Tradecraft takes Scout readers into the workshops, kitchens, and toolkits of Vancouver’s most talented crafts-people. From trusty pencils and custom-built machines to good luck charms and bespoke chef’s knives, this new column aims to get to the bottom of every creative attachment. No laptops or cellphones allowed! Most recently, we checked out the prized tools of L’Abattoir’s new bar manager, William Johnson. This week, we look into the kit of Karen Lam, Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor at Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre.

1. Cups | “Specially made bamboo, glass, plastic or silicone cups create a vacuum on the skin surface. We use these to encourage the flow of Qi and blood in the area under the cup. This helps to relieve local stagnation from large or small muscle areas on the face or body. Retaining cups leave a mark similar to a bruise, and moving cups can feel like a flowing massage. My current favourites are the silicone cups as they move freely on the body. I use these on people who have large muscle areas that need attention. I can apply even pressure on the entire body but what is fascinating is that there will be a physical mark on only some areas of the body. Markings can be red, white, purple and even blistering can occur. In Chinese medicine they explain it as drawing out the pathogens that are causing illness.”

2. Acutonics | “Tuning forks co-founded by a harmonic sound teacher and an acupuncturist 16 years ago to combine sound and healing. The body is 80% fluid and a good resonator for this therapy. We use pressure points to conduct sound throughout the body. I use this on patients who suffer from illnesses that have gone deep into the body and are affecting their mental state. My favourite is the solar set as it brings light into the body and can help with patients dealing with depression.”

3. Acupuncture Needles | “Originally made from sharpened stone, animal bones and bamboo slivers, acupuncture needles evolved in The Bronze Age and were made with bronze, copper, silver and gold. The Emperor of China and his royal family had sets made from green jade. I use a variety of needles in my practise for the body and face but the most common is the filiform stainless steel needle with plastic, twisted copper or stainless handles for attaching moxa (dried Mugwort used in heat therapy to influence blood flow and Qi).”

OTHER INTERESTING VANCOUVERITES