Ken Hou

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.

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.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Restoring balance to the large and small intestines and related organ systems (like Spleen, Liver, Kidney) to promote normal stool consistency, frequency, and ease of passage.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.
• 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.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Natural and effective relief for persistent or sudden onset pain located in the lumbar or cervical spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and other joints or soft tissues.
• 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. Ken can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.

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

• With Ken, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica) are guided towards enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain again with greater zest.
• The journey to a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically when faced with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory can be supported by Ken's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes.
• Rediscover your ability to resume your weightlifting routine at the gym safely without the burden of concern about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach. Ken focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Ken believes in a partnership with patients. When irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms arise, a collaborative TCM plan targets enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, enabling a more active lifestyle including spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.

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

Ken practices at Innercore Health, situated in the Carling and Boullee neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Western University and is easily accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity, making your visits convenient and comfortable.

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.

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). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some coverage for services delivered by registered practitioners. Coverage levels can vary significantly.

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 (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your individual insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your acupuncture session, it's recommended to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior, and avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to areas such as arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine or alcohol just before treatment. After your session, it's best to avoid strenuous activity for a few hours, drink plenty of water, and pay attention to how your body responds. Noticing any changes and reporting them to your acupuncturist can help tailor your future treatments.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health in TCM. When Qi flows freely and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in Qi flow can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians, promoting balance and healing.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate Qi flow and restore balance. It is effective for managing pain, reducing stress, improving sleep, and addressing various health conditions. By activating the body's own healing mechanisms, acupuncture can provide relief from chronic pain, headaches, digestive issues, and more.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people experience little to no discomfort during acupuncture. Needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often feeling like a tiny prick. Some individuals may feel a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which are signs of Qi activation. Safety is a priority; licensed practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

Innercore Health
500 Oxford Street East
London, ON, N5Y 3H7

Phone: (519) 432-7247

Ken Hou 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=a1803410-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.