Christopher M. Di Tecco

Christopher practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Mississauga, situated in the Clarkson North, Sheridan Park neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Credit Valley Hospital and is easily accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, designed to promote relaxation and well-being. Convenient parking options are typically available, making it easy for patients to attend their appointments comfortably.

• 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.
• 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.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Recommending specific Qigong or Tai Chi forms tailored to an individual's health needs and constitution to support healing and maintain well-being.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.

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

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

At Christopher M. Di Tecco's practice, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Christopher frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to wanting to improve overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally, Christopher helps patients attain a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, facilitating a return to cherished activities like engaging in gentle exercises such as Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow.
• Christopher often assists patients in overcoming frequent headaches or intense migraines that disrupt daily life using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan targeting improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles supports engaging in activities like swimming laps for fitness and relaxation.
• The path to managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably and experiencing more regular, balanced menstrual cycles with reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms is often clearer with TCM. Christopher guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as mindful practices with a calmer, more centered mental state, and improved overall health.
• For those feeling 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically, making it difficult to enjoy long walks with their dog, Christopher's acupuncture and TCM care offer a pathway to achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements. These therapies can help you get back to enjoying your daily walks with greater comfort and vitality.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Christopher, will be tailored to help you reach your specific health and wellness goals through a holistic, time-tested approach.

Christopher practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Mississauga, situated in the Clarkson North, Sheridan Park neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Credit Valley Hospital and is easily accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, designed to promote relaxation and well-being. Convenient parking options are typically available, making it easy for patients to attend their appointments comfortably.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions. Do not self-prescribe herbs or purchase from unreliable sources, as this can lead to incorrect diagnosis, improper formulations, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing to ensure safety.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root cause of health issues. TCM aims to restore harmony, improve function, and promote long-term health.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for these services. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, maintaining health when unobstructed. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting organs and tissues. Disruptions, blockages, or deficiencies in Qi flow within these meridians can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi along these channels to promote healing and balance.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage reimbursement. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy's requirements before your appointment.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your session, have a light meal or snack 1-2 hours prior; avoid fasting or heavy meals immediately before. Wear loose clothing for easy access to treatment areas. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before the session. Afterward, rest if needed, stay well-hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity for a few hours. Report any changes or sensations to your practitioner during follow-up visits.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people experience little to no pain during acupuncture. The needles are very thin, and insertion often feels like a slight pinch or tingling. Many patients feel relaxed or even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles and are highly trained to ensure safety. If any discomfort occurs, inform your practitioner immediately.

1435 Thetford Court
Mississauga, ON, L5J 3N2

Phone: (647) 388-2140

Christopher M. Di Tecco 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=2ab4283f-bd76-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.