Liming Chen, Acupuncturist

Liming Chen

Acupuncturist in Kanata, ON

Liming Chen is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at PURE Massage & Holistic Therapies in Kanata, ON, she is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the... Read More

Verified Licensed by CTCMPAO Referrals Not Required Contact for Availability English, Mandarin Female
Primary Practice LocationPURE Massage & Holistic Therapies
60 Colchester Square, Unit 7
Kanata, ON
K2K 2Z9
Primary Phone(613) 435-7655
Professional Details

About

Liming Chen is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at PURE Massage & Holistic Therapies in Kanata, ON, she 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.

Liming's role involves offering skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management—such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches—stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her approach is rooted in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and restoring energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, with tailored treatment plans that respect individual needs and conditions.

Liming Chen completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2021). With over 3 years of dedicated practice since 2021, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest or further training in areas such as acupuncture.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health; a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism); and utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). Liming offers consultations in English and Mandarin.

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.
  • Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Managing arthritic symptoms by addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction due to Wind, Cold, Damp, or Heat), and nourishing Kidney essence to support bone and joint health.
  • Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.
  • Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Acupuncture and TCM diagnostic protocols to differentiate and treat various types of headaches and migraines by addressing root causes such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency or stasis, Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm obstruction, or external pathogenic factors.

Mental Emotional Sleep

  • Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice to address different types of sleep disturbances by harmonizing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, anchoring the Shen, and resolving underlying TCM patterns such as Heart Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation disturbing the Hun, Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to overthinking, or Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).
  • 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.
  • Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

  • Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.

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. Liming 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.
  • Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
  • Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
  • 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.
  • Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

  • Understanding that stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work can be frustrating, Liming applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, making it possible to rediscover the joy in enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue.
  • Many patients have found lasting relief from circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet and achieved enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed under the care of Liming, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus with renewed vitality and ease.
  • Dealing with the ongoing challenges of ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome? Liming works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume having more regular and comfortable menstrual cycles, allowing for uninterrupted daily life and activities.
  • Struggling with feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings? Liming develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, key to helping you get back to doing enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with improved well-being and energy.

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

Liming practices at PURE Massage & Holistic Therapies, situated in the central Kanata neighborhood, within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The location is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to access for those in the area. Public transit routes serve the clinic well, providing accessible options for patients without the need for private transportation. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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.
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 the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered Acupuncturist if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.
What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in ON?
Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist (such as a Registered TCM Practitioner or R.Ac) 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. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.
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.
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 provincial health plan (OHIP). Most patients pay out-of-pocket. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer some coverage for these services, depending on the policy. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Is TCM and Acupuncture suitable for children or the elderly?
Yes, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are suitable and safe for children and seniors when administered by a qualified and experienced Registered Acupuncturist. For children, practitioners often use gentle techniques, including non-needle methods like Shonishin or very fine, quickly inserted needles if appropriate. Herbal medicine dosages are adjusted accordingly. For elderly patients, treatments are tailored to their specific health conditions, often focusing on managing chronic pain, improving mobility, and supporting overall vitality. Safety and comfort are prioritized in all treatment plans.

PURE Massage & Holistic Therapies
60 Colchester Square, Unit 7
Kanata, ON, K2K 2Z9

Phone: (613) 435-7655

Liming Chen 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=8789be54-6136-eb11-8116-005056a97495

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.

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