Fatima Shikhverdieva

Fatima Shikhverdieva 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: Acupuncture (often including electroacupuncture) and herbal medicine to help stimulate nerve regeneration, improve muscle tone, and accelerate recovery from Bell's Palsy or other forms of facial paralysis by expelling Wind, invigorating Qi and Blood flow to the facial meridians.
• 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.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): A holistic and integrative TCM approach to help modulate the immune response, alleviate autoimmune-related fatigue and pain, and support the body’s innate healing capacities.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Addressing neuropathic pain by invigorating Qi and Blood flow along affected meridians, nourishing Yin and Blood to repair damaged nerves, and resolving blockages or stagnation.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Acupuncture and TCM diagnostic protocols to differentiate and treat various types of headaches and migraines by addressing root causes such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency or stasis, Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm obstruction, or external pathogenic factors.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): TCM approaches, including acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine, to reduce joint inflammation, alleviate pain, decrease stiffness, and improve function in individuals with various forms of arthritis.

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. Fatima 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• 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 Fatima, 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 Fatima Shikhverdieva, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Fatima frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's rewarding for Fatima to witness patients find relief from heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals and experience experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely again.
• For those whose chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections has made attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout seem difficult, Fatima's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with greater comfort.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Fatima, common concerns like managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, helping people to once again enjoy sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care? Fatima works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.

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

Fatima's practice at Fatima Shikhverdieva is situated in the Rolling Acres, Pringle Creek neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently located near Lakeridge Health Whitby and is easily accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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 Acupuncturist immediately.

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 under the law of direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health and identifies patterns of imbalance using diagnostic methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments often include acupuncture, herbal formulas (if qualified as an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice aimed at restoring balance and supporting your body's natural healing process.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in private clinics are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, though many private insurance plans offer partial or full coverage. It is recommended to review your insurance policy to determine your specific coverage.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles at specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. Performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, it can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve digestion, and address various health issues by activating the body's innate healing mechanisms.

Is TCM and Acupuncture suitable for children or the elderly?

Yes. TCM offers gentle and effective options for all ages. Pediatric treatments may include non-invasive techniques like Shonishin and acupressure, while treatments for seniors are tailored to manage age-related conditions, pain, and enhance quality of life. Your Registered Acupuncturist will customize the approach to ensure comfort and safety.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via specific pathways called meridians. These pathways connect organs and tissues, facilitating the circulation of Qi and Blood. Acupuncture points along these meridians are targeted to restore balance, promote health, and treat various ailments.

Fatima Shikhverdieva
104 BRAEBROOK DR
Whitby, ON, L1R 0M9

Phone: (416) 625-1090

Fatima Shikhverdieva 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=bab3283f-bd76-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.