Thi Hong Ha Pham – Acupuncturist | North York, ON

Thi Hong Ha Pham is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Natural Health Care Massage Therapy 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.

Thi'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 personalized approaches for each individual.

Thi Hong Ha Pham completed her 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 acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic health approaches.

Her practice philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Thi emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. She utilizes time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She offers consultations in English to ensure clear communication and understanding.

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

Other Common

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and tonifying herbal therapies to address the profound exhaustion and complex symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by strengthening Spleen Qi, nourishing Kidney Essence (Yin and Yang), resolving Dampness, and calming the Shen.
• 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.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Managing arthritic symptoms by addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction due to Wind, Cold, Damp, or Heat), and nourishing Kidney essence to support bone and joint health.
• 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.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.

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. Thi can assess your needs.

• 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).
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• 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.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.

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

• When circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Thi can help you work towards better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience.
• It's rewarding for Thi to witness patients find relief from ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome and experience effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort again.
• Patients struggling with general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body can find dedicated support from Thi. The therapeutic focus is on achieving noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality and achieved feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice under the care of Thi, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back with renewed vitality and ease.

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

Thi practices at Natural Health Care Massage Therapy, situated in a central North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to access via various public transit routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and street parking is often available nearby, ensuring a comfortable visit for every patient.

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, as direct access is permitted by law. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once in place, you may feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs that the treatment is working. Most find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your acupuncturist if you experience any discomfort.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and boost the immune system, supporting the body's natural healing processes.

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

TCM is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to address root causes of health issues and promoting harmony and long-term wellness.

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

In general, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for these services. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider regarding your specific plan.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or deficiencies in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians for optimal health.

Natural Health Care Massage Therapy
202-2221 Keele Street
North York, ON, M6M 3Z5

Phone: (647) 773-0146

Thi Hong Ha Pham 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=79dff62b-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.