Lin Guo

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
• 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).

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): Focusing on harmonizing Yin and Yang, clearing pathogenic factors (like Heat or Damp), nourishing deficient substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang), and resolving stagnation to support overall systemic balance.
• 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: Acupuncture (often including electroacupuncture) and herbal medicine to help stimulate nerve regeneration, improve muscle tone, and accelerate recovery from Bell's Palsy or other forms of facial paralysis by expelling Wind, invigorating Qi and Blood flow to the facial meridians.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Natural and comprehensive solutions for combating persistent, debilitating tiredness, improving energy production, and enhancing overall resilience and quality of life.

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney deficiencies that often contribute to chronic respiratory conditions and recurrent coughs, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
• 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): Natural support for strengthening your immunity, reducing susceptibility to common infections, and helping you recover more quickly and completely when you do get sick.

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. Lin can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Utilizing the synergistic therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese herbs, often in complex combinations, to restore organ function (Zang-Fu), balance Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and promote profound healing from within by addressing the root cause of illness.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Recommendation and dispensing of pre-made, standardized, classical Chinese herbal formulas in pill, tablet, capsule, or liquid form for common conditions and TCM patterns, offering convenience, consistent dosing, and proven efficacy. (May be recommended by R.Ac within certain guidelines or more comprehensively by R.TCMP).

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

• It's rewarding for Lin to witness patients find relief from asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care and experience a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment again.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Lin, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions.
• If seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable is preventing you from fully enjoying walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery, Lin offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Lin can be a turning point for those affected by knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult. The goal is achieving achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, paving the way for you to enjoy easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain and a more balanced, vibrant life.

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

Lin practices at Align Massage clinic-Sandy Hill, situated in the Lower Town, Sandy Hill East, ByWard Market neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Ottawa City Hall and is accessible via OC Transpo, including O-Train LRT and bus services. 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 (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.

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 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.

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 or Acupuncturist directly without a physician's referral due to the scope of practice. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your individual insurance provider to confirm their requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along the body's meridians. This stimulates the flow and balance of Qi (vital energy), which can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by harnessing the body's natural healing abilities.

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

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or Registered TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by provincial health plans like OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to check with your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for these services, depending on the plan.

Align Massage clinic-Sandy Hill
406-168 Charlotte St.
Ottawa, ON, K1N 8K6

Phone: (613) 830-1380

Lin Guo 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=8d839b6f-d28b-ed11-812c-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.