Shujun Xiao

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).

Pain Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Addressing neuropathic pain by invigorating Qi and Blood flow along affected meridians, nourishing Yin and Blood to repair damaged nerves, and resolving blockages or stagnation.
• 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.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.

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. Shujun can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• 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.

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

• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time, Shujun crafts treatments to achieve accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, supporting a return to activities like planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being with comfort and confidence.
• Patients struggling with frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness can find dedicated support from Shujun. The therapeutic focus is on achieving gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult? Shujun works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain.
• When fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Shujun can help you work towards feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.

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

Shujun practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic in Kitchener, situated in the Forest Heights, Forest Hill neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Doon Heritage Village and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus routes and the ION Light Rail. Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing, with metered and paid parking lots usually available nearby, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all patients.

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.

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, it's important to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as some plans may require a referral for coverage reimbursement. While a referral isn't legally necessary, verifying your insurance policy will ensure you receive the maximum benefit.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach rooted in ancient Chinese principles. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health using methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis to identify patterns of imbalance. Treatment may involve acupuncture, herbal formulas (if qualified as R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice aimed at restoring harmony and promoting natural healing.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body, supporting all physiological functions. **Meridians** are specific channels 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, balance, and health, restoring proper energy circulation.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for these services. It's advisable to review your individual policy to understand your benefits.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at our clinic treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, headaches and migraines (tension, hormonal, cluster), chronic pain conditions like back pain or arthritis, digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea, sleep disorders, women's health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and overall wellness support. Treatments often involve TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis, acupuncture, cupping therapy, moxibustion, and dietary or lifestyle advice tailored to your specific pattern diagnosis.

1414 Queens Blvd
Kitchener, ON, N2M 1E1

Phone: (519) 279-0126

Shujun Xiao 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=157e3410-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.