Michael Wing-Xiu Chu – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Newmarket, ON

Michael Wing-Xiu Chu is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Massage Addict Newmarket in Newmarket, 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.

Michael'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 general wellness support. His care is focused on utilizing acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized approaches tailored to each individual's unique needs.

Michael Wing-Xiu Chu completed his R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2020). With over 4 years of dedicated practice since 2020, he is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. He has a particular interest in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. His practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). He is dedicated to individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, ensuring care is tailored to each person's constitution and condition. Additionally, he emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. He offers consultations in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Michael Wing-Xiu Chu provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Managing arthritic symptoms by addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction due to Wind, Cold, Damp, or Heat), and nourishing Kidney essence to support bone and joint health.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Acupuncture and TCM diagnostic protocols to differentiate and treat various types of headaches and migraines by addressing root causes such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency or stasis, Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm obstruction, or external pathogenic factors.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Harmonizing the Stomach Qi and directing its rebellious upward flow downwards to alleviate feelings of queasiness and prevent vomiting.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, to address symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, belching, and indigestion by strengthening Spleen Qi, ensuring the proper downward flow of rebellious Stomach Qi, and clearing any Stomach Heat or Food Stagnation.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Addressing underlying TCM imbalances that may affect fertility in any gender, such as Kidney essence deficiency, Blood stasis, Qi stagnation, Cold in the Uterus, or Damp-Heat affecting the reproductive system.
• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Natural, non-hormonal relief from uncomfortable menopausal changes, helping to restore vitality, improve sleep, stabilize mood, and support overall well-being during this significant life stage.
• 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.
• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): Holistic support to help reduce discomfort and potentially manage the size or recurrence of fibroids and cysts.

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. Michael can assess your needs.

• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Providing guidance on the preparation and proper usage of prescribed herbal formulas, including decoction instructions for raw herbs, dosage for granules or pills, and advice on potential dietary interactions or lifestyle adjustments to enhance herbal efficacy.
• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• 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 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.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.

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 TCM Practitioners in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At Massage Addict Newmarket, 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:

• Acupuncture and TCM with Michael can be a turning point for those affected by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed. The goal is achieving noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, paving the way for you to enjoy running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• If stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work is affecting your ability to participate in sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic, Michael's TCM approach aims for better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, helping you to regain your stride.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue and achieved for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development under the care of Michael, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain with renewed vitality and ease.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Michael, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.

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 Massage Addict Newmarket, situated in the Summerhill Estates within the Armitage neighborhood of Newmarket. The clinic is conveniently located near Highway 404 access and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and parking options are typically accessible for patients visiting for treatments.

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.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, it is important to note that some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage requirements.

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 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 the 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.

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 OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for treatments from registered practitioners. Patients are encouraged to review their insurance policies to understand their specific coverage levels.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It encompasses therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing root causes of health issues. TCM can effectively treat a wide range of conditions, promoting harmony and long-term well-being.

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) with extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and consider contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for certain health conditions. It is crucial to inform your practitioner about all medications and health issues to ensure safety. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are extremely thin, and many patients experience little to no discomfort upon insertion. Some may feel a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation of Qi. Many find the experience relaxing, with some even falling asleep. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs during treatment, patients should notify their practitioner immediately.

Massage Addict Newmarket
16635 Yonge St., Unit 20 and 21
Newmarket, ON, L3X 1W3

Phone: (905) 898-0440

Michael Wing-Xiu Chu 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=6af83ece-947e-e911-810c-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.