Ming Liang – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | North York, ON

Ming Liang is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Ming's Care Acupuncture & Massage Clinic in North York, 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.

As a skilled TCM practitioner, Ming specializes in providing acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her approach focuses on stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and restoring energetic balance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, with compassion and professionalism.

Ming Liang completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2022). With over 2 years of dedicated practice since 2022, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest and further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being; she prioritizes identifying and treating the root cause of illnesses (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn) rather than just alleviating symptoms, adopting a holistic approach that views the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable. She offers consultations in English and Chinese.

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

Dermatological Skin

• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): A gentle, holistic approach to calm skin redness and improve overall complexion for individuals with rosacea.
• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Targeting the root causes of acne breakouts, whether related to diet, stress, hormonal fluctuations, or internal toxicity according to TCM diagnosis.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a supportive and complementary approach to manage asthma and chronic bronchitis symptoms by strengthening Lung Qi and Wei Qi, resolving phlegm and dampness, descending rebellious Lung Qi to calm wheezing and cough, and tonifying Kidney Qi to grasp the Lung Qi.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Natural support for strengthening your immunity, reducing susceptibility to common infections, and helping you recover more quickly and completely when you do get sick.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.

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. Ming can assess your needs.

• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Recommending specific Qigong or Tai Chi forms tailored to an individual's health needs and constitution to support healing and maintain well-being.
• 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.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Supporting patients in their herbal medicine journey with clear instructions, quality-sourced herbs, and ongoing monitoring of their response to treatment.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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).

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

• Struggling with feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time? Ming develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, key to helping you get back to doing playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness with improved well-being and energy.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed, Ming helps patients work towards clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, facilitating a return to cherished activities like engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow.
• If my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems is preventing you from fully enjoying shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back, Ming offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Many find that TCM with Ming not only helps with high blood pressure needing complementary support for management but also brings about feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort.

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

Ming's practice is located at Ming's Care Acupuncture & Massage Clinic in the central North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is situated within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic space that is easily accessible and conveniently situated near local community centers and public parks. It is well-served by multiple public transit routes, making it easy for clients to reach. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

Your initial Acupuncture/TCM appointment will typically involve a comprehensive intake process, often lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Your Registered TCM Practitioner will discuss your main health concerns in detail, review your medical history, and inquire about your lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, and emotional state. A key part of this initial visit is the TCM diagnostic assessment, which usually includes looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse on both wrists. Based on all this information, a TCM diagnosis (identifying your specific pattern of imbalance) will be formulated. Your practitioner will then discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, which may include acupuncture, and if you are seeing an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM, potentially an herbal formula, cupping, moxibustion, or dietary/lifestyle advice. An initial acupuncture treatment is often administered during this first visit to begin addressing your concerns.

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 state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.

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. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners; however, coverage levels vary significantly.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on your body. It aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow based on TCM principles. It can help with a wide range of conditions, including pain management (such as back pain and headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner (including Registered Acupuncturists) 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 recommended to verify your insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

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 extensively in herbal pharmacology, herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. It is crucial to inform your practitioner of all medications you are taking and health issues. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform rigorous quality testing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be a comfortable experience. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation during insertion. Some may experience a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicates effective Qi stimulation. Many patients feel very relaxed and may even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, it should be immediately communicated to the practitioner.

Ming's Care Acupuncture & Massage Clinic
4430 Bathurst Street
North York, ON, M3H 2S3

Phone: (437) 421-4103

Ming Liang 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=4042b5fa-9162-e811-810b-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.