Fully licensed by College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario
Our initial consultation is usually between 60 to 90 minutes. Each follow-up session is about 45 minutes. For optimal results, our pactitioners may combine any of these modalities.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine stainless steel needles into specific points on the surface of the body. Needles are sterile and disposable and most are as thick as 1-2 strands of hair. Acupuncture needles are solid with a rounded tip which passes between cells making treatments virtually painless.
Often patients do not feel the needle during insertion. Once the needle reaches the desired depth, it may be gently rotated or otherwise manipulated in order to elicit a response such as numbness, soreness, heaviness, tightness or an electrical-like sensation that may move along the meridian. These are all desirable responses, indicating the arrival of Qi, and for most patients become a pleasant curiosity as they develop an awareness of the subtle changes within their bodies during acupuncture treatment.
Chinese Herbs
We stock over 1000 of individual herbs and standard formulas.
From this collection of herbs, we combine them based on the diagnosis, usually using a traditional herbal formula as a foundation and adding other herbs specific to the individual's complaint and constitution.
As the person's health improves, the nature of the imbalance changes, so the herb formula must also change. Some herbs are deleted when they are no longer needed, while others more appropriate to the changing condition are added.
Cupping
Cupping, or suction cupping is a technique we often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Cupping pulls blood to a region to stimulate healing. It is effective at stretching tight fascia and muscles.
Cupping helps the tissue develop new blood flow and causes anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body. Cupping is generally painless and many say is more effective than massage for muscle problems.
Gua Sha
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Gua Sha is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called ‘Sha’ representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis.
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Modern research shows Gua Sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single Gua Sha treatment. This accounts for its effect on pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, wheeze, nausea and vomiting etc., and why Gua Sha is effective in acute and chronic internal organ disorders including liver inflammation in hepatitis.
Tui Na
Tui Na, or acupressure, uses the same acupuncture points and meridians. But acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses gentle to firm finger pressure.
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When these acupressure points are stimulated, they release muscular tension, promote circulation of blood, and enhance the body's life force energy to aid healing.
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Acupressure is very effective for young children, for boosting their immune system, improving appetite, etc.
Thai Massage
A traditional Thai Massage blends yoga-like stretches, acupressure points, joint mobility and massage techniques all while following the Nadis (energy lines) of the client's body. It is personalized to the clients ailments, all with the purpose of releasing tension, removing blockages, and ultimately rejuvenating the body.
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​Come and experience the power of 'Metta' (loving-kindness) while relaxing and allowing your body to be moved into positions that encourage increased mobility, flexibility, and circulation, all while being fully clothed on a comfortable mat.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called "moxa" are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
Moxa is made from the dried leafy material of Chinese mugwort (Artemesia argyi or A.vlugaris). Practitioners generally hold a burning moxa stick close to, but not touching, the surface of the skin. In this method, the moxa material is compressed into a stick. looking not unlike an oversized cigar that can be lit and allowed to smolder, producing a unique form of very penetrating heat. The smoldering moxa stick is held over specific areas, often, though not always, corresponding to certain acupuncture points. The glowing end of the moxa stick is held about an inch or two above the surface of the skin until the area reddens and becomes suffused with warmth.