Vu Minh Nguyen Le

Vu practices at DERRY HEALTH CENTER, situated in the Meadowvale West, Lisgar neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near Cooksville Area Shops and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• 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 Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Guidance on incorporating specific therapeutic foods and avoiding detrimental ones to align with your TCM pattern diagnosis, enhance treatment outcomes, and support seasonal well-being.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Practical strategies for living in harmony with nature, managing daily stressors effectively, conserving vital energy (Qi), and cultivating healthy habits from a TCM perspective to support overall resilience and a vibrant life.

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

• Vu frequently assists patients in overcoming stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• If general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically is affecting your ability to participate in experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise, Vu's TCM approach aims for improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, helping you to regain your stride.
• Vu believes in a partnership with patients. When dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects their balance and daily activities arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, enabling a more active lifestyle including swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Struggling with seasonal allergies (hay fever) making you sneeze, congested, and miserable? Vu develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving a deeper understanding of your body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, key to helping you get back to doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain, with improved well-being and energy.

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

Vu practices at DERRY HEALTH CENTER, situated in the Meadowvale West, Lisgar neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near Cooksville Area Shops and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform the practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions. Patients should avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. Reputable practitioners source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is 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 channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excess in the flow of Qi can cause illness or pain. 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 are very thin, and many feel little to no sensation during insertion. Some experience a slight pinch, dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation. Many patients find the treatment very relaxing and may even fall asleep. Practitioners are trained to use sterile, single-use needles and follow safe needling techniques to prevent infection. If any pain or discomfort occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. Many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for these services, but coverage varies widely. Patients are encouraged to verify their individual insurance benefits.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony and promote health across many conditions.

What types of conditions do Registered TCM Practitioners at DERRY HEALTH CENTER treat?

Our practitioners treat a wide range of health concerns using TCM principles. This includes, but is not limited to, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain, chronic pain conditions like back pain or arthritis, and acute pain such as neck, shoulder, knee pain, or sciatica. They also address digestive issues, sleep disturbances, women’s health concerns like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and overall wellness. Treatments often involve TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology), observation, palpation, herbal therapy, and dietary advice tailored to your specific pattern of disharmony.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

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

DERRY HEALTH CENTER
3-6980 Maritz Dr.
Mississauga, ON, L5W 1Z3

Phone: (905) 975-8818

Vu Minh Nguyen Le 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=2dd9eb41-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.