Inbal Lichtbrown – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Toronto, ON

Inbal Lichtbrown is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Transformation Point in Toronto, 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.

Inbal's approach centers around providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her care philosophy is rooted in utilizing acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring tailored care for each individual.

She completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013) and has accumulated over 11 years of dedicated practice since then. Inbal emphasizes ongoing professional development and upholds the highest standards in TCM practice. With further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and herbal medicine, she offers comprehensive care. Her practice philosophy focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), providing individualized treatment based on precise pattern differentiation, and promoting preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng). She offers consultations in English and Hebrew.

Inbal Lichtbrown provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Other Common

• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Early and consistent TCM intervention to maximize functional recovery and minimize residual facial weakness or asymmetry.
• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Supporting the body's strength (Zheng Qi), protecting healthy cells, reducing toxic side effects, and promoting recovery and vitality during and after chemotherapy or radiation therapy from a TCM perspective.

Dermatological Skin

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: TCM approaches including acupuncture, internal herbal medicine, and topical herbal applications to alleviate itching, redness, and inflammation associated with eczema by clearing Heat, resolving Dampness, expelling Wind, and nourishing Blood or Yin depending on the specific TCM pattern.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Natural relief from acute and chronic hives, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of episodes.
• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Acupuncture and customized herbal formulas to treat acne by clearing pathogenic Heat and Damp-Heat from the Lungs and Stomach, reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and promoting healthy skin detoxification pathways.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage psoriasis flare-ups by clearing Blood Heat, invigorating Blood circulation, resolving Dampness, and nourishing Yin to address skin scaling, redness, and itching. (As an adjunct to dermatological care).

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.

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. Inbal can assess your needs.

• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Using food as medicine according to traditional Chinese dietary wisdom to strengthen organ function (especially Spleen and Stomach), improve digestion, build Qi and Blood, clear pathogenic factors, and promote overall harmony and longevity.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.

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

• It's rewarding for Inbal to witness patients find relief from dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities and experience enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being again.
• Inbal frequently assists patients in overcoming irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• If frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness is affecting your ability to participate in playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain, Inbal's TCM approach aims for a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, helping you to regain your stride.
• The path to overcoming looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue and achieving reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers is often clearer with TCM. Inbal guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with improved health.

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

Located in the vibrant Church and Wellesley neighborhood of Toronto, Inbal practices at Transformation Point, a clinic conveniently situated near St. Lawrence Market. The clinic is easily accessible via TTC, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing, ensuring a peaceful experience for all patients. Street parking is often available nearby, making your visit convenient and comfortable.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as 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 purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm coverage requirements.

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. Common sensations include a slight pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which indicates the treatment is working to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and may even fall asleep during the session. 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.

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 private clinics are generally not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as many plans offer varying levels of coverage for these services.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body. Based on TCM principles, it aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow (Qi), helping to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve organ function, and promote natural healing. It can be effective for conditions such as pain management, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body, essential for health and well-being. **Meridians** are pathways that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. When Qi flow is blocked or imbalanced, health issues can arise. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies work to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians, promoting harmony and healing.

Transformation Point
30 Gloucester Street
Toronto, ON, M4Y 1L6

Phone: (647) 720-0857

Inbal Lichtbrown 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=e8b1472f-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.