Justine Marie-Louise R Smyth – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Vaughan, ON

Justine Marie-Louise R Smyth is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Centre for Health and Performance in Vaughan, 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.

Justine's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her approach is rooted in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and restoring energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring individualized care tailored to each person's unique constitution and health needs.

She completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2024), and with approximately one year of clinical experience since 2024, Justine is dedicated to ongoing professional learning. She has a particular interest in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She is committed to identifying and treating the root cause of illnesses (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), ensuring long-lasting health outcomes. Justine offers consultations in English.

Justine Marie-Louise R Smyth provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Using specific acupuncture points and potent herbal formulas tailored to the stage and nature of the cold or flu (e.g., clearing Wind-Cold versus Wind-Heat invasions) to shorten duration and lessen severity.
• 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.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.

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.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Addressing TCM patterns often associated with trauma, such as Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Qi Stagnation, or Kidney Jing depletion.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.
• 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.

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. Justine can assess your needs.

• 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: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• 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.

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

• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically, Justine helps patients work towards noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, facilitating a return to cherished activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Many find that TCM with Justine not only helps with TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches but also brings about feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Justine assists patients with pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica) in reaching a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, fostering a return to beloved activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.
• For those whose wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally has made dressing myself independently and without difficulty seem difficult, Justine's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to dressing myself independently and without difficulty with greater comfort.

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

Justine practices at Centre for Health and Performance, situated in the Concord Central area of Vaughan, within the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) station and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva transit services. Our clinic offers a peaceful environment conducive to healing, and street parking is often available nearby, making visits convenient and comfortable for clients.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral—this is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your individual insurance provider to understand their specific requirements.

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 are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior parts such as muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to influence Qi flow to restore balance and health.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate Qi flow. This therapy aims to restore balance within the body's energy system and can be beneficial for conditions such as pain (e.g., back pain, headaches), stress, digestive issues, menstrual concerns, and more. It activates the body's natural healing mechanisms, promoting overall wellness and symptom relief.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are extremely thin, and many people experience little to no discomfort upon insertion. Some sensations like a brief pinch, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness may occur, which indicate effective stimulation of Qi. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any pain during the session, inform your practitioner immediately.

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

In general, acupuncture and TCM services provided by Registered Practitioners in private clinics are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer reimbursement for treatments performed by registered practitioners, so it is recommended to verify your individual policy to understand your coverage options.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root cause of health issues and promoting long-term health and harmony.

Centre for Health and Performance
2640 Rutherford Rd
Vaughan, ON, L4K 0H3

Phone: (905) 553-4814

Justine Marie-Louise R Smyth 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=288f3f94-b319-ee11-8140-005056a97495

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.