About
Thang Quyet Dinh is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at PALMS WELLNESS CLINIC in Markham, ON, he 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.
Thang'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. His approach is focused on utilizing acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance, in accordance with TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs.
Having completed his R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2014), Thang has accumulated over 10 years of dedicated practice since then. He is committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining the highest standards in TCM practice. His training includes a particular focus on TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Thang emphasizes a holistic philosophy, prioritizing preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng — Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. He offers consultations in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with his patients.
Thang Quyet Dinh provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
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): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including preventative acupuncture and immune-boosting herbs, to help strengthen the body's resistance to colds and flu. For active infections, TCM aims to accelerate recovery by expelling pathogens (Wind, Cold, Heat, Damp), relieving symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue.
- 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.
Other Common
- Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore balance.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Natural and comprehensive solutions for combating persistent, debilitating tiredness, improving energy production, and enhancing overall resilience and quality of life.
- Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Integrative TCM care focused on alleviating treatment-related discomfort, enhancing immune function, and supporting the patient's overall well-being throughout their cancer journey.
- Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
Mental Emotional Sleep
- 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.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.
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. Thang 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.
- Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.
- Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
- 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 Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Thang, 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 PALMS WELLNESS CLINIC, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Thang frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- If heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals is preventing you from fully enjoying engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow, Thang offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
- Let Thang help you navigate TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches with targeted TCM care. The goal is significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, so you can fully enjoy maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions and other life pleasures once more.
- The journey to a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness when faced with wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally can be supported by Thang's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
- Thang believes in a partnership with patients. When symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, enabling a more active lifestyle including experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Thang, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Thang practices at PALMS WELLNESS CLINIC, situated in the Milliken Mills East, Steeles L'Amoreaux neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near Market Village (which is currently being redeveloped) and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and parking options are typically available for patients to use with ease.
- What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?
- During your first visit, the Registered TCM Practitioner will conduct a detailed consultation to understand your health concerns from a TCM perspective. This involves asking in-depth questions about your symptoms, overall health, daily routines, and emotional well-being. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as examining your tongue for its color, coating, and shape, and palpating your pulse at various positions on your wrists, are essential components. After assessing your condition and identifying your TCM pattern, he will explain his findings and propose a treatment strategy. This typically includes an acupuncture session during the first visit, and may also involve recommendations for Chinese herbal medicine (if within their scope), dietary adjustments, or other TCM therapies based on your individual needs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered TCM Practitioner immediately.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?
- In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, it's important to check your private or extended health insurance policies, as some plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. While a referral is not legally necessary, verifying your insurance coverage beforehand is recommended.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach based on ancient principles that emphasize restoring balance within the body. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, often through tongue and pulse diagnosis, to identify patterns of imbalance. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice aimed at promoting natural healing and well-being.
- 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), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are extensively trained in herbal pharmacology, quality control, and potential interactions. It is essential to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions to prevent adverse interactions. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of contamination, incorrect formulations, or interactions. R.TCMPs typically source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform rigorous quality testing.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In Ontario, acupuncture and TCM services provided by licensed practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for treatments by registered practitioners. It is advisable to review your insurance policy to understand your benefits.
PALMS WELLNESS CLINIC
40 New Delhi Drive Unit 63
Markham, ON, L3S 0B5
Phone: (905) 471-5656
Thang Quyet Dinh 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=31803410-c676-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.
