Shahla Tavakolnia

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• 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).
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.

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.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Natural and effective approaches to promote profound relaxation, improve resilience to stressors, foster a sense of inner peace and emotional stability, and manage symptoms of overwhelm.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.

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. Shahla 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.

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

• Shahla frequently assists patients in overcoming ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• For those whose uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes has made enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time seem difficult, Shahla's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time with greater comfort.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Shahla can be a turning point for those affected by feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time. The goal is achieving for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, paving the way for you to enjoy working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Rediscover your ability to sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play without the burden of symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery. Shahla focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

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

Shahla practices at UNIQUE REHAB&PHYSIOTHERAPY, situated in a central North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is located within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic space, conveniently close to local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. The location is well served by multiple public transit routes, ensuring easy and accessible transportation options for all visitors. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered Acupuncturist immediately.

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, as part of the direct access model. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm if a referral is necessary for coverage.

Approximately how many Acupuncture/TCM sessions will I need and how often?

The number and frequency of sessions vary depending on your condition's nature, severity, duration, and your response to treatment. Acute issues may improve with 1-3 sessions per week over 1-2 weeks, while chronic or complex conditions often require longer courses, such as 6-12 weekly or bi-weekly sessions, with ongoing re-evaluation by your practitioner. Your acupuncturist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs after an initial assessment.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are not covered by OHIP. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments by registered practitioners. It is recommended to review your insurance policy for specific details about coverage levels.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in the flow of Qi within these meridians can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore proper Qi flow to maintain health and balance.

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 advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing root causes of health issues and supporting long-term wellness.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along energy pathways to stimulate Qi flow, restore balance, and promote healing. It can alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve digestion, and support overall health by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at UNIQUE REHAB&PHYSIOTHERAPY treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management), Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions, sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall well-being. Treatments often involve TCM Tongue Diagnosis, and may also include Electroacupuncture, moxibustion, or dietary advice based on your specific TCM diagnosis.

UNIQUE REHAB&PHYSIOTHERAPY
15 Hendon Ave
North York, ON, M2M 4G8

Phone: (416) 250-0167

Shahla Tavakolnia 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=217e3410-c676-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.