the practice and teaching of acupuncture today by combining theories he learned as an engineer with the principles of Chinese medicine and the I Ching. 

Susan Johnson: L.Ac studied with students of Master Tung and has been practicing and has been teaching Tung style acupuncture internationally for more than 30 years. 

Master Tung: often referred to as The Greatest Acupuncture Master who ever lived. He was born into a lineage of Chinese medicine Drs. whose history traces back generations to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE) in Shandong, China. Although he died the year after I was born, he influenced many of my teachers with his points and techniques and I recognize and bow to his legacy.

We specialize in traditional Chinese medicine techniques to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

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Copyright 2025 © Zea Friesen Acupuncture. All rights reserved.

I specialize in traditional Chinese medicine techniques to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Copyright 2025 © Zea Friesen Acupuncture. All rights reserved.