FAQ.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of health and wellness that has been practiced in China for thousands of years. It encompasses a holistic approach to diagnosing, preventing, and treating illnesses based on the balance of Qi (vital energy) within the body. TCM utilizes a variety of techniques, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, massage (Tui Na), dietary therapy, and exercises such as Tai Chi and Qigong, to maintain or restore health and harmony between the physical, psychological, and environmental aspects of an individual’s life. If you would like to have a consultation with a TCM practitioner, please click the button below, or feel free to contact us at (905) 737-9216 or ezhtcm@gmail.com

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, with its origins tracing back to at least 2,500 years ago. The roots of TCM can be found in ancient Chinese philosophy, particularly the concepts of Yin and Yang and the Five Phases, which emphasize the importance of harmony and balance in nature and the human body. Over the centuries, TCM has evolved and expanded, incorporating various practices such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, and dietary therapy. It represents one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history, deeply influenced by the historical and cultural context of China. If you would like to have a consultation with a TCM practitioner, please click the button below, or feel free to contact us at (905) 737-9216 or ezhtcm@gmail.com

Acupuncture(针灸) is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involving the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points. This practice is based on the principle of Qi (vital energy) flowing through meridians (pathways) in the body. Acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health by stimulating these points to promote the proper flow of Qi. It is commonly used to treat pain, as well as for a broad range of other conditions. The practice is believed to balance the body's energy, thereby supporting the body's natural healing processes. If you would like to have a consultation with a TCM practitioner, please click the button below, or feel free to contact us at (905) 737-9216 or ezhtcm@gmail.com

When undergoing acupuncture, patients should keep several important considerations in mind to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment: 1. Consult a Qualified Practitioner: Ensure that the acupuncture practitioner is licensed and certified by relevant authorities or professional bodies. This ensures that they have the necessary training and adhere to safety standards. 2. Medical History Disclosure: Fully disclose your medical history, current conditions, and medications to your practitioner. Certain conditions, such as bleeding disorders or being pregnant, require precautions. 3. Informed Consent: Understand the procedure, potential risks, and benefits before starting treatment. Your acupuncturist should explain the process and any possible side effects. 4. Hygiene and Safety: The clinic should use single-use, sterile, disposable needles to prevent infections. Check that the practitioner follows strict hygiene practices. 5. Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily adjusted to access different parts of your body. 6. Eating Beforehand: It’s advisable to have a light meal a few hours before the session to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness, but avoid being overly full. 7. Avoid Stimulants: Refrain from consuming alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine before your appointment, as these can alter your body's response to acupuncture. 8. Post-Treatment Care: Some individuals may feel relaxed or even slightly drowsy after acupuncture. Plan your activities post-session accordingly, especially if you need to drive. 9. Follow-Up: Discuss with your acupuncturist any reactions you had after the session to adjust future treatments. Some effects, such as minor bruising or soreness, are normal but should be communicated. 10. Combining Treatments: Inform both your acupuncturist and physician if you are receiving multiple types of treatments or medications to manage potential interactions and ensure coordinated care. These considerations can help maximize the benefits of acupuncture while minimizing risks and ensuring a comfortable experience for the patient. If you would like to have a consultation with a TCM practitioner, please click the button below, or feel free to contact us at (905) 737-9216 or ezhtcm@gmail.com

Cupping is a form of alternative therapy originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM). It involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The suction is believed to facilitate healing by increasing blood flow to the area where the cups are placed. It can also help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. Cups can be made of glass, bamboo, earthenware, or silicone. There are different methods of cupping, including dry cupping, which is purely suction-based, and wet cupping, which may involve both suction and controlled medicinal bleeding. The practice of cupping has been used for centuries across various cultures, and while it's considered safe when performed by a trained health professional, it can sometimes result in temporary bruising or discomfort at the cupping sites. If you would like to have a consultation with a TCM practitioner, please click the button below, or feel free to contact us at (905) 737-9216 or ezhtcm@gmail.com

