Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Toronto Beaches

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which very thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. It is based on the TCM principles that the body's vital energy (qi) flows along energy pathways (meridians) in the body to maintain balance, and when the flow of qi is disrupted, it can cause disease or illness. Acupuncture works on improving the flow of qi, restoring balance and activating the body’s internal healing abilities. It is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies, making it an important component of a healthy lifestyle.

Aimee Leung

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Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine

As a regulated health profession in Ontario, Registered Acupuncturist treatments encompass a complete diagnosis and well-defined, individualized treatment plan to treat many conditions and address different health concerns. Depending on what is being treated, your Acupuncturist may treat with you with a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modalities listed below.

Acupuncture

The insertion of thin sterile needles into specific points on the body to rebalance the energy flow in the body and activate the body’s own healing abilities.

Gua Sha

A gentle scraping of the skin to help relieve pain and tension, and release toxins using a smooth-edged hand tool.

Auricular Acupuncture

The insertion of needles into acupuncture points on the ear, which is considered a microsystem of the entire body, to promote balance and healing in the corresponding area of the body.

Moxabustion

A form of heat therapy that involves the burning of ground mugwort herb on or near the body to stimulate the flow of energy and blood.

Tuina

A form of massage using finger, hand and arm techniques to apply pressure and target specific acupuncture points to directly affect the flow of energy throughout the body.

Cupping

The placement of cups on the skin to create suction in order to increase blood flow, remove toxins and facilitate healing. For more information on cupping, please click on the image.

Common Conditions Treated

Acupuncture treats a wide range of conditions including:
·       Acute and Chronic Pain
·       Musculoskeletal
·       Sports Injuries
·       Headaches and Migraines
·       Anxiety and Depression
·       Insomnia
·       Stress
·       Menstruation
·       Infertility
·       Gastrointestinal
·       Dermatological
·       Autoimmune
·       Neuralgia
·       Allergies

FAQs

Does Acupuncture hurt? Acupuncture needles used are very thin, much thinner than the needles used for injections or blood drawing. There may be a slight pricking or no sensation when needles are inserted, which varies based on one's pain level and overall sensitivity. Most people feel minimal to no pain as the needles are inserted. Some may might feel a mild sensation of heaviness, tingling, numbness, or a dull ache where the acupuncture needle has been inserted. This sensation, known as 'De Qi', is actually considered a favorable sign during the treatment. However, everyone is different, so responses can vary. Some areas of the body may be more sensitive than others, and personal pain thresholds also vary. It's always important to communicate with your Acupuncturist about how you're feeling during the procedure, so adjustments can be made if necessary.

What if I don't like needles? If you have a fear of needles but are interested in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to health and well-being, there are other TCM-based therapies available that can improve the flow of energy (Qi), restore balance, and enhance the body's internal healing abilities. Please feel free to discuss these alternatives with your Acupuncturist.

Can Acupuncture and Tradional Chinese Medicine help me with my condition? We offer a 15-minute no obligation consultation with Aimee Leung, Registered Acupuncturist, for you to discuss if Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is the right approach for you.

Here's what to expect during an Acupuncture treatment and ways to prepare:

Preparing for Treatment:

Make sure to have a light meal or snack a few hours prior to your appointment to prevent getting lightheaded.
Avoid consuming alcohol or any other substances that could alter your body's response to acupuncture.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to facilitate easy access to acupuncture points.
Ensure you are well-hydrated before your session.
Come with a clear understanding of what you want to address during the session.
Be ready to discuss your current health concerns and medical history.

During Acupuncture Treatment:

Prior to your initial treatment, the Acupuncturist will conduct a thorough assessment of your current condition and past health, and discuss your goals and expectations.
After conducting a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostics (tongue and pulse diagnosis), your TCM diagnosis and course of treatment will then be discussed.
You will lay comfortably on a treatment table for the duration of the treatment.
Thin, sterile, disposable needles will be inserted into various acupuncture points on your body.
You might feel a brief, pricking sensation when the needle is first inserted. After that, the area might feel a bit heavy, dull, achy warm, or cool.
Depending on your condition, your Acupuncturist may suggest the use of other Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies (cupping, moxabustion, gua sha, tuina massage), in order to optimitze the outcome of your treatment
Needles are left in place for about 15-30 minutes while you relax.
You may experience a sense of relaxation or even drowsiness during the treatment.
After the treatment, you may feel calm, relaxed, energized, tired, sleepy or hungry.

Everyone's experience with acupuncture can be different as it is a individualized treatment.