Michelle Amanda Kapler – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Newmarket, ON

Michelle Amanda Kapler is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Michelle Kapler Reproductive Health Acupuncture in Newmarket, ON, she 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.

Michelle Kapler’s role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her approach focuses on using acupuncture to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.

Michelle completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest or further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a commitment to individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation and a holistic view of health, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable. She offers consultations in English.

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

Womens Health Gynecological

• Menopausal & Perimenopausal Symptom Management (TCM): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to effectively alleviate common menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and cognitive changes ('brain fog') by nourishing Kidney Yin and Essence, clearing deficiency heat, and calming the Shen.
• 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.
• Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Specialized Traditional Chinese Medicine protocols, including acupuncture and individually prescribed herbal medicine, to improve reproductive health, optimize fertility markers (e.g., egg quality, sperm parameters, uterine lining), regulate ovulation, and support natural conception or improve success rates for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF/IUI.
• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): Holistic support to help reduce discomfort and potentially manage the size or recurrence of fibroids and cysts.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Holistic approach to calming an irritable gut and improving overall digestive health and comfort using personalized TCM treatments.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing emotional stagnation (especially Liver Qi Stagnation), clearing internal 'Heat' or 'Dampness' that can cloud the mind, and improving overall mental clarity and outlook with acupuncture and herbal support.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.

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. Michelle Kapler can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body’s vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.

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

• Understanding that general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically can be frustrating, Michelle Kapler applies TCM wisdom to help patients gain a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, making it possible to rediscover the joy in walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue.
• Rediscover your ability to do household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain or the burden of seasonal allergies (hay fever) making you sneeze, congested, and miserable. Michelle Kapler focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For those wanting to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions, Michelle Kapler crafts treatments to achieve visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, supporting a return to activities like enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time with comfort and confidence.
• For those whose overall energy, focus, and vitality are diminished, Michelle Kapler's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve. These therapies can help you regain independence in daily activities, such as dressing yourself comfortably and confidently.

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

Michelle Kapler practices at Michelle Kapler Reproductive Health Acupuncture, situated within a reputable acupuncture and TCM clinic in the Newmarket neighborhood of Newmarket. The clinic is conveniently located near Southlake Regional Health Centre and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic provides a serene environment conducive to healing, with accessible facilities and typically available parking options.

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 the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered TCM Practitioner if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

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), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions to ensure safe and appropriate herbal treatment. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to potential risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to restore balance to your energy flow based on TCM principles. It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestive health, and address various other health concerns by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

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 public health plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket; however, many private or extended health insurance plans may offer partial or full coverage for these services. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding your specific policy.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic system that aims to restore harmony within the body through acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle recommendations. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall health, identify patterns of imbalance, and develop a personalized treatment plan to promote healing and well-being.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy that flows through the body’s meridians or channels. These pathways connect internal organs with the body's exterior, facilitating the flow of Qi and Blood. Proper circulation of Qi and Blood is essential for health, and acupuncture aims to regulate this flow to restore balance and vitality.

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 directly without a physician's referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

It’s recommended to have a light meal about 1-2 hours before your session and wear loose, comfortable clothing that provides access to relevant body areas. Avoid caffeine and alcohol prior to treatment. After your session, it’s best to rest if needed, stay hydrated, and observe any changes in your symptoms, reporting them at your next visit.

Michelle Kapler Reproductive Health Acupuncture
18642 Leslie St
Newmarket, ON, L0G1V0

Phone: (647) 401-6474

Michelle Amanda Kapler 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=86b3283f-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.