Li Su – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Vaughan, ON

Li Su is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Home Office in Vaughan, ON, he 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.

Li's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. His care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized and compassionate care tailored to individual needs.

Li Su completed his R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2018). With over 6 years of dedicated practice since 2018, he is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. He has a particular interest or further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. His practice philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). He typically suggests identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. Li offers consultations in English and Mandarin.

Li's practice is located at his Home Office in Vaughan, situated in the Woodbridge West (Sonoma Heights, Islington Woods) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently near Vaughan Mills Area and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and street parking is often available nearby.

• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Providing guidance on the preparation and proper usage of prescribed herbal formulas, including decoction instructions for raw herbs, dosage for granules or pills, and advice on potential dietary interactions or lifestyle adjustments to enhance herbal efficacy.
• 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.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Convenient and effective classical herbal formulations, often derived from famous ancient prescriptions, to complement your acupuncture treatment or as a standalone therapy for various health concerns.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.
• 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.

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

• Many individuals seek the expertise of Li, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when pain, numbness, or tingling running down their leg (like sciatica) impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often gain a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• If feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality is affecting your ability to participate in feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings, Li's TCM approach aims for a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, helping you to regain your stride.
• For those whose knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult has made enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering seem difficult, Li's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering with greater comfort.
• It's rewarding for Li to witness patients find relief from symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery and experience reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in managing their personal care routines independently again.

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

Li's practice is located at his Home Office in Vaughan, situated in the Woodbridge West (Sonoma Heights, Islington Woods) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently near Vaughan Mills Area and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and street parking is often available nearby.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

What are Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Tui Na?

These are all adjunctive therapies often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and draw out toxins. Moxibustion is the therapeutic burning of an herb (mugwort) near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi and Blood, often used for pain, 'cold' conditions, or to boost energy. Gua Sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation, release muscle tightness, and reduce pain or inflammation. Tui Na is a form of Chinese therapeutic massage that uses various hand techniques on acupressure points and meridians to relieve pain and harmonize Qi. Your Registered TCM Practitioner will determine if any of these are appropriate and beneficial for your specific condition.

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

Currently, 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 Ontario's public health plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for services from registered practitioners, but coverage levels vary greatly.

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 inserted, you might feel sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a feeling of heaviness, or energy moving, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most patients find acupuncture to be relaxing. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

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 or Registered Acupuncturist without a physician’s referral (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is recommended to check your individual insurance policy to confirm requirements for reimbursement.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient principles that focus on restoring balance within the body. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health using methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis, and develops tailored treatment plans involving acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to promote healing and well-being.

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), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. It is important to inform your practitioner of all medications and health issues. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources to prevent risks such as incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involving the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. It aims to restore the flow of Qi (vital energy), helping to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve organ function, and promote natural healing. It can be effective for various conditions including pain, stress, digestive issues, and more.

Home Office
339 Torrey Pines Rd
Vaughan, ON, L4H 3X3

Phone: (416) 822-1263

Li Su 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=017d5841-548a-e611-80ca-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.