Traditional Chinese Medicine
We provide holistic treatment for people who prefer natural healing approaches. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an alternative medicine paradigm that has been practiced for over 5000 years. Not only can it treat hundreds of different aliments, it can also help prevent health problems.
Acupuncture for face and body sculpting
Exclusively available at the Neuro Wellness
Every single day, we are aging at a rate of 0.02%. Hormonal and stress often speed up the rate of our aging process. Women are prone to visible lines and sagginess because of lack of muscle mass in comparison to men. Additionally, women has more body fat comparing to their counterparty. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been long used by royalties. Acupuncturing sculpting was invented by the most famous elite acupuncturist in Han dynasty (202 BC). Her name is Yi Shuo (义妁). She invented a needling technique that can help slow down the aging process for royal women and men. The technique is now available to the public. Most of the cosmetic acupuncture treatment offered by our practitioner does not require an application of anesthesia. The entire process is safe and effective. Usually, it is visible that the fine lines or folds are refined and repaired after 3-5 treatments. The body lift may takes longer time to improve simply because the sagginess is related to internal health problems which demand attention before the actual treatment for the presenting problems and concerns.
Exclusively available at the Neuro Wellness
Every single day, we are aging at a rate of 0.02%. Hormonal and stress often speed up the rate of our aging process. Women are prone to visible lines and sagginess because of lack of muscle mass in comparison to men. Additionally, women has more body fat comparing to their counterparty. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been long used by royalties. Acupuncturing sculpting was invented by the most famous elite acupuncturist in Han dynasty (202 BC). Her name is Yi Shuo (义妁). She invented a needling technique that can help slow down the aging process for royal women and men. The technique is now available to the public. Most of the cosmetic acupuncture treatment offered by our practitioner does not require an application of anesthesia. The entire process is safe and effective. Usually, it is visible that the fine lines or folds are refined and repaired after 3-5 treatments. The body lift may takes longer time to improve simply because the sagginess is related to internal health problems which demand attention before the actual treatment for the presenting problems and concerns.
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the wrinkles around the eye pre- and post- treatments |
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The puffiness is minimized pre- and post-treatments |
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an important treatment form of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The treatment involves inserting disposable needles into the acupuncture points along specific meridians so that body metabolism is promoted and enhanced.
Our practitioner Huilan Zhang is extensively trained and registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists Ontario (CTCMPAO). She is experienced in using acupuncture to treat the following issues:
Acupuncture is an important treatment form of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The treatment involves inserting disposable needles into the acupuncture points along specific meridians so that body metabolism is promoted and enhanced.
Our practitioner Huilan Zhang is extensively trained and registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists Ontario (CTCMPAO). She is experienced in using acupuncture to treat the following issues:
- Shoulder/Neck/Back pain (chronic pain conditions)
- Headaches
- Infertility
- Irregular menstruation
- Facial wrinkles
- Acne
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Substance abuse/smoking cessation
- Eating disorders
- Stress
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is usually used as an adjunct to acupuncture. It is the procedure of burning moxa about an inch or so above the skin to combat coldness or dampness. Moxa is made from the dried leaves of Artemisia argyi. Traditionally, the Chinese say that the older the moxa is, the better its therapeutic properties are.
Historically, moxa was burned durectly on the skin which would cause scarring. This is why is the Chinese term for moxibustion, 艾灸, means 'to scar with burning mugwort." Of course, moxibustion no longer involves scarring. Nowadays, a specially engineered cone of moxa can be placed on top of specific acupuncture needles to provide localized heat over acupuncture points. Alternatively, the practitioner can burn a stick of moxa and hover it over a general area or specific needles.
Moxibustion is usually used as an adjunct to acupuncture. It is the procedure of burning moxa about an inch or so above the skin to combat coldness or dampness. Moxa is made from the dried leaves of Artemisia argyi. Traditionally, the Chinese say that the older the moxa is, the better its therapeutic properties are.