Tui Na, which translates to "push and grasp," is a therapeutic form of massage that is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves a range of techniques and manipulations designed to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) through the meridians (energy pathways) of the body. Tui Na practitioners use their fingers, hands, elbows, and even tools to apply pressure to specific points, meridians, and muscles, with the goal of achieving a harmonious flow of Qi, which is essential for health and well-being. Tui Na massage is used to treat a variety of conditions and disorders, including musculoskeletal problems, chronic pain, headaches, and stress-related conditions. It is also used for preventive health care, with the belief that maintaining the balance of Qi in the body can prevent illness. Tui Na can be vigorous at times, differing from Western massage techniques in its use of rhythmic compression and in its focus on specific acupressure points. If you would like to have a consultation with a TCM practitioner, please click the button below, or feel free to contact us at (905) 737-9216 or ezhtcm@gmail.com

Moxibustion(Ai Jiu/艾灸) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (moxa) on or near the skin at specific acupuncture points. The intention behind moxibustion is to stimulate these points with the warmth generated by the burning moxa, facilitating the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood in the body to support healing and maintain health. This technique is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, but it can also be a standalone treatment. There are two main types of moxibustion: direct and indirect. In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. This method can be further divided into scarring and non-scarring types, depending on whether the moxa is burned down to the skin, potentially leaving scars. Indirect moxibustion, which is more commonly used today, involves burning moxa either on the tip of an acupuncture needle, in a form that is held just above the skin, or in a barrier (like garlic, ginger, or salt) placed between the moxa and the skin to moderate the heat. Moxibustion is used to treat and prevent a wide range of conditions, particularly those involving cold or stagnant conditions in TCM theory. It's believed to help boost vitality and the immune system, as well as alleviate pain and improve overall well-being. If you would like to have a consultation with a TCM practitioner, please click the button below, or feel free to contact us at (905) 737-9216 or ezhtcm@gmail.com

Gua Sha, also known as scraping, is a Traditional Chinese Medical(TCM) treatment where the skin is scraped to produce light petechiae. Practitioners use a smooth-edged instrument to apply short or long strokes on the skin, typically lubricated with massage oil, over areas of the body that have been identified as having stagnant energy or Qi, which is believed to be the cause of inflammation. The treatment is intended to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, increase blood flow, and promote healing. Gua Sha is often used to address chronic pain, tension, fever, the common cold, and respiratory conditions. It can also be used to treat muscle and joint pain, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. The practice is based on the same theoretical concepts as acupuncture and cupping, focusing on the movement of Qi and blood within the body. The process of Gua Sha can leave reddish, bruised-looking marks or petechiae on the skin, which are typically painless and fade over several days. Despite its somewhat startling appearance, many patients report a significant improvement in symptoms following treatment. Gua Sha is considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner, with the most common side effect being temporary skin discoloration. If you would like to have a consultation with a TCM practitioner, please click the button below, or feel free to contact us at (905) 737-9216 or ezhtcm@gmail.com

Chinese herbal medicine is a major pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which uses an array of natural substances—primarily plants, but also minerals and animal products—to prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses. These substances are chosen based on their properties, such as flavor, nature, and the meridians they target, aligning with the TCM theory of balancing the body's Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements. Herbs are often combined into formulas that address the specific nuances of an individual's condition, taking into account their unique balance of Yin and Yang, as well as any disharmonies within their body. These formulas can be administered in various forms, including teas, powders, tinctures, pills, and capsules, and are tailored to each patient's needs. Chinese herbal medicine is holistic, focusing on restoring a balance within the body and between the body and its environment. Practitioners of TCM will often use herbal medicine in conjunction with other modalities like acupuncture, moxibustion, and Tui Na massage to enhance healing and achieve the best outcomes. It's used to treat a wide range of conditions, from acute illnesses like colds and flu to chronic conditions such as allergies, digestive disorders, and autoimmune diseases. If you would like to have a consultation with a TCM practitioner, please click the button below, or feel free to contact us at (905) 737-9216 or ezhtcm@gmail.com