About
Zhanetta Ushakova is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at ZHANETTA USHAKOVA in Niagara Falls, 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.
Zhanetta'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, with a personalized approach tailored to each individual's unique needs.
Having completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013), Zhanetta has accumulated over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013. She remains committed to ongoing professional learning and upholds the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest and further training in areas such as acupuncture, ensuring her treatments are effective and evidence-based. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a commitment to individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, focusing on identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn) rather than just alleviating symptoms. She adopts a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable. She offers consultations in English.
Zhanetta Ushakova provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Other Common
- Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
- 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): 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.
- 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.
Respiratory & Immune Conditions
- Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Natural and effective strategies for managing acute allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of chronic allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.
- 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.
- Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney deficiencies that often contribute to chronic respiratory conditions and recurrent coughs, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
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. Zhanetta can assess your needs.
- Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
- 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.
- Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
- 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.
- Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
- 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.
- Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Zhanetta, 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 ZHANETTA USHAKOVA, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Zhanetta frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Many individuals seek the expertise of Zhanetta, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time.
- Experiencing chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections can be draining. Zhanetta utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, so patients can re-engage with playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy feeling revitalized.
- Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable, Zhanetta crafts treatments to achieve for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, supporting a return to activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain with comfort and confidence.
- Understanding that feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time can be frustrating, Zhanetta applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, making it possible to rediscover the joy in feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Zhanetta, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Zhanetta practices at ZHANETTA USHAKOVA, situated in the Downtown Niagara Falls (Queen St area) neighborhood of Niagara Falls. The clinic is conveniently located near American Falls and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncturist will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.
- Is TCM and Acupuncture suitable for children or the elderly?
- Absolutely. TCM offers gentle and effective options for all ages. Pediatric TCM may involve techniques like Shonishin (a non-invasive needling technique), acupressure, and dietary advice. For seniors, acupuncture and herbal medicine can be excellent for managing age-related conditions, pain, and improving quality of life. Your Registered Acupuncturist will always adapt the treatment to be appropriate and comfortable for the individual's age and health status.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- 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 Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for treatments by registered practitioners, but coverage levels vary significantly. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific details.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once in place, you might feel sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, pressure, or heaviness; these are positive signs that the Qi is being influenced. Most people find acupuncture to be a relaxing experience. Safety is a priority; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience 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. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall wellness by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.
- 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 physician's referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to confirm their requirements.
ZHANETTA USHAKOVA
3613 Rapids View Drive
Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 7M8
Phone: (905) 354-3192
Zhanetta Ushakova 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=a1d8eb41-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.