Frequently Asked Questions

Passed on and refined through generations of Chinese dynasties and proven effective for millenia in the treatment and prevention of illness, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine has made its way to the western world, benefiting an ever-increasing amount of people from diverse nations, backgrounds, and ages.

”After the victory of the Chinese Revolution in 1949, the Chinese decided to take a fresh look at their traditional medical system. Many of China’s new leaders were tempted to discard their pre-scientific medical inheritance, along with their old-fashioned practices and remnants of underdevelopment. .. Another faction of the leadership, however, saw that although China did need to accept modern medicine, there might also be some practical theoretical usefulness in the traditional medicine. The issue was whether or not it would prove efficacious from a modern perspective. To answer the question, the Chinese performed thousands of experiments and clinical studies .. The result was that in 1958 the Central Committee decided to give traditional and modern medicine equal respect and place in China. .. The pages of such studies fill entire libraries, yet it is not their quantity that is important, but rather their conclusions: that traditional Chinese medicine can hold its own, that it does work clinically.” [The Web That Has No Weaver — Ted J. Kaptchuk]

Many fall asleep during a treatment and may feel tired afterwards as the body calls for rest. Resting states allow our body’s natural healing mechanisms to dominate while systemic reparation takes place.

Many insurance companies now cover TCM services and acupuncture, showing that these highly beneficial treatment options are becoming integrated into western health care.

Acupuncture is safe to receive at any point throughout the menstrual cycle and has proven to assist in the reduction of associated pain, amenorrhea, irregular bleeding, and PMS symptoms. It can also assist those experiencing symptoms associated with menopause.

Acupuncture is safe and helpful in the treatment of those diagnosed with endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, and uterine fibroids.

Acupuncture for fertility enhancement is becoming increasingly popular in the western world.

Acupuncture and its complimenting treatment modalities are strong tools for regulating one's cycle, supporting gynecological health as a whole, aiding nourishment and uterine lining, promoting a healthy environment for the smooth uniting of egg and sperm, along with miscarriage prevention.

During this understandably stressful time, acupuncture wonderfully balances the nervous system to support the emotional state and decrease stress levels which can disrupt hormone balance, dysregulate one’s cycle, harm egg and sperm quality, and further increase difficulty conceiving and staying pregnant.

TCM remedies and acupuncture can be used as a standalone treatment or can be safely and beneficially received along with IVF and IUI.

As a teen and young adult, I struggled with cystic acne, digestive issues, menstrual pain, and mood swings. Though drawn to natural remedies, conventional medicine was the go-to, which provided temporary relief but caused unpleasant side effects for me. At 17, I began experimenting with natural remedies and focusing, firstly, on food and diet. Then, with help from an acupuncturist, I saw significant improvements through treatments and realized my symptoms were interconnected—“branches of the same roots”. This sparked my curiosity, leading me to self-study health and natural remedies, acupuncture, Eastern philosophy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Eventually, I studied at Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Academy and continue to learn from practitioners rooted in the culture and teachings. These approaches, along with thorough diagnosis and treatment, emphasize lifestyle choices and prevention—key elements for lasting health.

While I treat all individuals, I am particularly drawn to women’s health due to my personal journey and the stories shared by other women. Mainstream medicine is invaluable and helps many, though it may not always fully address the unique health needs of women, particularly when considering their cyclical changes and various life stages. A balanced approach that integrates both conventional and holistic practices can help fill in the gaps and provide a more comprehensive path to quality living.

Acupuncture can be part of general maintenance and preventative health care, and also when health concerns arise. Treatment plans vary based on each person’s current health and can be beneficial at any life stage: pre-teen, teen, early adulthood, menstrual and reproductive years, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and everything in between.

Teens can benefit from acupuncture just as much as adults. It is a great time to address imbalances early on to prevent them from becoming chronic issues in adulthood. Acupuncture can help with menstruation, mood regulation, sleep, and healing injuries effectively.

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Acupuncture uses thin needles, and various techniques can be applied that increase or decrease sensations. Depending on where the needles are placed, some points may hurt more than others. Areas with less flesh, like the feet, may be more sensitive compared to areas with more flesh. Some sensations may linger longer but typically dissipate. Most people who express nervousness toward the needles find that the experience was much less painful than they expected.

It’s important to find a licensed practitioner who understands anatomy and proper needling techniques to avoid serious complications like pneumothorax. Minor adverse effects may include slight bruising, tenderness, tingling, or nerve sensations that quickly fade. Some people may feel fatigued or slightly tired for a short period as the body resets and calls for rest. Though the benefits outweigh the minor uncomfortable sensations.

I offer treatments at two locations in West Toronto. Each clinic has its own unique atmosphere – one is a traditional space, an old home converted into a clinic, featuring effective herbal remedies from a registered TCM practitioner (R.TCMP). The other is a modern, integrative clinic with a variety of practitioners, including NDs specializing in HRT, IV vitamin therapy, and vitamin injections, as well as nutritionists, massage therapists, facialists, and a psychotherapist, all while maintaining a home-like feel.