Nan Liu

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

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.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).
• 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: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Addressing TCM patterns often associated with trauma, such as Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Qi Stagnation, or Kidney Jing depletion.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Natural and effective approaches to promote profound relaxation, improve resilience to stressors, foster a sense of inner peace and emotional stability, and manage symptoms of overwhelm.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.

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. Nan can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• 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 Nan, 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 Cornwall Acupuncture Care & Holistic Center, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Nan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Let Nan help you navigate uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes with targeted TCM care. The goal is improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, so you can fully enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue and other life pleasures once more.
• Understanding that knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult can be frustrating, Nan applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, making it possible to rediscover the joy in playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet, Nan helps patients work towards achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, facilitating a return to cherished activities like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy.
• The journey to accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity when faced with TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches can be supported by Nan's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes.

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

Nan Liu practices at Cornwall Acupuncture Care & Holistic Center, situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the heart of Cornwall. The clinic is conveniently located in the central Cornwall neighborhood, close to local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring a smooth and accessible journey for all. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

Is TCM and Acupuncture suitable for children or the elderly?

Yes, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can be very beneficial and safe for both children and the elderly when administered by a qualified and experienced Registered Acupuncturist. For children, practitioners often use very gentle techniques, including non-needle methods like Shonishin, acupressure, or very fine, quickly inserted needles if appropriate. Dosages for herbal medicine are also adjusted for children. For elderly patients, treatments are tailored to their specific health conditions and constitution, often focusing on managing chronic pain, improving mobility, boosting energy, and supporting overall vitality. Treatment plans are always individualized to ensure safety and comfort.

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 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.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncturist 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. Coverage varies significantly depending on your plan.

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

During your first visit, the Registered Acupuncturist will conduct a detailed consultation to understand your health concerns from a TCM perspective. This involves asking in-depth questions about your symptoms, overall health, daily routines, and emotional well-being. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as examining your tongue for its color, coating, and shape, and palpating your pulse at various positions on your wrists, are essential components. After assessing your condition and identifying your TCM pattern, he will explain his findings and propose a treatment strategy. This typically includes an acupuncture session during the first visit, and may also involve recommendations for Chinese herbal medicine (if within their scope), dietary adjustments, or other TCM therapies based on your individual needs.

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 Acupuncturist if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, 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.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or 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. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy details beforehand to ensure coverage and smooth processing of claims.

Cornwall Acupuncture Care & Holistic Center
123 Pitt Street
Cornwall, ON, K6J 5P1

Phone: (613) 936-2596

Nan Liu 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=63bb6589-c876-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.