History

Did you know that in 1989 acupuncture was unrecognised, unregulated and illegal(!) in BC and much of north America? A loud public outcry, created momentum for change and the official acceptance of Traditional Chinese Medicine with its 3000 year history of health and healing, as a regulated health care profession.

The philosophy and principles of treatment used in TCM are distinct and different from conventional Western medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture are recognised and accepted in BC as relevant diagnostic and treatment modalities for restoring and maintaining health.

Visionary acupuncturists Henry Lu, Patricia Irwin, Bradford Wallace, Wally Mu & James Knight founded the Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and Herbology Association of BC. Their goal was to raise the standard of acupuncture & TCM education and move towards legal recognition. Initial lobbying with the government included proposals for the regulation of herbs as well as developing a TCM strategy for BC.

In 1990 we changed our name to The Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of BC (TCMABC). TCMABC is one of the largest TCM professional associations in BC and proud to be one of the first associations to petition the BC government to regulate the practice of TCM in BC. Our province is the first jurisdiction in North America to recognize and license doctors of TCM (Dr. TCM).

We are committed to our long term goal of uniting all our professional associations so that we “speak with one voice”. We recognise that a united profession has greater power to influence the government and public regarding health care priorities. We think our members make a very positive contribution towards the health and well being of people in BC and there is much scope for growth.