Frank Moniz De Melo

Frank Moniz De Melo provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Harmonizing the Stomach Qi and directing its rebellious upward flow downwards to alleviate feelings of queasiness and prevent vomiting.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): Focusing on harmonizing Yin and Yang, clearing pathogenic factors (like Heat or Damp), nourishing deficient substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang), and resolving stagnation to support overall systemic balance.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Early and consistent TCM intervention to maximize functional recovery and minimize residual facial weakness or asymmetry.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain sensitivity, improving energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and restoring a better quality of life for those with fibromyalgia or widespread myofascial pain.
• 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.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Effective TCM management strategies for shooting, burning, or electric-shock like pain that follows nerve pathways, aiming to improve sensation and function.

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. Frank can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• 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).
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Rediscover your ability to having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions without the burden of sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing. Frank focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Patients struggling with uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes can find dedicated support from Frank. The therapeutic focus is on achieving an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus.
• Many find that TCM with Frank not only helps with wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions but also brings about a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in having more regular and comfortable menstrual cycles, allowing for uninterrupted daily life and activities.
• It's rewarding for Frank to witness patients find relief from general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body and experience for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain again.

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

Frank practices at PARTNERS IN HEALTH, situated in the Glen Cairn, Pond Mills neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near the Byron Area and is easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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 common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered Acupuncturist immediately.

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 provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket. It is advisable to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as many plans offer varying levels of coverage for these services when performed by registered practitioners.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is recommended to check your individual insurance policy to confirm.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on your body to stimulate Qi flow. Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it aims to restore balance and promote natural healing. It can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including pain relief, stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more, by activating your body's own healing mechanisms.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system that addresses the root causes of health issues through individualized assessment and treatment. A Registered Acupuncturist evaluates your overall health using tongue and pulse diagnosis, and may incorporate acupuncture, herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to restore balance and support your body's healing process.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at PARTNERS IN HEALTH treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management), common cold, flu & viral infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery), sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall well-being. Treatments often involve Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy), and may also include Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping), herbal medicine, or dietary advice tailored to your specific TCM diagnosis.

PARTNERS IN HEALTH
4-971 Commissioners Rd E
London, ON, N5Z 3H9

Phone: (519) 690-1621

Frank Moniz De Melo 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=0eb4472f-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.