Lilah Shakarov

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

Other Common

• 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).
• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and gentle herbal therapies to help manage common side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety, thereby improving quality of life and treatment tolerance. (Always in coordination with primary oncology care).
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
• 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.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• 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.
• 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.

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. Lilah can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• 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.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably and achieved feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient under the care of Lilah, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings with renewed vitality and ease.
• Understanding that chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections can be frustrating, Lilah applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, making it possible to rediscover the joy in playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy.
• If digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) is preventing you from fully enjoying participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back, Lilah offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• If uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes is affecting your ability to participate in sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic, Lilah's TCM approach aims for a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, helping you to regain your stride.

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

Lilah's practice at Acupuncture For Fertility is situated in the Oak Ridges, Lake Wilcox neighborhood of Richmond Hill. The clinic is conveniently located near Richmond Green Area and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner 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.

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 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. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

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.

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 (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.

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 herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health conditions. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources, as this can lead to incorrect diagnosis, improper formulations, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing to ensure safety.

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 Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, though many private or extended health insurance plans may provide partial or full coverage for services from registered practitioners. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific coverage details.

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 directly without a doctor’s referral (direct access). However, some private insurance plans or benefit programs may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the requirements of your insurance provider before scheduling your appointment.

Acupuncture For Fertility
141 King Road unit 10
Richmond Hill, ON, L4E 3L7

Phone: (647) 786-0706

Lilah Shakarov 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=d57c5841-548a-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.