Ling He

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a complementary therapy to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. (Used alongside conventional medical management).
• 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.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage symptoms associated with PCOS (e.g., irregular or absent menses, acne, hirsutism, ovarian cysts, insulin resistance) and endometriosis (e.g., pelvic pain, painful periods, heavy bleeding, infertility) by regulating hormones, reducing inflammation, invigorating Blood circulation, and resolving Phlegm-Damp or Blood Stasis.
• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): Holistic support to help reduce discomfort and potentially manage the size or recurrence of fibroids and cysts.
• Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Specialized Traditional Chinese Medicine protocols, including acupuncture and individually prescribed herbal medicine, to improve reproductive health, optimize fertility markers (e.g., egg quality, sperm parameters, uterine lining), regulate ovulation, and support natural conception or improve success rates for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF/IUI.

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. Ling can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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).
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• 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.

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

• When high blood pressure needing complementary support for management is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Ling can help you work towards experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time.
• Many find that TCM with Ling not only helps with that nagging back pain that just won't go away but also brings about a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back.
• The journey to reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers when faced with knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult can be supported by Ling's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it.
• If stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work is preventing you from fully enjoying walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery, Ling offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.

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

Ling practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Oakville, situated in the River Oaks, College Park neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Glen Abbey Golf Club and is easily accessible via Oakville Transit. Our clinic offers a serene environment to support your healing journey, with metered and paid parking lots typically available nearby, making your visits comfortable and convenient.

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 TCM Practitioner if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

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 provincial health insurance (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer partial or full coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check your insurance policy for specific coverage details as they vary significantly.

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

In Ontario, patients can generally see a Registered TCM Practitioner or Registered Acupuncturist directly without a referral, as these services are considered self-referral. Nonetheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to review your individual insurance policy to confirm any requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It encompasses therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these tools to identify and treat imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health. TCM can effectively address a wide range of health issues by focusing on the root causes of imbalance.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, supporting health and vitality. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, the body is in balance; disruptions can lead to illness or pain. **Meridians** are the channels or pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting different organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in Qi flow within these meridians can cause various health issues. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi along these pathways, promoting healing and well-being.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood. Performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, it helps to restore balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall health. It is widely used to manage conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, headaches, digestive issues, menstrual discomfort, and more, by activating the body's inherent healing mechanisms.

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

When prescribed and administered by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), Chinese herbal medicines are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained in herbal pharmacology, quality control, and potential interactions. It is essential to inform your practitioner about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, and existing health conditions. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks such as incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. Always follow your practitioner's guidance for safe and effective herbal therapy.

2088 Mayflower Blvd
Oakville, ON, L6H 4E7

Phone: (647) 588-5067

Ling He 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=7779c309-b976-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.