David Liang

David practices at ALIVE HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC, situated in the Garden District within the Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Port Lands area and is easily accessible via TTC, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment dedicated to healing and relaxation. Street parking is often available nearby, making it convenient for patients to visit and focus on their wellness journey.

• 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.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Comprehensive assessment and prescription of individually tailored Chinese herbal formulas (raw herbs for decoction, granular extracts, powders, or pills) based on your specific TCM pattern diagnosis and constitution to address underlying imbalances and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. (Primarily within R.TCMP scope).
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• 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.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Providing guidance on the preparation and proper usage of prescribed herbal formulas, including decoction instructions for raw herbs, dosage for granules or pills, and advice on potential dietary interactions or lifestyle adjustments to enhance herbal efficacy.

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

• David frequently assists patients in overcoming general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections, David helps patients work towards experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, facilitating a return to cherished activities like reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance).
• The journey to for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development when faced with seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable can be supported by David's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally and achieved reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers under the care of David, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time with renewed vitality and ease.

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

David practices at ALIVE HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC, situated in the Garden District within the Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Port Lands area and is easily accessible via TTC, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment dedicated to healing and relaxation. Street parking is often available nearby, making it convenient for patients to visit and focus on their wellness journey.

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 for patients to inform their practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health conditions. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing to ensure safety.

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 may feel a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation of Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even falling asleep during treatments. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any notable pain, inform your practitioner immediately.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points to stimulate your body's energy flow based on TCM principles. It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall wellness by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

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 OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans may offer partial or full reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their individual coverage.

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

TCM is a holistic approach that assesses your overall health using pulse and tongue diagnosis, and employs therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and dietary advice to restore balance and promote healing based on ancient principles.

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

In Ontario, patients can generally see a Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement, so it’s advisable to check with your provider.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via pathways called meridians. These pathways connect organs and tissues, and acupuncturists target specific points along these meridians to restore the flow of Qi and improve health.

ALIVE HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC
708-2 Carlton St.
Toronto, ON, M5B 1J3

Phone: (416) 591-1535

David Liang 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=a8b2472f-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.