Shuli Chen – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Hamilton, ON

Shuli Chen is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at CHEN SHULI in Hamilton, 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.

Shuli's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her care is focused on using 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, ensuring gentle and effective treatment tailored to individual needs.

Shuli Chen 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 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 often recommends preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being, utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body’s innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She offers consultations in English and Mandarin.

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

Dermatological Skin

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Addressing internal imbalances that manifest as skin irritation and inflammation, aiming for long-term relief and healthier skin.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage psoriasis flare-ups by clearing Blood Heat, invigorating Blood circulation, resolving Dampness, and nourishing Yin to address skin scaling, redness, and itching. (As an adjunct to dermatological care).

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).
• 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.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.

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. Shuli can assess your needs.

• 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): 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.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Practical strategies for living in harmony with nature, managing daily stressors effectively, conserving vital energy (Qi), and cultivating healthy habits from a TCM perspective to support overall resilience and a vibrant life.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Personalized dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (Shi Liao), considering the energetic properties of foods (e.g., warming/cooling, drying/moistening, Five Flavors) and their effects on specific organ systems to support your unique constitution, address health imbalances, and promote healing.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.

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

• Rediscover your ability to participate in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation without the burden of circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet. Shuli focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Shuli frequently assists patients in overcoming the desire to support their body's natural detoxification processes using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting feelings of empowerment with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain.
• Understanding that improving overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally can be frustrating, Shuli applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, making it possible to rediscover the joy in working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus.
• For those with frequent colds, feeling like their immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness, Shuli's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you return to attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with greater ease.

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

Shuli practices at CHEN SHULI, situated in the Hamilton Mountain Central South (Ryckmans, Allison) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near the FirstOntario Centre (Bay St Entrance) and is easily accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity, ensuring a comfortable experience for every patient.

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.

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 Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage options, as they can vary significantly.

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

Patients in Ontario can generally see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the requirements of your insurance policy prior to your appointment.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less than an injection. Once inserted, you may experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which indicate that Qi is being affected. Most patients find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing mechanisms.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting long-term harmony and wellness.

CHEN SHULI
19 edenvalley place.
Hamilton, ON, L9B 0B1

Phone: (905) 526-9618

Shuli Chen 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=41d8eb41-b376-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.