Hwa Ling Ong – Acupuncturist | Oakville, ON

Hwa Ling Ong is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Palermo Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre in Oakville, 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.

Hwa'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. 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 comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

Hwa Ling Ong completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2020). With over 4 years of dedicated practice since 2020, 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. Her practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health; she is dedicated to individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation. She offers consultations in English.

Hwa Ling Ong provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Harmonizing the Stomach Qi and directing its rebellious upward flow downwards to alleviate feelings of queasiness and prevent vomiting.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.

Respiratory & Immune

• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM dietary advice to reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities, alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pain, and strengthen the body's defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to make it less reactive to allergens.
• 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.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: Building resilience against pathogens by fortifying the Zang-Fu organs responsible for immune function, particularly the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys according to TCM theory.
• 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.

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. Hwa can assess your needs.

• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• 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 Hwa, 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 Palermo Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Hwa frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Hwa believes in a partnership with patients. When circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, enabling a more active lifestyle including sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality? Hwa works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Hwa can be a turning point for those affected by TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches. The goal is achieving a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, paving the way for you to enjoy working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) and achieved a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications under the care of Hwa, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort with renewed vitality and ease.

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

Hwa practices at Palermo Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre, situated in the West Oak Trails, Glen Abbey West neighbourhood of Oakville. The clinic is conveniently located near Sheridan College Trafalgar Campus and is accessible via Oakville Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket. It is strongly advised to check with private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. Coverage levels can vary significantly depending on the plan.

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 assesses your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory through methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if qualified as an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice to help restore balance and promote healing.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Palermo Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset, sports injuries like sprains and tendinitis, sleep disorders, women’s health issues such as PMS or menopausal symptoms, and overall wellness support. Treatments often involve TCM Pulse Diagnosis, Tongue Diagnosis, and may include cupping, herbal medicine, or dietary recommendations based on individual patterns.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles at specific points on your body to stimulate energy flow according to TCM principles. It can help manage pain (such as back pain or headaches), reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestive health, and address various other health concerns by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via specific pathways called meridians. These pathways connect internal organs with muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points along these meridians are used to access and influence Qi flow, helping to restore balance and health.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in ON?

Patients in ON can typically consult a Registered Acupuncturist or 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 recommended to check your individual insurance policy.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. Once inserted, you may feel sensations like dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs of Qi activation. Most find acupuncture to be very relaxing. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles, ensuring safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

Your initial appointment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and involves a detailed health history, discussion of your main concerns, and a physical exam including tongue and pulse diagnosis. Based on the findings, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, or lifestyle advice. The first session often includes an initial acupuncture treatment to begin addressing your concerns.

Palermo Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre
2525 Old Bronte Road, Suite 240
Oakville, ON, L6M 4J2

Phone: (905) 582-9700

Hwa Ling Ong 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=a86a5dac-fa7f-e911-810c-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.