Nanthini Makesan

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

Other Common

• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Acupuncture (often including electroacupuncture) and herbal medicine to help stimulate nerve regeneration, improve muscle tone, and accelerate recovery from Bell's Palsy or other forms of facial paralysis by expelling Wind, invigorating Qi and Blood flow to the facial meridians.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: TCM strategies aimed at strengthening the Spleen, resolving Dampness and Heat, invigorating Blood, and regulating immune function to support gut healing and reduce flare-ups in IBD.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Restoring balance to the large and small intestines and related organ systems (like Spleen, Liver, Kidney) to promote normal stool consistency, frequency, and ease of passage.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.

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. Nanthini can assess your needs.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Many find that TCM with Nanthini not only helps with seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable but also brings about reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• Experiencing feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time can be draining. Nanthini utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, so patients can re-engage with getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing feeling revitalized.
• With Nanthini, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections are guided towards visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout again with greater zest.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Nanthini can be a turning point for those affected by fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy. The goal is achieving experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, paving the way for you to enjoy doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain and a more balanced, vibrant life.

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

Nanthini practices at SNM Health Centre, located in the Milliken Mills East, Steeles L'Amoreaux neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Markham Civic Centre and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and street parking is often available nearby, ensuring a comfortable visit for every patient.

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 (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements before seeking treatment.

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 the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private/extended health insurance plans do offer some coverage for these services. It is recommended to review your insurance plan for details on coverage and reimbursement levels.

Does SNM Health Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, SNM Health Centre typically offers direct billing to major private insurers for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and/or Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP). Patients should bring their insurance details and confirm specific coverage, including any limits, co-payments, or requirements such as referrals. Patients are responsible for non-covered portions or services.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once inserted, many patients experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most find the treatment relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners prioritize safety and use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. This stimulates and balances the flow of Qi along meridians, promoting healing. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost the immune system, and support overall wellness by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

SNM Health Centre
30 New Delhi Drive
Markham, ON, L3S 0B5

Phone: (905) 554-5540

Nanthini Makesan 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=817f3410-c676-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.