Paul Nicholas Marchinko

Paul practices at Massage Addict, situated in the Maple, Dynes neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Burlington and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Utilizing the synergistic therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese herbs, often in complex combinations, to restore organ function (Zang-Fu), balance Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and promote profound healing from within by addressing the root cause of illness.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• 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.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.
• 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.

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

• The path to overcoming dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities and achieving a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day is often clearer with TCM. Paul guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain with improved health.
• When ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Paul can help you work towards gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Paul, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort.
• With Paul, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems are guided towards experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity again with greater zest.

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

Paul practices at Massage Addict, situated in the Maple, Dynes neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Burlington and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, 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.

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.

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), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. They also ensure herbs are sourced from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing. However, it is important to inform your practitioner of all medications and health conditions to avoid adverse interactions. Do not self-prescribe or purchase herbs from unreliable sources, as incorrect formulations or contaminated herbs can pose risks.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). Nevertheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often less thick than a human hair. Most people experience little to no discomfort during insertion, feeling only a tiny prick. Once needles are in place, you might feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate active Qi flow. Acupuncture is generally very relaxing, and safety is ensured through strict sterilization and single-use needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in the body's vital energy (Qi), Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues to promote harmony and long-term wellness.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. However, many private health plans or extended insurance policies may offer coverage for these services. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider for specific reimbursement options.

Massage Addict
1250 Brant St
Burlington, ON, L7P 1X8

Phone: (905) 332-7778

Paul Nicholas Marchinko 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=a56ce7a0-a376-e611-80c1-005056a97495

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.