Shiori Kajiwara

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• 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.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.

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): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and gentle herbal therapies to help manage common side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety, thereby improving quality of life and treatment tolerance. (Always in coordination with primary oncology care).
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): A holistic and integrative TCM approach to help modulate the immune response, alleviate autoimmune-related fatigue and pain, and support the body’s innate healing capacities.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Early and consistent TCM intervention to maximize functional recovery and minimize residual facial weakness or asymmetry.

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. Shiori can assess your needs.

• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• 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 Shiori, 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 Japanese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Shiori frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Experiencing feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings can be draining. Shiori utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, so patients can re-engage with playing with children or grandchildren more comfortably and with sustained energy feeling revitalized.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Shiori assists patients with uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes in reaching enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, fostering a return to beloved activities like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain.
• If heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals is preventing you from fully enjoying sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic, Shiori offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy, Shiori helps patients work towards accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, facilitating a return to cherished activities like managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.

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

Shiori practices at Japanese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinic, situated in a central North York neighborhood dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture care. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring easy reach for those commuting from different parts of the city. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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 (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage reimbursement, so it is advisable to verify your insurance policy requirements before your visit.

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

This varies based on individual conditions. Acute issues may resolve in a few sessions, while chronic conditions might require weekly treatments initially, gradually decreasing in frequency. Your Registered Acupuncturist will assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly, aiming for long-term stability and wellness.

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

Generally, services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or Registered TCM Practitioners in private clinics are not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private insurance plans offer partial coverage. It is recommended to check with your insurer regarding specific coverage details.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate Qi flow and restore balance within the body. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, enhance immune function, and promote overall health and well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

It is advisable to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours before treatment and wear loose clothing for easy access. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your session. Afterward, rest if needed, stay well-hydrated, and monitor how you feel, reporting any unusual responses to your practitioner.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Needles used are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use. Most patients experience little to no discomfort, often feeling only a slight prick or tingling sensation. Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner who follows strict sterilization protocols. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

Japanese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinic
754 Wilson Ave.
North York, ON, M3K 1E2

Phone: (416) 486-6154

Shiori Kajiwara 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=5c94c6c4-c9f2-e611-810a-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.