Kim Ming Ng

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

Other Common

• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore balance.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: TCM strategies, including regular acupuncture, moxibustion, and constitutional herbal tonics, to strengthen the body's overall defensive energy (Wei Qi) and address underlying deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang that may lead to a weakened immune system and frequent infections (e.g., colds, sinus infections, UTIs).
• 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.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a supportive and complementary approach to manage asthma and chronic bronchitis symptoms by strengthening Lung Qi and Wei Qi, resolving phlegm and dampness, descending rebellious Lung Qi to calm wheezing and cough, and tonifying Kidney Qi to grasp the Lung Qi.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Acupuncture and other TCM therapies to effectively manage various types of musculoskeletal pain, reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and accelerate healing, whether the pain is a recent injury or a long-standing issue.
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Reducing inflammation and swelling, promoting efficient tissue repair, alleviating pain, and restoring optimal function to injured areas to facilitate a quicker and safer return to athletic activity or work.

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. Kim can assess your needs.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.

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

• It's rewarding for Kim to witness patients find relief from skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives and experience a stronger, more resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain again.
• Kim frequently assists patients in overcoming TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body, Kim helps patients work towards experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, facilitating a return to cherished activities like enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Kim, common concerns like digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, helping people to once again enjoy working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus.

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

Kim's practice at 'Kim Ming Ng' is situated in the Lakeport area within the Lakeshore neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near access points to Welland Canals Parkway Trail and is easily reachable via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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 (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 your individual insurance policy to confirm their specific requirements.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health according to TCM. **Meridians** are a network of channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Disruptions or blockages in Qi flow within these meridians can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore and balance the flow of Qi within these channels.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years, including therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist utilizes these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues. TCM can help manage a wide range of conditions and promote long-term wellness.

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. Many patients experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most find the treatment relaxing. Registered practitioners strictly adhere to safety standards, using only sterile, disposable needles. If any discomfort occurs, patients should communicate with their practitioner.

Does Kim Ming Ng offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Kim's clinic typically offers direct billing to major private insurance providers for services rendered by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP). Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance details and verify their coverage, including any limits or requirements such as referrals or specific service codes. Non-covered amounts are the responsibility of the patient.

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 a private clinic are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health plans offer partial coverage for these services. Patients should check their individual insurance policies for details on coverage levels.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. It stimulates the flow of Qi within the meridians, helping to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, and support overall health. Many find it a relaxing experience that promotes the body's natural healing and balance.

Kim Ming Ng
19 Lakeshore Rd
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 2S7

Phone: (289) 438-5430

Kim Ming Ng 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=2f9d4007-3c73-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.