Qi Hong Guan

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice to address different types of sleep disturbances by harmonizing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, anchoring the Shen, and resolving underlying TCM patterns such as Heart Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation disturbing the Hun, Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to overthinking, or Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Natural relief from sensations of spinning, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness by addressing the root energetic imbalance.

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): Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney deficiencies that often contribute to chronic respiratory conditions and recurrent coughs, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: Building resilience against pathogens by fortifying the Zang-Fu organs responsible for immune function, particularly the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys according to TCM theory.

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. Qi can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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).
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• 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: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.

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

• The path to overcoming chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections and achieving effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy is often clearer with TCM. Qi guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain with improved health.
• Struggling with TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches? Qi develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, key to helping you get back to doing maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails with improved well-being and energy.
• Many find that TCM with Qi not only helps with sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing but also brings about clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Qi, common concerns like symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, helping people to once again enjoy keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.

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

Qi practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Markham, situated in the Milliken Mills East, Steeles L'Amoreaux neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near IBM Canada Headquarters and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with metered and paid parking lots usually available nearby, making your visit comfortable and convenient.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncturist 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.

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 your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some coverage for services from registered practitioners, though coverage varies significantly.

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 inserted, you may feel sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate the Qi is being influenced. Most people find the experience relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

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

These are adjunctive therapies in TCM. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, helping relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. Moxibustion involves burning mugwort near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate Qi and Blood, often used for cold conditions or to boost energy. Gua Sha involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation and reduce pain. Tui Na is Chinese therapeutic massage that manipulates acupressure points and meridians to relieve pain and promote balance. Your practitioner will determine if these therapies are suitable for you.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy to confirm.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific points to stimulate the body's energy flow, helping to restore balance and promote healing. It can assist with pain relief, stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual concerns, and more by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

During your initial visit, the practitioner will conduct a comprehensive consultation, asking about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. Diagnostic techniques such as tongue examination and pulse palpation will be performed to identify your TCM pattern. The practitioner will explain their findings and outline a treatment plan, which typically includes acupuncture and may involve herbal recommendations, dietary advice, or other therapies tailored to your needs.

207 Stather Crescent
Markham, ON, L3S 1C3

Phone: (647) 388-3936

Qi Hong Guan 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=d7e0f62b-c376-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.