Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese & Japanese Acupuncture: Two Traditions, One Lineage

Both Japanese and Chinese acupuncture spring from the same classical East Asian medical roots, yet they diverged over centuries into distinct clinical styles. In Japan, techniques evolved toward gentler, highly tactile methods. And in China, the practice of acupuncture tended to emphasize stronger needle sensation and standardized point prescriptions within Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM. While some have their preferences, neither is “better” than the other. The right choice often depends on the patient’s condition, sensitivity, and their goals. continue reading »

What is Five Element Acupuncture?

Five Element Acupuncture is a classical style of East Asian medicine that organizes diagnosis and treatment around the dynamic interplay of five phases/elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element is associated (in this framework) with organ networks, emotions, sensory patterns, and seasonal cycles. Treatment aims to restore harmony among these elements when one becomes predominant or deficient. continue reading »

Stillness in Motion: The Healing Power of Qi Gong at Home

Life can seem overwhelming and unmanageable at times. Everyone is looking for the secret self-care miracle that helps us cope. What may have been a desperate Google search for “natural anxiety relief” has become a daily anchor; the secret to staying calm, focused, and physically energized.

A growing number of people are turning to Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, for its healing benefits. And more importantly, they are practicing it at home, making wellness a simple part of daily life without special equipment, gym memberships, or medication. continue reading »

Pinpointing Migraine Relief with Acupuncture

According to the CDC, in the United States, over 15 percent of all adults complain about severe headaches or migraines, with prevalence among women more than twice as high as among men. In 2021, 4.3% of adults aged ≥18 years reported being bothered a lot by headache or migraine in the past 3 months, with a higher percentage among women (6.2%) than men (2.2%).

Treatment options include medication that can often leave sufferers feeling groggy and unlike themselves for hours after taking it. Many people are looking for a drug-free way to combat the root cause of migraines and they’re finding it with acupuncture. Let’s look at how acupuncture can truly provide relief to those suffering from chronic migraines. continue reading »

Unlocking the Basics of Acupuncture: Understanding Qi, Blood, Yin & Yang

If you’ve been thinking about trying acupuncture but aren’t sure what to expect, this article just might be the best place to start. Let’s explore the basic concepts that form the foundation of acupuncture, including the nature of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, and how these elements influence health and healing. continue reading »

Click here to
Schedule Online Now
Matt Van Dyke, L.Ac. EAMP

1405 Fraser St. # 1
Bellingham, WA 98229

(360) 466-1800
Matt Van Dyke EAMP
Testimonials

Matt is a compassionate healer and truly cares for his patients. He’s thorough to figure out the issues affecting you and goes out of his way to provide the best treatment at each session. He communicates well to understand the underlying issues. He helped me with my Covid vaccine side effects and helped my body to recover. I appreciate all that he’s done for me. It’s too bad that I am leaving B’ham and I hope to find another healer
... Read more »
I have been seeing Matt for a couple of months now , since my episode with COVID-19. I have been working on a strange side-effect that had to do with the movement of my right foot. Every visit has been uplifting with progress that I’m sure wouldn’t have been as obvious as it is when I get home after a treatment with Matt. I never knew that acupuncture could yield such dramatic results. Matt is very personable in his approach
... Read more »
Matt combines knowledge, experience, professionalism, humility and genuine caring to greatly assist in the restoration and maintenance of health. His clinic is orderly, comfortable and clean! Matt doesn’t rush anything, asking thoughtful questions and he listens with his full focus. Matt is gentle in technique and spirit, and interacting with him is, in itself, calming. His acupuncture treatments have helped my chronic low back pain a lot!

Doug – Ferndale, WA
I feel fortunate to have found Matt and his services. He is very knowledgeable and caring. I see him for acupuncture and herbal support. I have had 2 surgeries in the last year and felt pretty out of whack. Since the treatments started I can sleep 6-7 hours without waking up…which is kind of a miracle for me, especially since one of the reasons for waking up after 3 or so hours was bladder urge. It feels like things are
... Read more »
After years of struggling with significant and debilitating lack of energy and trying what felt like everything under the sun with little success, I am back not only to my old self, but to my younger self as well! This after only a little more than a month receiving acupuncture treatments and recently starting Golden Shield Qigong. Matt applies his deep knowledge of Chinese medicine with skill and most importantly, from the heart – a true healer! I am grateful
... Read more »
Sign up to receive news and updates and get my free report:
“The Top 10 Reasons to Try Acupuncture”
Latest Articles:
- • Energy-Saving and Safety Tips for Winter Proofing Your Home •
- • Winter Wellness: Mental Health Tips for Beating the Winter Blues •
- • 10 Cozy Winter Activities to Enjoy Indoors •