About
Tom Kiroplis is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at QUEEN WEST PHYSIOTHERAPY & ACU in Brampton, 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.
Tom's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. His approach focuses 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 personalized and compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.
He completed his R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013), and has accumulated over 11 years of dedicated practice since then. Tom emphasizes ongoing professional learning and upholds the highest standards of TCM practice. He has further training and interest in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. His practice philosophy centres on preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs), empowering individuals to maintain their well-being through individualized treatment plans based on precise TCM pattern differentiation. He offers consultations in English.
Tom Kiroplis 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.
- Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.
Pain Musculoskeletal
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Tom can assess your needs.
- 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).
- TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Using food as medicine according to traditional Chinese dietary wisdom to strengthen organ function (especially Spleen and Stomach), improve digestion, build Qi and Blood, clear pathogenic factors, and promote overall harmony and longevity.
- Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
- 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.
- Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.
- Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
- Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Tom, 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 QUEEN WEST PHYSIOTHERAPY & ACU, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Tom frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue? Tom works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions.
- Many individuals seek the expertise of Tom, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise.
- Understanding that uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes can be frustrating, Tom applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, making it possible to rediscover the joy in spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
- Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For high blood pressure needing complementary support for management, Tom crafts treatments to achieve feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, supporting a return to activities like managing their personal care routines independently with comfort and confidence.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Tom, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Situated in the Brampton South area of Brampton, QUEEN WEST PHYSIOTHERAPY & ACU is conveniently located in the Fletcher's Creek Village neighborhood. The clinic is near the Rose Theatre and easily accessible via Brampton Transit, including the Züm BRT. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with street parking often available nearby, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all patients.
- 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?
- 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 TCM Practitioner immediately.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?
- Patients in Ontario can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, as direct access is permitted. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Generally, Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. Many private and extended health insurance plans offer some coverage, but it varies greatly. Patients are encouraged to review their individual plans for details.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints on the body to stimulate Qi flow along meridians. This therapy can reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost the immune system, and support the body's natural healing processes, promoting overall well-being.
QUEEN WEST PHYSIOTHERAPY & ACU
345 Queen St. West
Brampton, ON, L6Y 3A9
Phone: (905) 450-7870
Tom Kiroplis 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=c4adc82c-b176-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.