Salima Balouchi – Acupuncturist | Stouffville, ON

Salima Balouchi is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at in2ative healing in Stouffville, 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.

Salima's role involves offering skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her care approach focuses on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance in accordance with TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring gentle and effective care tailored to individual needs.

Salima completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013) and brings over 11 years of dedicated practice since then. She is committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining the highest standards of TCM practice, with particular interest and further training in acupuncture techniques. Her practice philosophy embraces a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). She often emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than merely alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. She offers consultations in English.

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Restoring balance to the large and small intestines and related organ systems (like Spleen, Liver, Kidney) to promote normal stool consistency, frequency, and ease of passage.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Comprehensive TCM strategies to manage pain, improve healing, and address underlying imbalances that may contribute to recurrent sports injuries or repetitive strain conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to head pain (e.g., temporal, occipital, vertex headaches) and providing personalized treatments, including acupuncture and herbal formulas, for lasting relief and prevention.

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. Salima can assess your needs.

• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
• 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.
• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Salima, 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 in2ative healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Salima frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery? Salima works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days.
• Let Salima help you navigate uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes with targeted TCM care. The goal is enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, so you can fully enjoy participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf and other life pleasures once more.
• Rediscover your ability to engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind without the burden of feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality. Salima focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Salima, common concerns like stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, helping people to once again enjoy enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time.

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

Salima practices at in2ative healing, situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic located in the vibrant central neighborhood of Stouffville. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it an accessible choice for residents in the area. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, the clinic offers a serene environment for healing and wellness. Parking options are typically available, providing added convenience for patients.

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.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see 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. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to understand coverage details.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

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. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered Acupuncturist 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 a private clinic are generally not covered by Ontario's provincial health plans like OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for treatments by registered practitioners, so it is recommended to verify your individual plan’s coverage details.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body based on TCM principles. It aims to restore the flow of vital energy (Qi) and promote balance within the body. This treatment can help with a variety of conditions, including pain management (such as back pain and headaches), stress relief, digestive issues, menstrual concerns, and more, by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

in2ative healing
13 Forestview Trail
Stouffville, ON, L4A 2L4

Phone: (416) 710-8765

Salima Balouchi 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=01dff62b-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.