Ben Shaw-Bin Shyu – Acupuncturist | North York, ON

Ben Shaw-Bin Shyu is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at BEN SHYU R.AC in North York, ON, he is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Ben's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. His approach focuses on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, tailoring treatments to individual needs.

Ben Shaw-Bin Shyu completed his R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, he is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. He has a particular interest or further training in areas such as acupuncture. His practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). Ben is dedicated to individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, ensuring care is tailored to each person's unique constitution and condition. He believes in identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. He offers consultations in English and Mandarin.

Ben Shaw-Bin Shyu provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Other Common

• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Integrative TCM care focused on alleviating treatment-related discomfort, enhancing immune function, and supporting the patient's overall well-being throughout their cancer journey.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Early and consistent TCM intervention to maximize functional recovery and minimize residual facial weakness or asymmetry.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore balance.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, to address symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, belching, and indigestion by strengthening Spleen Qi, ensuring the proper downward flow of rebellious Stomach Qi, and clearing any Stomach Heat or Food Stagnation.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Holistic approach to calming an irritable gut and improving overall digestive health and comfort using personalized TCM treatments.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. TCM diagnosis is based on individual patterns, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Ben can assess your needs.

• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Ben, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered Acupuncturists in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At BEN SHYU R.AC, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Ben frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Ben believes in a partnership with patients. When symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, enabling a more active lifestyle including spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Ben can be a turning point for those affected by stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work. The goal is achieving enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, paving the way for you to enjoy reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance) and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Understanding that frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness can be frustrating, Ben applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, making it possible to rediscover the joy in sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes? Ben works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Ben, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.

Ben's practice at BEN SHYU R.AC is situated in an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in ON?

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without needing a referral from a medical doctor. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage requirements.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

No. Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to review private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for services provided by registered practitioners, with coverage levels varying significantly.

Is TCM and Acupuncture suitable for children or the elderly?

Yes, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can be very beneficial and safe for both children and the elderly when administered by a qualified and experienced Registered Acupuncturist. For children, practitioners often use gentle techniques, including non-needle methods like Shonishin, acupressure, or very fine, quickly inserted needles if appropriate. Herbal medicine dosages are also adjusted for children. For elderly patients, treatments are tailored to their health conditions and may focus on managing chronic pain, improving mobility, boosting energy, and supporting overall vitality. All treatments are individualized to ensure safety and comfort.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to stimulate Qi and restore balance. It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestion, and address various internal conditions by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

Approximately how many Acupuncture/TCM sessions will I need and how often?

This varies depending on your condition. Acute issues may resolve in a few sessions, while chronic problems might require weekly treatments initially, then less frequently over time. Your practitioner will assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly, aiming for lasting improvement and maintenance.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, maintaining health when flowing freely. Meridians are channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or deficiencies in Qi flow can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many people feel little to no discomfort. Some sensations like a slight pinch or warmth may occur but are generally well tolerated. All needles are sterile and single-use, and practitioners are highly trained to ensure safety. If you experience any pain during treatment, inform your practitioner immediately.

BEN SHYU R.AC
508-220 Duncan Mill Rd.
North York, ON, M3B 3J5

Phone: (416) 439-1671

Ben Shaw-Bin Shyu is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=cd78c309-b976-e611-80c3-005056a97495

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.