Marco Racco – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Woodbridge, ON

Marco Racco is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Woodbridge, 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.

Marco's role involves providing 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. His care approach emphasizes stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and restoring energetic balance according to TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring compassionate and individualized treatment tailored to each person's unique needs.

Marco completed his R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2014). With over 10 years of dedicated practice since 2014, he remains committed to ongoing professional development and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. He has a particular interest and further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture, which enriches his holistic approach to patient care. His practice philosophy emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. Marco offers consultations in English, ensuring clear and effective communication with his diverse patient base.

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• 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).
• 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.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Using specific acupuncture points and potent herbal formulas tailored to the stage and nature of the cold or flu (e.g., clearing Wind-Cold versus Wind-Heat invasions) to shorten duration and lessen severity.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD: Natural and effective solutions for achieving smoother, more comfortable, predictable menstrual cycles and balanced hormonal health.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Holistic support aimed at improving hormonal balance, reducing pain and other symptoms, enhancing fertility potential, and improving quality of life for women with PCOS or endometriosis.
• Pregnancy, Labor Preparation & Postpartum Care (TCM): Natural, supportive care to enhance well-being, manage common discomforts, and promote a positive experience during pregnancy, childbirth, and new motherhood from a TCM perspective.

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. Marco can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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).
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• 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.

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

• If knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult is preventing you from fully enjoying dressing myself independently and without difficulty, Marco offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Many find that TCM with Marco not only helps with feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings but also brings about for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• Marco believes in a partnership with patients. When sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, enabling a more active lifestyle including maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably? Marco works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic.

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

Marco practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in central Woodbridge, situated in a convenient and accessible location within the Woodbridge neighborhood. The clinic is easily reachable near local community centers and public parks, making it ideal for those seeking holistic health care in a tranquil environment. It is well-served by local public transit routes, offering easy access for patients coming from various parts of the region. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. 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 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.

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 health plans such as OHIP. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer some coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding specific coverage levels and reimbursement policies.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system with thousands of years of history, utilizing therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na (massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's vital energy (Qi), Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues. TCM aims to restore harmony within the body to promote long-term health and well-being.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically access a Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist directly without a physician’s referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to verify their individual insurance policies to understand their coverage requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Most people experience little to no discomfort during insertion, describing it as a tiny prick or a sensation similar to a mosquito bite. Once needles are in place, some may feel sensations such as warmth, tingling, heaviness, or a dull ache, which are signs of effective treatment. Acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner who uses only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

209B-100 Arbors Lane
Woodbridge, ON, L4L 7G4

Phone: (416) 917-9971

Marco Racco 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=d2b3283f-bd76-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.