Steve Eun Kyu Ryu

Steve Eun Kyu Ryu provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• 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.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Holistic approach to calming an irritable gut and improving overall digestive health and comfort using personalized TCM treatments.

Dermatological Skin

• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Acupuncture and anti-allergic herbal formulas to reduce itching, redness, and welts associated with hives by expelling Wind, clearing Heat, and calming allergic responses in the skin.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Addressing internal imbalances that manifest as skin irritation and inflammation, aiming for long-term relief and healthier skin.
• Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Natural solutions for clearer skin, aiming to reduce blemishes, prevent scarring, and promote a healthy complexion.
• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): A gentle, holistic approach to calm skin redness and improve overall complexion for individuals with rosacea.

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. Steve can assess your needs.

• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Recommendation and dispensing of pre-made, standardized, classical Chinese herbal formulas in pill, tablet, capsule, or liquid form for common conditions and TCM patterns, offering convenience, consistent dosing, and proven efficacy. (May be recommended by R.Ac within certain guidelines or more comprehensively by R.TCMP).
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• 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.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Comprehensive assessment and prescription of individually tailored Chinese herbal formulas (raw herbs for decoction, granular extracts, powders, or pills) based on your specific TCM pattern diagnosis and constitution to address underlying imbalances and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. (Primarily within R.TCMP scope).

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

• If wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes is preventing you from fully enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue, Steve offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• It's rewarding for Steve to witness patients find relief from wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions and experience a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment again.
• For those whose sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing has made engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind seem difficult, Steve's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind with greater comfort.
• Many find that TCM with Steve not only helps with my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems but also brings about improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in dressing myself independently and without difficulty.

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

Steve practices at RIVERSIDE ACUPUNCTURE AND WELL, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Rideau Hall and is accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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

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 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 of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources can pose risks of incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing to ensure safety.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate Qi flow within meridians. This process helps to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing abilities.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual policy details.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be comfortable or painless. The needles are very thin, and many feel only a slight pinch or no sensation at all. Some may experience sensations like warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate effective stimulation. The needles are sterile and single-use, inserted by trained practitioners to ensure safety. If any pain is experienced, it should be reported immediately.

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

In general, services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or Registered TCM Practitioners in private clinics are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, though some private or extended health insurance plans offer coverage. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy for details.

RIVERSIDE ACUPUNCTURE AND WELL
106-2211 Riverside Dr.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 7X5

Phone: (613) 863-6906

Steve Eun Kyu Ryu 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=6d7ac309-b976-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.