Billie Lai Chan

Billie Lai Chan provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Natural and effective approaches to promote profound relaxation, improve resilience to stressors, foster a sense of inner peace and emotional stability, and manage symptoms of overwhelm.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice to address different types of sleep disturbances by harmonizing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, anchoring the Shen, and resolving underlying TCM patterns such as Heart Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation disturbing the Hun, Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to overthinking, or Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).

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. Billie can assess your needs.

• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• 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.
• 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.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Billie, 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 Vasishta Ayurvedic Wellness, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Billie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work and achieved noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain under the care of Billie, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity with renewed vitality and ease.
• It's rewarding for Billie to witness patients find relief from TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches and experience a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience again.
• Patients struggling with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory can find dedicated support from Billie. The therapeutic focus is on achieving a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Billie assists patients with looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue in reaching an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, fostering a return to beloved activities like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.

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

Billie practices at Vasishta Ayurvedic Wellness, situated in a central location in the Scarborough neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for clients to access in a serene environment dedicated to healing. The facility is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy access for patients from various parts of Scarborough. Additionally, street parking is often available nearby, providing convenience for those arriving by car. The tranquil setting and accessibility make it an ideal place for individuals seeking holistic health care rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It's considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered Acupuncturist immediately.

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

Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. Coverage varies significantly depending on the plan.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, is a therapeutic technique involving the insertion of very thin needles at specific points on the body. Based on TCM principles, it aims to restore the flow of vital energy (Qi) and promote healing. It can help manage pain (like back pain or headaches), reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall health by activating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist utilizes these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting long-term harmony and vitality.

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

The number of sessions varies depending on the condition’s severity, chronicity, and your response to treatment. Acute issues may improve within 1-3 sessions, while chronic conditions often require a longer course (e.g., 6-12 weekly or bi-weekly sessions). Your practitioner will develop a tailored plan based on your initial assessment and re-evaluate as needed.

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

In Ontario, patients can generally see a Registered Acupuncturist directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician’s referral for coverage. It’s recommended to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

Your initial appointment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. It includes a thorough intake where your main health concerns are discussed, your medical history reviewed, and your lifestyle and emotional health assessed. The practitioner will observe your tongue, feel your pulse, and formulate a TCM diagnosis based on pattern differentiation. A personalized treatment plan will be discussed, which may include acupuncture, herbal recommendations, cupping, or dietary advice. An initial treatment may be administered during this visit to start addressing your concerns.

Vasishta Ayurvedic Wellness
1-2199 Midland Avenue
Scarborough, ON, M1P 3E7

Phone: (647) 467-1252

Billie Lai Chan 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=10b1472f-c076-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.