Dr. John Yang prepares herbal remedies inside a new Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal dispensary at KPU in Richmond.Photo courtesy of Kwantlen Polytechnic University

A new Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal dispensary has opened at Richmond's Kwantlen Polytechnic University campus.

The dispensary is part of KPU's Student Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic and is open to its patients.

Students will have a hands-on experience in traditional and modern herbal remedy preparation under the supervision of faculty members who are registered as a doctor of TCM or a TCM practitioner.

After an instructor-supervised assessment, patients of the clinic can receive herbal remedies at the dispensary, which is regulated by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of B.C., as well as acupuncture treatment.

Dr. John Yang, KPU's TCM department chair, said common health concerns such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, gynecological conditions and even digestive disorders often respond well to herbal remedies.

“Herbal remedies are an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine," said Yang.

"This holistic healing practice uses natural herbs to address various health conditions, while promoting well-being."

The dispensary is part of KPU's newly renovated facilities to improve teaching and learning experiences for the school's TCM students.

Sharmen Lee, dean of KPU's faculty of health, added the herbal dispensary allows students to provide more "comprehensive care to patients" in the community while gaining real-life experience.

Appointments at the KPU Richmond clinic, where patients can receive both herbal remedies and acupuncture, are open to the public through an online booking system.

The fee for appointments is $25. Herbal remedies are available at an additional cost.