Saud Malakhail

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
• 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.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Holistic TCM approaches, including acupuncture, gentle cupping, moxibustion, and carefully selected herbal support, to manage the complex symptoms of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, such as widespread pain, tender points, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and 'fibro fog'.
• 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.
• 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).
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Comprehensive TCM strategies to manage pain, improve healing, and address underlying imbalances that may contribute to recurrent sports injuries or repetitive strain conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

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. Saud can assess your needs.

• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• 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 Saud, 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 Acus Health & Balance, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Saud frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes is preventing you from fully enjoying simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity, Saud offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Saud, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic.
• Saud believes in a partnership with patients. When TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, enabling a more active lifestyle including managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience.
• Rediscover your ability to feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings without the burden of feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time. Saud focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

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

Saud practices at Acus Health & Balance, situated in the Merritton neighborhood of St. Catharines, in the Thorold South area near Brock University. The clinic is conveniently located near shopping plazas and the hospital area, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected via Niagara Region Transit (NRT), allowing for convenient transportation options. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

Does Acus Health & Balance offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, the clinic typically offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) to major private insurers. Patients are advised to bring their insurance details and confirm specific coverage, including whether acupuncture, herbal consultations, herbs, annual maximums, per-visit limits, or referral requirements are involved. It is the patient's responsibility to understand their insurance policy and coverage limits.

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 sensation such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, pressure, heaviness, or energy movement; these are positive signs that the Qi is being influenced. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to restore balance to your energy flow based on TCM principles. It can help manage conditions like pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body, responsible for physiological processes, movement, warmth, and defense against illness. Meridians are pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior. Acupuncture points along these meridians are accessed to influence Qi flow and restore balance and health.

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

During your initial visit, Saud will conduct a comprehensive consultation, asking about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. Diagnostic methods such as tongue examination and pulse palpation are used to identify patterns. He will explain his findings and propose a treatment plan, which may include acupuncture, herbal recommendations, dietary advice, or other therapies tailored to your needs.

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

Generally, services by Registered Acupuncturists or Registered TCM Practitioners in private clinics are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. Many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial coverage for these services, so it's recommended to check your individual policy for details.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to verify your insurance requirements beforehand.

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

TCM is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle guidance. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to address root imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to prevent and treat a wide range of health issues and promote optimal wellness.

Acus Health & Balance
2 Tremont Dr
St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C9

Phone: (289) 489-7052

Saud Malakhail 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=5b07f109-19fe-ec11-811b-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.