Historically, moxa was burned durectly on the skin which would cause scarring. This is why is the Chinese term for moxibustion, 艾灸, means 'to scar with burning mugwort." Of course, moxibustion no longer involves scarring. Nowadays, a specially engineered cone of moxa can be placed on top of specific acupuncture needles to provide localized heat over acupuncture points. Alternatively, the practitioner can burn a stick of moxa and hover it over a general area or specific needles.
Cupping
Although cupping has recently become trendy owing to celebrities and athletes receiving these treatments, the practice of cupping has been used since ancient times in Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. In fact, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.
Cupping is usually used for:
Cupping therapy involves having special cups put on the skin for a few minutes to create suction on the skin through which toxins can be released. The cups used at our clinic are made of glass, for traditional cupping, or plastic, for pneumatic cupping.
There are two main techniques for cupping: fire cupping (traditional) and pneumatic cupping. For traditional cupping, the practitioner ignites a flammable substance such as alcohol, herbs, or paper in a cup. The fire burns the air inside the cup to create a vacuum. Then, as the flame is removed, the cup is quickly place upside-down upon the skin. The vacuum draws the skin up into the cup and the cup is usually left for around three to ten minutes. As the blood vessels in the skin dilate during suction, the skin will redden and usually bruise to create the familiar circular patterns like the ones seen on Michael Phelps' shoulder during the 2016 Olympics. For pneumatic cupping, a rubber pump is used instead of fire to create the vacuum inside the cup. Additionally, there are two main types of cupping in Chinese medicine: "Dry" and "wet." Dry cupping is the "regular" procedure wherein a cup is put on the skin, left for some time and then removed. For wet cupping, after creating mild suction at a spot, the cup is removed and a small lancet is used to make tiny cuts on the skin. A cup is then replaced, on top of the tiny cuts, to draw out a small quantity of blood.
The amount of cups used depends on the patient and their symptoms. Your skin should look normal again within 10 days.
Although cupping has recently become trendy owing to celebrities and athletes receiving these treatments, the practice of cupping has been used since ancient times in Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. In fact, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.
Cupping is usually used for:
- Muscle soreness, stiffness or pain
- Reducing inflammation
- Increasing blood flow
- Relaxation
Cupping therapy involves having special cups put on the skin for a few minutes to create suction on the skin through which toxins can be released. The cups used at our clinic are made of glass, for traditional cupping, or plastic, for pneumatic cupping.
There are two main techniques for cupping: fire cupping (traditional) and pneumatic cupping. For traditional cupping, the practitioner ignites a flammable substance such as alcohol, herbs, or paper in a cup. The fire burns the air inside the cup to create a vacuum. Then, as the flame is removed, the cup is quickly place upside-down upon the skin. The vacuum draws the skin up into the cup and the cup is usually left for around three to ten minutes. As the blood vessels in the skin dilate during suction, the skin will redden and usually bruise to create the familiar circular patterns like the ones seen on Michael Phelps' shoulder during the 2016 Olympics. For pneumatic cupping, a rubber pump is used instead of fire to create the vacuum inside the cup. Additionally, there are two main types of cupping in Chinese medicine: "Dry" and "wet." Dry cupping is the "regular" procedure wherein a cup is put on the skin, left for some time and then removed. For wet cupping, after creating mild suction at a spot, the cup is removed and a small lancet is used to make tiny cuts on the skin. A cup is then replaced, on top of the tiny cuts, to draw out a small quantity of blood.
The amount of cups used depends on the patient and their symptoms. Your skin should look normal again within 10 days.
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The change of the skin color after the cups are placed tells the internal problems which can be explained and analyzed by our practitioners to our customers |
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Cosmetic Uses
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Methods in Chinese medicine have been used by women for maintaining healthy, youthful skin even in ancient times. Facial acupuncture and Chinese herbal supplements can be used to this end. Another technique is acu-channeling, in which tools called rods, boards, and/or rollers - which have become quite trendy in the West - are used to massage specific acupuncture points and/or meridians. The tools are traditionally made from jade or buffalo horn but resin, magnetic stainless steel, and semi-precious crystals can also be used. Even a single session can produce moderate lifting effects. However, to consolidate the effect, it is recommended to follow a treatment plan customized to you by a practitioner at the Neuro Wellness.
