Maryna Chechel

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

Other Common

• 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).
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Acupuncture and herbal formulas to address various types of dizziness and vertigo by treating underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Qi and Blood deficiency.
• 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.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and related therapies to relieve radiating nerve pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness associated with conditions like sciatica or peripheral neuropathy by improving microcirculation, reducing nerve inflammation, and promoting nerve regeneration.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Natural and effective relief for persistent or sudden onset pain located in the lumbar or cervical spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and other joints or soft tissues.
• 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.

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. Maryna can assess your needs.

• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• 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.

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

• It's rewarding for Maryna to witness patients find relief from high blood pressure needing complementary support for management and experience feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back again.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Maryna can be a turning point for those affected by heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals. The goal is achieving noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, paving the way for you to enjoy handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout their body can find dedicated support from Maryna. The therapeutic focus is on achieving a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.
• Many find that TCM with Maryna not only helps with fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare their body for pregnancy but also brings about visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.

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

Maryna practices at West Medical Centre, situated in the Bramalea South, Avondale neighborhood of Brampton. The clinic is conveniently located near Sheridan College Davis Campus and is accessible via Brampton Transit, including Züm BRT. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is strongly recommended to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as many offer partial or full coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners. Coverage levels can vary significantly depending on your plan.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this helps reduce pain, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions such as digestion and hormones, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is considered the vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body, responsible for physiological functions, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and serve as access points to influence and restore the flow of Qi for health and balance.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. Some patients report sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which are positive signs of Qi activation. Most find the experience relaxing. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. If any discomfort occurs, communicate with your acupuncturist immediately.

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

TMC is a holistic approach that considers the body as an interconnected system. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance using tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to restore harmony and promote healing.

Does West Medical Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, the clinic typically offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) to major private insurers. Patients are advised to bring their insurance details and confirm coverage specifics, such as per-visit limits, annual maximums, and whether a referral is required. Non-covered portions are the patient's responsibility.

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

No, patients in Ontario can usually access Registered Acupuncturists directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your individual policy to confirm.

West Medical Centre
7A-155 Clark Blvd.
Brampton, ON, L6T 4G6

Phone: (905) 452-7377

Maryna Chechel 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=4ab3472f-c076-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.