Julie Kay Amar

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Natural support for strengthening your immunity, reducing susceptibility to common infections, and helping you recover more quickly and completely when you do get sick.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Supporting a smoother and more comfortable transition through menopause by rebalancing hormones naturally and strengthening the body's vital energy and adaptive capacity.
• Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate the menstrual cycle (length, flow, timing), alleviate Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) symptoms like mood swings, irritability, cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue by balancing hormones naturally.

Dermatological Skin

• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying inflammation and vascular reactivity contributing to rosacea flare-ups.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): A holistic approach to support skin health and manage the chronicity of psoriasis.

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. Julie can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.
• 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.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Providing guidance on the preparation and proper usage of prescribed herbal formulas, including decoction instructions for raw herbs, dosage for granules or pills, and advice on potential dietary interactions or lifestyle adjustments to enhance herbal efficacy.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Utilizing the synergistic therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese herbs, often in complex combinations, to restore organ function (Zang-Fu), balance Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and promote profound healing from within by addressing the root cause of illness.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.

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

• Julie frequently assists patients in overcoming sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory and achieved enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum under the care of Julie, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind with renewed vitality and ease.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Julie assists patients with symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery in reaching a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, fostering a return to beloved activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For that nagging back pain that just won't go away, Julie crafts treatments to achieve significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, supporting a return to activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them with comfort and confidence.

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

Julie practices at Thrive Natural Family Health, situated in the Davisville North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the University Settlement Recreation Centre and is easily accessible via TTC, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and accessible parking options are typically available for patients seeking a comfortable and convenient experience.

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), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing Chinese herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

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 referral from a physician (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm their specific requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the body's energy flow, restoring balance according to TCM principles. It can help manage pain (such as back pain, headaches), reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestive health, and address various other health issues by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

What are Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Tui Na?

These are adjunct therapies used in TCM. Cupping involves creating suction on the skin to relieve muscle tension and promote blood flow. Moxibustion involves burning mugwort near or on acupuncture points to invigorate Qi and Blood. Gua Sha is a scraping technique to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Tui Na is a therapeutic massage that stimulates acupressure points and meridians to relieve pain and promote harmony. Your practitioner will determine if these therapies are suitable for your condition.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, responsible for health and vitality. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior. Acupuncture points along these meridians are used to influence Qi flow and restore balance.

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 private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private and extended health insurance plans provide some coverage. It is recommended to verify your individual plan's coverage details.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be comfortable and not painful. The needles are very thin, and insertion often causes only a slight pinch or no sensation at all. Many patients feel relaxed and may even fall asleep. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If you experience discomfort, inform your practitioner immediately.

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

TCM is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues to promote long-term wellness and harmony.

Thrive Natural Family Health
110 Eglinton Ave. E, Suite 502
Toronto, ON, M4P 2Y1

Phone: (647) 352-7911

Julie Kay Amar 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=92b4472f-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.