About
Puja Urmil Naik is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Rebound health and wellness in Mississauga, 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.
Puja’s role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, 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 treatment plans tailored to each individual.
Puja completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2021). With over 3 years of dedicated practice since 2021, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest and further training in areas such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic therapies. 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 believes in a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Puja offers consultations in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive care.
Puja Urmil Naik provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
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).
- 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): Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, to address symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, belching, and indigestion by strengthening Spleen Qi, ensuring the proper downward flow of rebellious Stomach Qi, and clearing any Stomach Heat or Food Stagnation.
- 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.
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.
- Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Reducing inflammation and swelling, promoting efficient tissue repair, alleviating pain, and restoring optimal function to injured areas to facilitate a quicker and safer return to athletic activity or work.
- Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.
Respiratory Allergy Immune
- Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM dietary advice to reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities, alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pain, and strengthen the body's defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to make it less reactive to allergens.
- Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: TCM strategies, including regular acupuncture, moxibustion, and constitutional herbal tonics, to strengthen the body's overall defensive energy (Wei Qi) and address underlying deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang that may lead to a weakened immune system and frequent infections (e.g., colds, sinus infections, UTIs).
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. Puja can assess your needs.
- Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
- 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).
- Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
- 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.
- Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall 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.
- 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.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Puja, 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 Rebound health and wellness, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Puja frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Puja believes in a partnership with patients. When ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that’s bothersome arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, enabling a more active lifestyle including enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
- Let Puja help you navigate symptoms of Bell’s Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery with targeted TCM care. The goal is a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, so you can fully enjoy cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment and other life pleasures once more.
- By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably, Puja helps patients work towards a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, facilitating a return to cherished activities like running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain.
- Acupuncture and TCM with Puja can be a turning point for those affected by chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections. The goal is achieving clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, paving the way for you to enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue and a more balanced, vibrant life.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Puja, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Puja practices at Rebound health and wellness, situated in the Meadowvale, Meadowvale Village North neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic offers a peaceful environment for healing, with metered and paid parking lots usually available nearby, ensuring ease of access for all patients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to help restore the flow of vital energy (Qi). It can address a variety of health issues, including pain, stress, digestive problems, and more, by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms and promoting balance within the system.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years, incorporating therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, and moxibustion. A Registered Acupuncturist utilizes these tools to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health and wellness.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In general, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in private clinics are not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, though many private insurance plans may provide some reimbursement. It is recommended to verify coverage with individual insurance providers.
Rebound health and wellness
6875 Meadowvale Town Centre Cir
Mississauga, ON, L5N2W7
Phone: (905) 997-6875
Puja Urmil Naik 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=ae7e6e48-281c-ea11-8114-005056a97495
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.