Oleksandr Shynkarenko

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• 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.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.

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. Oleksandr can assess your needs.

• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• The journey to for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development when faced with seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable can be supported by Oleksandr's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like playing with children or grandchildren more comfortably and with sustained energy.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms, Oleksandr helps patients work towards improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, facilitating a return to cherished activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.
• For those whose ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome has made enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again seem difficult, Oleksandr's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with greater comfort.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Oleksandr, common concerns like uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, helping people to once again enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue.

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

Oleksandr practices at Health Horizon Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre, located in the heart of Downtown Brampton within the Brampton West neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Region of Peel Administrative Buildings, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Public transportation options include Brampton Transit, including the Züm BRT service, ensuring smooth access for patients. Our clinic offers a serene environment dedicated to healing and well-being, with metered and paid parking lots typically available nearby, facilitating a comfortable visit for every patient.

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.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

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. It is advisable to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as many plans offer partial or full coverage for registered practitioners, but coverage varies widely.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, making their insertion usually painless or just a tiny prick. Many patients experience a sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which indicates the flow of Qi is being influenced. Most find the experience relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

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’s pathways called **meridians**. These pathways connect internal organs with external parts such as muscles and skin, facilitating the circulation of Qi and Blood. Acupuncture points along these meridians are accessed to restore balance, promote health, and address various imbalances or blockages.

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 referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy's requirements beforehand.

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

Your initial appointment generally involves a comprehensive intake lasting 60 to 90 minutes. The practitioner will discuss your main health concerns, review your medical history, and ask about lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being. Diagnostic assessment includes examining your tongue and feeling your pulse on both wrists. Based on this, a TCM diagnosis is made, and a personalized treatment plan is discussed. This may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, or dietary/lifestyle advice. An initial treatment may be provided during this visit to start addressing your concerns.

Health Horizon Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre
10-17 Worthington Ave.
Brampton, ON, L7A 2Y7

Phone: (905) 970-0001

Oleksandr Shynkarenko 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=82b2472f-c076-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.