May Xuemei Huang – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | North York, ON

May Xuemei Huang is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at North York Acupuncture&physiotherapy clinic in North York, 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.

May's role involves 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. Her care is focused on using 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 holistic care tailored to individual needs.

May Xuemei Huang completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest and further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. May offers consultations in English and Mandarin.

May practices at North York Acupuncture&physiotherapy clinic, situated in a central North York neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is housed within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic, conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to access for residents and visitors alike. Public transit routes provide straightforward access, ensuring a hassle-free visit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.

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

• Many individuals seek the expertise of May, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease.
• It's rewarding for May to witness patients find relief from wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions and experience improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities 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.
• May frequently assists patients in overcoming sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Rediscover your ability to swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation without the burden of general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body. May focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

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

May practices at North York Acupuncture&physiotherapy clinic, situated in a central North York neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is housed within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic, conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to access for residents and visitors alike. Public transit routes provide straightforward access, ensuring a hassle-free visit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered TCM Practitioner if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

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) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer some coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly, so patients are advised to check with their insurance providers.

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.

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 TCM Practitioner, 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 TCM Practitioner in ON?

Patients in ON can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner (e.g., Registered Acupuncturist, Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

North York Acupuncture&physiotherapy clinic
310-2175 Sheppard Ave East
North York, ON, M2M 3V3

Phone: (416) 455-0351

May Xuemei Huang 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=6b78c309-b976-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.