John Wai Sum Chan

John Wai Sum Chan 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.
• 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.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Natural and effective approaches to promote profound relaxation, improve resilience to stressors, foster a sense of inner peace and emotional stability, and manage symptoms of overwhelm.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.
• 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.
• 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. John can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.

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

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with John, common concerns like trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, helping people to once again enjoy dressing myself independently and without difficulty.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes, John helps patients work towards accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, facilitating a return to cherished activities like experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise.
• If sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing is affecting your ability to participate in attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus, John's TCM approach aims for improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, helping you to regain your stride.
• Patients struggling with TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches can find dedicated support from John. The therapeutic focus is on achieving improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days.

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

John practices at John Chan Physiotherapy- Acupuncture and Rehab, located in the Lakeport area of St. Catharines in the Lakeshore neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Montebello Park, a well-known local landmark, making it easy to find and access. It is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT), ensuring convenient transportation options for patients. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, with accessible parking options typically available to accommodate visitors and promote a comfortable experience.

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

In Ontario, patients can generally see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, as these practitioners are licensed to provide care independently (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to check their individual insurance policies to confirm specific requirements.

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

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 provincial health plan (OHIP). Most patients pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to review your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for treatments by registered practitioners. Coverage varies among providers and plans.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, supporting health when it moves freely and abundantly. Meridians are pathways or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Disruptions or blockages in these pathways can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow and balance of Qi within the meridians to promote health and wellbeing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Insertion typically causes little to no discomfort, feeling like a tiny prick. You may experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness—these are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most people find the experience relaxing and calming. Safety is a priority; practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi. Performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, it aims to restore balance and promote natural healing. It can help manage conditions like pain, stress, digestive issues, and more by activating your body's self-healing mechanisms.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle recommendations. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health and identifies patterns of imbalance using diagnostic methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment is tailored to restore harmony within the body, supporting overall wellness and healing.

John Chan Physiotherapy- Acupuncture and Rehab
2-132 Lakeshore Rd.
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 2T5

Phone: (905) 935-2000

John Wai Sum Chan 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=3b6ce7a0-a376-e611-80c1-005056a97495

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.