Tong Chen – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | Richmond Hill, ON

Tong Chen is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Truly Solutions Rehab in Richmond Hill, 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.

As a skilled TCM practitioner, Tong specializes in providing 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 approach focuses on stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities and restoring energetic balance in accordance with TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized and effective treatment plans.

Tong completed her R. TCMP and R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, she is committed to continuous professional development and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a special interest in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes individualized treatment based on precise pattern differentiation, viewing the body holistically—interconnecting physical, mental, and emotional health. She offers consultations in Chinese.

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Natural and effective strategies for managing acute allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of chronic allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Natural support for strengthening your immunity, reducing susceptibility to common infections, and helping you recover more quickly and completely when you do get sick.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD: Natural and effective solutions for achieving smoother, more comfortable, predictable menstrual cycles and balanced hormonal health.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Holistic support aimed at improving hormonal balance, reducing pain and other symptoms, enhancing fertility potential, and improving quality of life for women with PCOS or endometriosis.

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. Tong can assess your needs.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.

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

• Many find that TCM with Tong not only helps with uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes but also brings about experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes and achieved enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum under the care of Tong, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort with renewed vitality and ease.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings, Tong crafts treatments to achieve feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, supporting a return to activities like dressing myself independently and without difficulty with comfort and confidence.
• Struggling with feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality? Tong develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, key to helping you get back to doing getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up with improved well-being and energy.

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

Practicing at Truly Solutions Rehab, situated in the Langstaff, South Richvale neighborhood of Richmond Hill, Tong’s clinic is conveniently located near local business parks and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The clinic offers a tranquil environment conducive to healing, and street parking is often available nearby, making your visit both comfortable and convenient.

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.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, 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.

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.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral, as part of the direct access policy. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm coverage requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system with a history spanning thousands of years. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle guidance. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing root causes of health issues and promoting overall harmony and wellness.

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

In general, acupuncture and TCM services provided by registered practitioners in private clinics are not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to review your private or extended health insurance plan, as many do offer partial or full coverage for treatments performed by registered practitioners, with coverage levels varying significantly.

Truly Solutions Rehab
308A-650 Highway 7 East
Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 2N7

Phone: (416) 900-0622

Tong 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=00b1472f-c076-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.