Xiao Fen Huang

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Addressing underlying energetic imbalances like Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, and Blood Stasis, and improving overall vitality in individuals with these chronic pain conditions.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Holistic support to improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic joint pain, swelling, and stiffness due to osteoarthritic degeneration or autoimmune joint conditions (as an adjunct to conventional care).
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na massage, and topical herbal applications to accelerate recovery from acute sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, and contusions, as well as chronic overuse conditions like tendinitis (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinitis).

Dermatological Skin

• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): A gentle, holistic approach to calm skin redness and improve overall complexion for individuals with rosacea.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Holistic care for eczema, focusing on reducing flare-ups and improving skin barrier function from a TCM perspective.
• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Targeting the root causes of acne breakouts, whether related to diet, stress, hormonal fluctuations, or internal toxicity according to TCM diagnosis.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Working to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response from a TCM perspective to improve skin lesions and overall comfort.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice to address different types of sleep disturbances by harmonizing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, anchoring the Shen, and resolving underlying TCM patterns such as Heart Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation disturbing the Hun, Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to overthinking, or Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.

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. Xiao can assess your needs.

• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Utilizing the synergistic therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese herbs, often in complex combinations, to restore organ function (Zang-Fu), balance Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and promote profound healing from within by addressing the root cause of illness.
• 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).
• 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.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Supporting patients in their herbal medicine journey with clear instructions, quality-sourced herbs, and ongoing monitoring of their response to treatment.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• 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.

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

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Xiao, common concerns like uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, helping people to once again enjoy sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic.
• For those whose dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities has made managing their personal care routines independently seem difficult, Xiao's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to managing their personal care routines independently with greater comfort.
• Xiao believes in a partnership with patients. When knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, enabling a more active lifestyle including spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• The path to overcoming chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections and achieving clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function is often clearer with TCM. Xiao guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as playing with children or grandchildren more comfortably and with sustained energy with improved health.

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

Practicing in the Willowdale South neighborhood of Toronto, Xiao's clinic at CATHAY TORONTO ACUPUNCTURE & H is conveniently situated near the Distillery District and accessible via TTC including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with accessible public transit options and typically available parking to accommodate patients coming from various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance within the body. Performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, it can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall health by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) in private clinics are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket but are encouraged to check their private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer partial or full coverage for these services depending on the provider and plan.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy that flows through the body via pathways called meridians. These channels connect different organs and tissues, facilitating the circulation of Qi and Blood. Proper flow of Qi within these meridians is essential for health; blockages or deficiencies can lead to illness or discomfort. TCM therapies aim to restore the smooth flow of Qi within the meridians.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed and prepared by a qualified and registered TCM practitioner, Chinese herbal medicines are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, avoid herb-drug interactions, and consider contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for certain health conditions. It is important to inform your practitioner of all medications and health issues. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is discouraged due to risks of contamination, incorrect diagnosis, and adverse interactions.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most patients find acupuncture to be comfortable, with many feeling little to no pain during needle insertion. The needles are very thin, and practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety. Some sensations like a dull ache, warmth, or tingling may occur but are generally well tolerated. If any discomfort or pain arises, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

CATHAY TORONTO ACUPUNCTURE & H
302-500 Sheppard Ave. East
Toronto, ON, M2N 6H7

Phone: (647) 296-3226

Xiao Fen Huang 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=79d8eb41-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.