Melody See-Won Hon

Melody practices at Reach Wellness, located in the Downtown Whitby, Port Whitby neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently situated near Iroquois Park Sports Centre and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Using food as medicine according to traditional Chinese dietary wisdom to strengthen organ function (especially Spleen and Stomach), improve digestion, build Qi and Blood, clear pathogenic factors, and promote overall harmony and longevity.

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

• If stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work is affecting your ability to participate in enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time, Melody's TCM approach aims for feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, helping you to regain your stride.
• Melody believes in a partnership with patients. When feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, enabling a more active lifestyle including maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities can be draining. Melody utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, so patients can re-engage with attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus feeling revitalized.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Melody assists patients with high blood pressure needing complementary support for management in reaching visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, fostering a return to beloved activities like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it.

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

Melody practices at Reach Wellness, located in the Downtown Whitby, Port Whitby neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently situated near Iroquois Park Sports Centre and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, 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.

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.

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. 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 for specific coverage details.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It’s 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 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.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall health, identify patterns of imbalance using techniques such as tongue and pulse diagnosis, and recommend treatments like acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, and dietary/lifestyle modifications to restore harmony and promote healing.

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

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions to ensure safety. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

Reach Wellness
209 Dundas Street East
Whitby, ON, L1N 7H8

Phone: (289) 509-0610

Melody See-Won Hon 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=775e8cee-9b5d-ea11-8116-005056a97495

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.