Michael Ismail Goussyno

Michael practices at the Health Care Centre, situated in the Downtown Barrie area within the East Bayfield neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is easily accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing, with accessible facilities and typically available parking options, making your visit comfortable and hassle-free.

• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Michael believes in a partnership with patients. When frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, enabling a more active lifestyle including getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
• Understanding that my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems can be frustrating, Michael applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, making it possible to rediscover the joy in keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Michael can be a turning point for those affected by general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body. The goal is achieving a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, paving the way for you to enjoy handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Michael frequently assists patients in overcoming TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering.

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

Michael practices at the Health Care Centre, situated in the Downtown Barrie area within the East Bayfield neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is easily accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing, with accessible facilities and typically available parking options, making your visit comfortable and hassle-free.

Approximately how many Acupuncture/TCM sessions will I need and how often?

The number and frequency of sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature of your condition (whether it's acute or chronic), its severity, how long you've had the issue, your overall health, and your individual response to treatment. For acute conditions, a few sessions (e.g., 1-3 times per week for 1-2 weeks) may bring significant relief. For chronic or more complex issues, a longer course of treatment (e.g., 6-12 weekly or bi-weekly sessions) is often necessary to achieve lasting results, followed by maintenance sessions as needed. Your Registered Acupuncturist will discuss a proposed treatment plan, including frequency and estimated duration, after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress.

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). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly, so patients are advised to check with their insurance providers for specific details.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered Acupuncturist, Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy.

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 in place, you may experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness or energy moving, which are signs that the treatment is having an effect. Most people find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

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 the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and immune defense. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to access and influence Qi flow to restore balance and health.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance. It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestion, and address various other health concerns by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health, looks for patterns of imbalance (including tongue and pulse diagnosis), and provides treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine (if qualified as R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to promote natural healing and balance.

Health Care Centre
2 Irish Ln
Barrie, ON, L4M 6H8

Phone: (705) 500-5016

Michael Ismail Goussyno 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=dcb2472f-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.