Nguyen Hanh Chu – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Barrie, ON

Nguyen Hanh Chu is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Mai Acupuncture Barrie in Barrie, 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.

Nguyen'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. Her care is focused 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 personalized and compassionate care for everyone.

Nguyen Hanh Chu completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2020). With over 4 years of dedicated practice since 2020, 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 utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She adopts a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Nguyen aims to identify and treat the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. She offers consultations in English and Vietnamese.

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

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.
• 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.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Effective TCM management strategies for shooting, burning, or electric-shock like pain that follows nerve pathways, aiming to improve sensation and function.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain sensitivity, improving energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and restoring a better quality of life for those with fibromyalgia or widespread myofascial pain.
• 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): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.

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. Nguyen can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Comprehensive assessment and prescription of individually tailored Chinese herbal formulas (raw herbs for decoction, granular extracts, powders, or pills) based on your specific TCM pattern diagnosis and constitution to address underlying imbalances and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. (Primarily within R.TCMP scope).

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

• With Nguyen, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems are guided towards for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain again with greater zest.
• Rediscover your ability to attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout without the burden of symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery. Nguyen focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Many find that TCM with Nguyen not only helps with wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally but also brings about gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus.
• Nguyen believes in a partnership with patients. When looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, enabling a more active lifestyle including engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow.

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

Nguyen practices at Mai Acupuncture Barrie, situated in the Letitia Heights neighborhood of Barrie, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near North Barrie Crossing and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 provincial health plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It is important for patients to check their individual insurance policies, as coverage levels and requirements vary significantly.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Common sensations include a slight pinch, dull ache, warmth, tingling, or fullness around the needle site, which generally indicates effective stimulation of the body's Qi. Many patients feel very relaxed and may even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any notable pain, inform your practitioner immediately.

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 or Acupuncturist 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. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm specific requirements.

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 to identify high-quality herbs, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for certain health conditions. It is essential to inform your practitioner about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources can carry risks such as incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs typically source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform rigorous quality testing.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is considered the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, responsible for movement, warmth, and protection. **Meridians** are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles and skin. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to influence the flow of Qi to restore balance and health.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system rooted in ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance using techniques like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may involve acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary recommendations to restore harmony and promote healing.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi along meridians. This process can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Mai Acupuncture Barrie
566 Bryne Drive
Barrie, ON, L4N 9P6

Phone: (705) 721-7979

Nguyen Hanh 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=061c5174-0d71-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.