About
Banita Kumari Aggarwal is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at B'S BODY + WELLNESS in Mississauga, ON, she 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.
Banita’s role as a TCM practitioner involves offering skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches, stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Her care philosophy emphasizes stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities and restoring energetic balance based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized approaches tailored to each individual’s unique constitution and health needs.
Banita completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2014). With over 10 years of dedicated practice since 2014, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest and further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). She often recommends a focus on identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. She offers consultations in English.
Banita Kumari Aggarwal provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Other Common
- Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Acupuncture and herbal formulas to address various types of dizziness and vertigo by treating underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Qi and Blood deficiency.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Natural and comprehensive solutions for combating persistent, debilitating tiredness, improving energy production, and enhancing overall resilience and quality of life.
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Addressing neuropathic pain by invigorating Qi and Blood flow along affected meridians, nourishing Yin and Blood to repair damaged nerves, and resolving blockages or stagnation.
- Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Natural and effective solutions for managing debilitating headaches and migraines, aiming to reduce their frequency, intensity, and duration without heavy reliance on medication.
- 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.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Natural and effective relief for jaw discomfort, helping to restore normal jaw function and reduce parafunctional habits like clenching or grinding.
Mental Emotional Sleep
- 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.
- Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Addressing TCM patterns often associated with trauma, such as Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Qi Stagnation, or Kidney Jing depletion.
- Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing emotional stagnation (especially Liver Qi Stagnation), clearing internal 'Heat' or 'Dampness' that can cloud the mind, and improving overall mental clarity and outlook with acupuncture and herbal support.
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. Banita can assess your needs.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Guidance on incorporating specific therapeutic foods and avoiding detrimental ones to align with your TCM pattern diagnosis, enhance treatment outcomes, and support seasonal well-being.
- Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
- 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.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Banita, 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 B'S BODY + WELLNESS, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Banita frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- The journey to improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles when faced with wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally can be supported by Banita's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain.
- Experiencing feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings can be draining. Banita utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, so patients can re-engage with playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain feeling revitalized.
- Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness, Banita crafts treatments to achieve a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, supporting a return to activities like feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days with comfort and confidence.
- When feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Banita can help you work towards better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Banita, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
- 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 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.
- Does B'S BODY + WELLNESS offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?
- Our clinic typically offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) to major private insurers. Patients are advised to bring their insurance details and verify specific coverage, including any limits, per-visit maximums, or need for referrals. The patient remains responsible for any non-covered portions.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In general, acupuncture and TCM services provided by Registered practitioners in private clinics are not covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to check with private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for services by registered practitioners, though levels vary.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system with thousands of years of history, encompassing therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and supporting long-term wellness.
- 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), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, recognize potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications. Patients should inform their practitioner of all medications and health conditions to ensure safety. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of contamination, incorrect formulations, or adverse reactions.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?
- Patients in Ontario can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to verify their insurance requirements beforehand.
B'S BODY + WELLNESS
4762 Owl Circle
Mississauga, ON, L4Z 2W1
Phone: (416) 319-1188
Banita Kumari Aggarwal 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=8ab4472f-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.