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Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture is also called acupuncture facelift or cosmetic acupuncture. It is a safe and non-surgical procedure for reducing signs of aging. Thin acupuncture needles are used to promote body rejuvenation and revitalization so that the treated individual can look and feel younger. The treatment itself is two-fold: 1) to directly address the facial aging symptoms and 2) to treat the root problems that causes facial symptoms such as hormonal balance, digestive problems and/or emotional stress. Both local and root treatments are performed in each session to provide the best and lasting benefits. |
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Overall, if committed to the treatment, facial rejuvenation acupuncture may erase 5 to 15 years from the face after one course of treatment (10-15 sessions). It is recommended that the individual receive the first seven twice a week, and have the last seven sessions once a week to get maximum result. This means that one full course of sessions takes roughly 10 weeks to complete. Some results can be seen as early as the 2nd or the 3rd session but the effects become most noticeable and lasting around the 7th or 8th session. In some exceptionally difficult cases, the course of treatment may need to be repeated again. Note that, just as with in surgical facelifts, the actual outcome and duration of the effects is difficult to predict. Each person responds differently depending on his or her age, condition and lifestyle.
After a course of treatment, fine lines my be eliminated and wrinkles diminished. Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins minimized. Other likely results include: even skin tone, increased collagen production, muscle tome, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; reduction of stress and acne breakouts. Combination of facial rejuvenation acupuncture and acupuncture channeling will somehow boost the effects and create long-lasting effect.
Like many other treatment modalities, there may be contraindications. Please consult with the acupuncturist about this procedure before deciding to go through with treatment. Generally speaking, facial rejuvenation acupuncture is not suitable for those with pituitary disorders, heart disorders, severe diabetes mellitus, severe high blood pressure, bleeding problems, or migraines. Additionally, treatments should not be done during pregnancy, during a bout of cold or flu, during an allergic attack or during an acute herpes outbreak.
After a course of treatment, fine lines my be eliminated and wrinkles diminished. Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins minimized. Other likely results include: even skin tone, increased collagen production, muscle tome, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; reduction of stress and acne breakouts. Combination of facial rejuvenation acupuncture and acupuncture channeling will somehow boost the effects and create long-lasting effect.
Like many other treatment modalities, there may be contraindications. Please consult with the acupuncturist about this procedure before deciding to go through with treatment. Generally speaking, facial rejuvenation acupuncture is not suitable for those with pituitary disorders, heart disorders, severe diabetes mellitus, severe high blood pressure, bleeding problems, or migraines. Additionally, treatments should not be done during pregnancy, during a bout of cold or flu, during an allergic attack or during an acute herpes outbreak.
Forms
Below are digital copies of our intake forms and service agreement for your convenience. You may simply review them here, or fill them out and bring them with you to your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What conditions can acupuncture treat?
- How does acupuncture work?
- What is the history of acupuncture?
1. What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Case-controlled clinical studies have shown that acupuncture has been an effective treatment for the following diseases, symptoms or conditions:
2. How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites called acupuncture points or the portmanteau "acupoints". The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of thin, sterile, disposable needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and topical herbal mixtures.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy of two opposing forces, or yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" flows along specific pathways throughout the body called meridians. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of qi gets blocked, it causes an imbalance in yin and yang which can manifest as pain, impaired function, or illness in various parts of the body. Acupuncture aims to release the qi blocked in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.
3. What is the history of acupuncture?
Sharpened stones and bones that date from about 6000 BCE have been interpreted as instruments for acupuncture treatment, but they may simply have been used as surgical instruments for drawing blood or lancing abscesses. The first true acupuncture needles were made of stone and pottery. These simple, primitive needles are still used today in some of the rural areas of China. Eventually, metal needles began to appear and these took the form of the classic 'nine needles' set. The 'nine needles' comprised the arrowhead needle for superficial pricking, the round needle for massaging, the blunt needle for knocking or pressing, the three edged needle for puncturing a vein, the sword-like needle for draining abscesses, the sharp round needle for rapid pricking, the filliform needle which inspired the modern acupuncture needles, the long needle for thick muscles, and the large needle for puncturing painful joints.
