Takayuki Tsuchikawa – Acupuncturist | Toronto, ON

Takayuki Tsuchikawa is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at J.CARE -Japan Sports Medicine & Wellness Clinic- in Toronto, ON, he 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.

Takayuki's approach focuses on providing 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. His care is centered on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring individualized treatment for diverse needs.

Takayuki Tsuchikawa completed his R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, he is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. He has a particular interest and further training in acupuncture, continuously refining his skills to deliver safe and effective care.

His practice philosophy emphasizes a commitment to individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, ensuring care is tailored to each person's unique constitution and condition. Takayuki advocates for preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. He utilizes time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural Yin-Yang harmony. He offers consultations in English and Japanese.

Takayuki practices at J.CARE -Japan Sports Medicine & Wellness Clinic-, located in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently situated near Polson Pier and is easily accessible via TTC, including Subway, Streetcar, and Bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing and relaxation. Street parking is often available nearby, making visits convenient and comfortable.

• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).
• 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.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.

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

• Takayuki frequently assists patients in overcoming sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering.
• For those whose irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms has made attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus seem difficult, Takayuki's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus with greater comfort.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes, Takayuki crafts treatments to achieve reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), supporting a return to activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf with comfort and confidence.
• When symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Takayuki can help you work towards improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.

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

Takayuki practices at J.CARE -Japan Sports Medicine & Wellness Clinic-, located in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently situated near Polson Pier and is easily accessible via TTC, including Subway, Streetcar, and Bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing and relaxation. Street parking is often available nearby, making visits convenient and comfortable.

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.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered Acupuncturist if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

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.

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 provincial health plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check with your private or extended health insurance plan, as many offer some coverage for registered practitioners' services, though coverage levels vary.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to verify their individual insurance requirements before booking their appointment.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

During your initial visit, the Registered Acupuncturist will conduct a thorough consultation to understand your health concerns from a TCM perspective. This includes asking detailed questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and emotional health. Diagnostic methods such as tongue examination and pulse palpation are used to assess your pattern. Based on this, the practitioner will explain their findings and develop a personalized treatment plan, which usually involves acupuncture. Additional recommendations such as herbal medicine, diet, or other therapies may also be discussed to support your healing journey.

J.CARE -Japan Sports Medicine & Wellness Clinic-
1-3436 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON, M4N 2M9

Phone: (647) 625-1038

Takayuki Tsuchikawa 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=cab1283f-bd76-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.