Elias Markou – Acupuncturist | Mississauga, ON

Elias Markou is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at PUREBALANCE WELLNESS CENTRE INC in Mississauga, ON, he 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.

He specializes in providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Elias’s care approach focuses on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. His services are available to patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring comprehensive care for the entire family.

Elias Markou completed his R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2014). With over 10 years of dedicated practice since 2014, he is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. He has a particular interest and further training in areas such as acupuncture, enhancing his ability to tailor treatments to individual needs.

His practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. Elias adopts a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). He offers consultations in English.

Elias practices at PUREBALANCE WELLNESS CENTRE INC, situated in the Port Credit Central, Old Port Credit Village neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near the Eglinton Avenue West Extension and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

• 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): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• 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.

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

• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing, Elias helps patients work towards feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, facilitating a return to cherished activities like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Elias believes in a partnership with patients. When stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, enabling a more active lifestyle including participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back.
• Struggling with skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives? Elias develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, key to helping you get back to doing handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease with improved well-being and energy.
• Understanding that chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections can be frustrating, Elias applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, making it possible to rediscover the joy in resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.

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

Elias practices at PUREBALANCE WELLNESS CENTRE INC, situated in the Port Credit Central, Old Port Credit Village neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near the Eglinton Avenue West Extension and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, 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.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (a process known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

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

No, 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 OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to review private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some level of coverage for registered practitioners, though coverage varies widely.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach based on ancient principles that view the body as an interconnected system. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health using methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis, and creates individualized treatment plans that may include acupuncture, herbal formulas (if qualified as an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice to restore balance and promote healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many people feel little to no sensation when needles are inserted. Some may experience a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation of Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and may even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any discomfort, inform your practitioner immediately.

PUREBALANCE WELLNESS CENTRE INC
219 Lakeshore Road East
Mississauga, ON, L5G1G5

Phone: (905) 891-3865

Elias Markou 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=417d3410-c676-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.