Shilu Ji is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at SHILU TCM & ACUPUNCTURE in Ottawa, 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. Shilu’s role involves offering skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her care focuses on utilizing 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, with compassion and professionalism.
Shilu Ji completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, 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 TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her extensive experience allows her to tailor treatments specifically to each individual’s unique health needs, ensuring a holistic approach to wellness.
Her practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. She places strong importance on preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. Adopting a holistic view, she considers the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Shilu offers consultations in English and Mandarin, making her services accessible to a diverse community in Ottawa.
Shilu Ji 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: Building resilience against pathogens by fortifying the Zang-Fu organs responsible for immune function, particularly the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys according to TCM theory.
- Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
- Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney deficiencies that often contribute to chronic respiratory conditions and recurrent coughs, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
- Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Natural support for strengthening your immunity, reducing susceptibility to common infections, and helping you recover more quickly and completely when you do get sick.
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Addressing underlying energetic imbalances like Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, and Blood Stasis, and improving overall vitality in individuals with these chronic pain conditions.
- Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to head pain (e.g., temporal, occipital, vertex headaches) and providing personalized treatments, including acupuncture and herbal formulas, for lasting relief and prevention.
Other Common
- Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Natural relief from sensations of spinning, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness by addressing the root energetic imbalance.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.
- 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.
- Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).
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. Shilu can assess your needs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
- Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Supporting patients in their herbal medicine journey with clear instructions, quality-sourced herbs, and ongoing monitoring of their response to treatment.
- Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Convenient and effective classical herbal formulations, often derived from famous ancient prescriptions, to complement your acupuncture treatment or as a standalone therapy for various health concerns.
- Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.
- TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Shilu, 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 SHILU TCM & ACUPUNCTURE, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Shilu frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities, Shilu helps patients work towards visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, facilitating a return to cherished activities like walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue.
- Many individuals seek the expertise of Shilu, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
- If stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work is affecting your ability to participate in getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing, Shilu's TCM approach aims for improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, helping you to regain your stride.
- The journey to feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice when faced with symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery can be supported by Shilu's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance).
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Shilu, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Shilu practices at SHILU TCM & ACUPUNCTURE, situated in the Kanata (Beaverbrook, Kanata Lakes) neighbourhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Billings Bridge Shopping Centre and is easily accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?
- In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral, as part of the direct access model. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm their requirements.
- 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. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health conditions. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs typically source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing to ensure safety.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many people feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight pinch, dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which indicates effective Qi stimulation. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and may even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any notable pain occurs, it should be reported immediately to the practitioner.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Acupuncture and TCM 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, but many private and extended health insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for these services. It is recommended to review your insurance policy for specific details.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health through pattern diagnosis, including tongue and pulse examination, to identify imbalances. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice aimed at restoring harmony and promoting natural healing.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along meridians to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy). This helps to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and enhance overall well-being by supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- In TCM, Qi is considered the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via pathways called meridians. These channels connect internal organs to the body's exterior, facilitating the circulation of Qi and Blood. Acupuncture points along these meridians are used to influence and restore balance, supporting health and vitality.
SHILU TCM & ACUPUNCTURE
3 Catterick Crescent
Ottawa, ON, K2K 3M5
Phone: (613) 986-6938
Shilu Ji 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=90adc82c-b176-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.