The main needle now used for acupuncture is the filliform as most of the others have been replaced by more sophisticated surgical instruments, for instance, the sword-like needle has been replaced by the scalpel. The 'nine needles' were initially made of either bronze, or gold and silver, and seem to have been first used about 2,000 years ago. The tomb of the Prince of Chungshan, dating from the second century BC, was excavated in 1968 and contained a set of nine needles, four being of gold and five of silver. Some acupuncturists use gold and silver needles but the majority only stainless steel filliform needles.
The first document that unequivocally described an organized system of diagnoses and treatments recognized as "acupuncture" is The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, written around 300 BCE. The text is likely to be a compilation of traditions handed down over centuries, presented in terms of the prevailing Taoist philosophy, and is still cited in support of particular therapeutic techniques. The concepts of channels (meridians or conduits) through which the Qi (vital energy or life force) flows were well established by this time, though the precise anatomical locations of acupuncture points developed later. In the last decade of the twentieth century, systematic reviews have provided more reliable evidence of acupuncture’s value in treating infertility, nausea (from various causes), dental pain, back pain and headache.
Case-controlled clinical studies have shown that acupuncture has been an effective treatment for the following diseases, symptoms or conditions:
- Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
- Biliary colic
- Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
- Dysentery, acute bacillary
- Dysmenorrhoea, primary
- Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)
- Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
- Headache
- Hypertension, essential
- Hypotension, primary
- Induction of labor
- Knee pain
- Leukopenia
- Low back pain
- Malposition of fetus, correction
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)
- Periarthritis of shoulder
- Postoperative pain
- Renal colic
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- Sprains
- Stroke
- Tennis elbow
2. How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites called acupuncture points or the portmanteau "acupoints". The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of thin, sterile, disposable needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and topical herbal mixtures.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy of two opposing forces, or yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" flows along specific pathways throughout the body called meridians. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of qi gets blocked, it causes an imbalance in yin and yang which can manifest as pain, impaired function, or illness in various parts of the body. Acupuncture aims to release the qi blocked in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.
3. What is the history of acupuncture?
Sharpened stones and bones that date from about 6000 BCE have been interpreted as instruments for acupuncture treatment, but they may simply have been used as surgical instruments for drawing blood or lancing abscesses. The first true acupuncture needles were made of stone and pottery. These simple, primitive needles are still used today in some of the rural areas of China. Eventually, metal needles began to appear and these took the form of the classic 'nine needles' set. The 'nine needles' comprised the arrowhead needle for superficial pricking, the round needle for massaging, the blunt needle for knocking or pressing, the three edged needle for puncturing a vein, the sword-like needle for draining abscesses, the sharp round needle for rapid pricking, the filliform needle which inspired the modern acupuncture needles, the long needle for thick muscles, and the large needle for puncturing painful joints.
The main needle now used for acupuncture is the filliform as most of the others have been replaced by more sophisticated surgical instruments, for instance, the sword-like needle has been replaced by the scalpel. The 'nine needles' were initially made of either bronze, or gold and silver, and seem to have been first used about 2,000 years ago. The tomb of the Prince of Chungshan, dating from the second century BC, was excavated in 1968 and contained a set of nine needles, four being of gold and five of silver. Some acupuncturists use gold and silver needles but the majority only stainless steel filliform needles.
The first document that unequivocally described an organized system of diagnoses and treatments recognized as "acupuncture" is The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, written around 300 BCE. The text is likely to be a compilation of traditions handed down over centuries, presented in terms of the prevailing Taoist philosophy, and is still cited in support of particular therapeutic techniques. The concepts of channels (meridians or conduits) through which the Qi (vital energy or life force) flows were well established by this time, though the precise anatomical locations of acupuncture points developed later. In the last decade of the twentieth century, systematic reviews have provided more reliable evidence of acupuncture’s value in treating infertility, nausea (from various causes), dental pain, back pain and headache.