Jose Gerardo Ponce

Jose Gerardo Ponce provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• 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.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Natural and effective solutions for managing debilitating headaches and migraines, aiming to reduce their frequency, intensity, and duration without heavy reliance on medication.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain sensitivity, improving energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and restoring a better quality of life for those with fibromyalgia or widespread myofascial pain.
• 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).

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. Gerardo can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.

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

• Let Gerardo help you navigate my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems with targeted TCM care. The goal is feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, so you can fully enjoy maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions and other life pleasures once more.
• Experiencing looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue can be draining. Gerardo utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, so patients can re-engage with being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably feeling revitalized.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Gerardo, common concerns like circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, helping people to once again enjoy enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue.
• The journey to noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain when faced with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory can be supported by Gerardo's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.

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

Gerardo's practice at JOSE GERARDO PONCE is situated in the Carling, Boullee neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Westmount Shopping Centre and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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 the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered Acupuncturist if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

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.

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 (direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

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's OHIP. Most patients pay out-of-pocket. It's recommended to review your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for these services.

Does JOSE GERARDO PONCE offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Gerardo's clinic typically offers direct billing for services by Registered Acupuncturists and Registered TCM Practitioners to major private insurers. Patients should bring their insurance details and confirm coverage specifics, including limits and requirements, directly with their insurer. The patient remains responsible for non-covered portions.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to help restore the flow of Qi. It is effective for managing pain, reducing stress, improving sleep, and supporting overall wellness by activating your body's natural healing responses.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body, supporting physiological functions. **Meridians** are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's surface. Acupuncture points along these meridians are accessed to restore balance and promote health.

JOSE GERARDO PONCE
724 Adelaide Street North
London, ON, N5Y 2L5

Phone: (226) 926-5744

Jose Gerardo Ponce 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=177f3410-c676-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.