Ahmid Akram El Turk

Ahmid Akram El Turk provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Reducing inflammation and swelling, promoting efficient tissue repair, alleviating pain, and restoring optimal function to injured areas to facilitate a quicker and safer return to athletic activity or work.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Managing arthritic symptoms by addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction due to Wind, Cold, Damp, or Heat), and nourishing Kidney essence to support bone and joint health.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to head pain (e.g., temporal, occipital, vertex headaches) and providing personalized treatments, including acupuncture and herbal formulas, for lasting relief and prevention.

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): A holistic and integrative TCM approach to help modulate the immune response, alleviate autoimmune-related fatigue and pain, and support the body’s innate healing capacities.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.
• 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.

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.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Restoring balance to the large and small intestines and related organ systems (like Spleen, Liver, Kidney) to promote normal stool consistency, frequency, and ease of passage.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.

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. Ahmid can assess your needs.

• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Utilizing the synergistic therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese herbs, often in complex combinations, to restore organ function (Zang-Fu), balance Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and promote profound healing from within by addressing the root cause of illness.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Comprehensive coaching to help you integrate TCM wisdom into your daily life for improved balance, vitality, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, fostering a proactive approach to health.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.
• 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Recommendation and dispensing of pre-made, standardized, classical Chinese herbal formulas in pill, tablet, capsule, or liquid form for common conditions and TCM patterns, offering convenience, consistent dosing, and proven efficacy. (May be recommended by R.Ac within certain guidelines or more comprehensively by R.TCMP).

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

• If skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives is affecting your ability to participate in sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play, Ahmid's TCM approach aims for a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, helping you to regain your stride.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Ahmid can be a turning point for those affected by ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome. The goal is achieving reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, paving the way for you to enjoy shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• The journey to gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles when faced with general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body can be supported by Ahmid's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being.
• Rediscover your ability to being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably without the burden of symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery. Ahmid focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

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

Ahmid practices at Gdanski Chiropractic Clinic, situated in the Carling and Boullee neighbourhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near the vibrant SoHo District and is easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, with convenient parking options typically available to ensure a comfortable visit for all patients.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered TCM Practitioner if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

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

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

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 Ontario’s public health insurance (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans provide some coverage for these services. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific details and coverage levels.

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 (including Registered Acupuncturists and TCM Practitioners) directly without a physician’s referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy to determine whether a referral is necessary to claim coverage.

Gdanski Chiropractic Clinic
994 Oxford St East
London, ON, N5Y 3K4

Phone: (519) 451-4010

Ahmid Akram El Turk 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=2dd8eb41-b376-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.