Sara Salehi

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

Other Common

• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Acupuncture and herbal formulas to address various types of dizziness and vertigo by treating underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Qi and Blood deficiency.
• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Supporting the body's strength (Zheng Qi), protecting healthy cells, reducing toxic side effects, and promoting recovery and vitality during and after chemotherapy or radiation therapy from a TCM perspective.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and tonifying herbal therapies to address the profound exhaustion and complex symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by strengthening Spleen Qi, nourishing Kidney Essence (Yin and Yang), resolving Dampness, and calming the Shen.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and related therapies to relieve radiating nerve pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness associated with conditions like sciatica or peripheral neuropathy by improving microcirculation, reducing nerve inflammation, and promoting nerve regeneration.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Holistic support to improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic joint pain, swelling, and stiffness due to osteoarthritic degeneration or autoimmune joint conditions (as an adjunct to conventional care).
• 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.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Acupuncture and TCM diagnostic protocols to differentiate and treat various types of headaches and migraines by addressing root causes such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency or stasis, Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm obstruction, or external pathogenic factors.

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. Sara can assess your needs.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• The journey to achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements when faced with feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings can be supported by Sara's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory, Sara crafts treatments to achieve significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, supporting a return to activities like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back with comfort and confidence.
• Experiencing general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout the body can be draining. Sara utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, so patients can re-engage with reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance) feeling revitalized.
• Dealing with ongoing fatigue, chronic tiredness, or lack of vitality? Sara works collaboratively with patients to help improve overall energy levels and vitality, supporting them in resuming their daily routines with renewed vigor and wellness.

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

Sara practices at Sukha Yoga and Pilates Studio, situated in a central Thornhill neighborhood that features a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The location is conveniently accessible via public transit routes and is near local community centers and parks, making it easy for clients to visit. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and metered and paid parking lots are usually found nearby, ensuring your visits are comfortable and stress-free.

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.

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, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, 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.

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 do require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

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

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 OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for registered practitioners.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, far less invasive than an injection. Once inserted, some patients might feel sensations like dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety; always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

What are Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Tui Na?

These are adjunct therapies used in TCM. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, helping to relieve muscle tension and promote circulation. Moxibustion involves burning mugwort near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate Qi and Blood. Gua Sha gently scrapes the skin to improve circulation and reduce pain. Tui Na is a Chinese therapeutic massage that manipulates acupressure points and meridians to promote healing and balance. Your practitioner will determine if these therapies are suitable for your condition.

Sukha Yoga and Pilates Studio
1-55 Glen Cameron Rd.
Thornhill, ON, L3T 1P2

Phone: (416) 625-4493

Sara Salehi 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=3dc3dc73-feb2-ee11-8148-005056a97495

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.