Shant Filo

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a complementary therapy to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. (Used alongside conventional medical management).
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Addressing neuropathic pain by invigorating Qi and Blood flow along affected meridians, nourishing Yin and Blood to repair damaged nerves, and resolving blockages or stagnation.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Acupuncture and other TCM therapies to effectively manage various types of musculoskeletal pain, reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and accelerate healing, whether the pain is a recent injury or a long-standing issue.

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM dietary advice to reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities, alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pain, and strengthen the body's defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to make it less reactive to allergens.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Natural support for strengthening immunity, reducing susceptibility to infections, and helping you recover quickly and fully.

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. Shant can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• 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 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): A contemporary acupuncture technique involving the insertion of needles into specific therapeutic zones on the scalp that correspond to different body functions and brain areas (e.g., motor, sensory, balance zones), primarily used for neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional conditions.
• 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.

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

• Rediscover your ability to engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow without the burden of feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time. Shant 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 the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Shant assists patients with pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica) in reaching for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, fostering a return to beloved activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions, Shant crafts treatments to achieve feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, supporting a return to activities like engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus with comfort and confidence.
• Patients struggling with sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing can find dedicated support from Shant. The therapeutic focus is on achieving a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.

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

Shant practices at YONGE FINCH CHIROPRACTIC & HEA, situated in an acupuncture and TCM clinic located in the central North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to access for patients. It is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring a hassle-free visit for those using buses or subways. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

Does YONGE FINCH CHIROPRACTIC & HEA offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, the clinic typically offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) to major private insurers. Patients are advised to bring their insurance details and confirm specific coverage directly with their insurer, including details about acupuncture, herbal consultations, herbs, annual maximums, per-visit limits, and whether a referral is needed. Patients are responsible for any non-covered portions.

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

No, 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 OHIP. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket but are encouraged to check their private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some coverage for services by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist utilizes these tools to address the root causes of health issues by balancing Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. TCM aims to restore harmony and promote long-term health across a wide range of conditions.

Approximately how many Acupuncture/TCM sessions will I need and how often?

The required number and frequency of sessions depend on the condition's nature, severity, duration, overall health, and individual response. Acute conditions may improve after 1-3 sessions per week for 1-2 weeks, while chronic issues may require a longer course of 6-12 weekly or bi-weekly sessions, with ongoing re-evaluation by your practitioner.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance Qi along meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, strengthen immunity, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing process.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a hair. Needle insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. You might feel sensations like dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate Qi movement. The experience is generally relaxing. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles, ensuring safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if discomfort occurs.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy that animates and sustains the body. Meridians are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Disruptions in Qi flow can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

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 referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your specific insurance policy for requirements.

YONGE FINCH CHIROPRACTIC & HEA
1A-5650 Yonge St.
North York, ON, M2M 4G3

Phone: (416) 218-8870

Shant Filo 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=f7d8eb41-b376-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.