Lei Cao

Lei practices at BATHURST BLOOR WELLNESS CENTRE, situated in the vibrant neighbourhood of The Annex, North Midtown, and Yorkville in Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Financial District and is easily accessible via TTC, including Subway, Streetcar, and Bus routes. Our clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity for patients who prefer to drive.

• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• 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): 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.
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.
• 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 Lei, 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 BATHURST BLOOR WELLNESS CENTRE, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Lei frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Struggling with general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically? Lei develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving a stronger, more resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, and enabling you to enjoy energetic activities like long walks with your dog with improved vitality.
• Experiencing persistent low mood, feelings of being down, or unpredictable mood swings? Lei utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to promote emotional stability, reduce headaches or migraines, and foster a calmer, more centered mental state, helping you re-engage with mindfulness and revitalization.
• Many patients find that Lei's treatments help improve circulatory issues, cold extremities, and mood stability, allowing for longer, more comfortable engagement in daily activities such as cooking or social events without discomfort.
• Addressing nagging back pain or joint stiffness, Lei's holistic approach aims to restore mobility, flexibility, and range of motion, supporting a return to cherished activities like enjoying meals without digestive discomfort or fatigue.

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

Lei practices at BATHURST BLOOR WELLNESS CENTRE, located in the heart of Toronto's vibrant The Annex and Yorkville neighborhoods. The clinic is easily accessible via public transit, including the TTC Subway, Streetcar, and Bus routes, making it convenient for patients coming from various parts of the city. Our serene clinic environment provides a peaceful setting for healing and relaxation. Additionally, metered and paid parking lots are usually available nearby, accommodating patients who prefer to drive.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It’s considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered TCM Practitioner immediately.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

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

Before your acupuncture session, it's good to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior; avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your 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 and drink plenty of water. Some people feel very relaxed or even a bit tired, while others feel energized. Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms or well-being and report them to your Registered TCM Practitioner at your next visit.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions like digestion and hormones, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner (e.g., Registered Acupuncturist or R.TCMP) 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 coverage requirements.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify high-quality herbs, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is essential to inform your practitioner about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as existing health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources, as incorrect formulations, contamination, or interactions can pose risks. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing to ensure safety.

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

In Ontario, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer some coverage for treatments performed by registered practitioners. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details and reimbursement options.

BATHURST BLOOR WELLNESS CENTRE
932 Bathurst St.
Toronto, ON, M5R 3G5

Phone: (416) 640-9166

Lei Cao 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=64b1283f-bd76-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.