Healing River Acupuncture Centre Celebrates 15 Years of Service: A Legacy of Healing and Wellness

Steveston Village in Richmond, BC, is home to a wellness gem that has been serving the community for 15 years—Healing River Acupuncture Centre. Established in 2009 by Bobbi Hayashi, the clinic has provided holistic care and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to thousands of patients from its location in the heart of Steveston. In 2018, the clinic transitioned ownership to Chrystal Malapas, who has since carried forward its mission of healing and wellness, preserving the clinic’s founding values while expanding its offerings to meet modern healthcare demands.

For Healing River Acupuncture Centre, the past 15 years have been a journey of transformation and growth. What began as a small clinic offering acupuncture and TCM has evolved into a trusted center for holistic health, serving a diverse clientele seeking alternative therapies for everything from chronic pain to stress relief.

"When I took over the clinic in 2018, I wanted to continue Bobbi's legacy of providing personalized, compassionate care," says Chrystal Malapas, owner and lead practitioner at Healing River Acupuncture. "The foundation Bobbi built was strong, and I have been honored to carry it forward while introducing new treatments and techniques to better serve our patients."

Under Malapas' guidance, the clinic has maintained its emphasis on personalized care, ensuring that every patient receives treatment tailored to their unique needs. The clinic specializes in acupuncture, cupping therapy, herbal medicine, and other integrative treatments rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In recent years, acupuncture has gained considerable traction as a valuable treatment option for a variety of conditions, including pain management, stress relief, and even fertility support. As more people seek non-invasive, holistic treatments, Healing River Acupuncture Centre has seen a steady rise in the demand for its services.

"Over the past few years, we’ve seen more and more people turning to acupuncture not just for treating existing conditions, but also as a preventative measure," says Malapas. "People are recognizing the benefits of holistic care, and acupuncture offers a way to balance both physical and mental health."

The clinic has become a beacon for patients who are looking for alternatives to conventional medicine, particularly those seeking natural ways to manage chronic pain, anxiety, and other conditions that affect their quality of life.

One of the reasons Healing River Acupuncture has thrived over the past 15 years is its commitment to the well-being of its patients. By providing individualized care, the clinic has earned the loyalty of clients who return year after year for treatment and health maintenance.

Margaret Wu, a longtime patient of Healing River, shares her experience: "I’ve been coming to Healing River for nearly six years, and it has completely transformed my life. I first came for help with migraines, and the treatments have not only helped with my pain but have also improved my overall health. Chrystal and her team are incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate.”

Margaret’s story is just one example of how Healing River’s personalized approach has made a significant impact on the lives of its patients. The clinic’s focus on identifying the root causes of symptoms, rather than merely treating them, has fostered long-lasting relationships with clients, who often recommend the clinic to friends and family.

Like many healthcare providers, Healing River faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the clinic adapted quickly to continue offering its services safely. By implementing rigorous health and safety protocols, Healing River ensured that patients could continue receiving the treatments they needed during a critical time.

"We had to adjust our approach during the pandemic, but our commitment to patient care never wavered," explains Malapas. "We enhanced our safety measures and offered virtual consultations when possible to make sure our patients felt comfortable and supported throughout."

This adaptability, combined with the clinic’s strong reputation, helped Healing River navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic and continue providing uninterrupted care to its community.

As Healing River Acupuncture Centre celebrates 15 years of service, Malapas is focused on the future. The clinic plans to expand its offerings and explore new ways to integrate modern healthcare innovations with the time-honored principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"I’m excited about the future of Healing River," says Malapas. "We are always looking for ways to enhance our services, whether that means bringing in new treatments or exploring collaborations with other healthcare providers. Our goal is to continue serving the Steveston community and beyond, offering holistic care that helps people achieve balance in their lives."

The clinic will also be hosting several events to celebrate its 15-year milestone, including free wellness workshops, acupuncture demonstrations, and discounted consultations. These events are part of Malapas' vision to give back to the community that has supported Healing River for so many years.

As Healing River Acupuncture Centre marks this important milestone, it remains a pillar of health and wellness in Richmond. With its emphasis on personalized care, a commitment to holistic treatment, and a forward-looking approach under Chrystal Malapas' leadership, the clinic is poised to continue its legacy of healing for many years to come.

"Fifteen years is a significant achievement, but for us, it’s just the beginning," says Malapas. "We’re here for the long haul, and we’re excited to keep growing, learning, and healing alongside our patients."

As the clinic moves into its next chapter, Healing River Acupuncture Centre continues to offer a refuge for those seeking natural, effective treatments for their physical and emotional well-being. With a foundation built on trust, expertise, and compassion, the clinic’s future looks bright—guided by the same principles that have helped it thrive for the past 15 years.