Xiantao Luo

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Harmonizing the Stomach Qi and directing its rebellious upward flow downwards to alleviate feelings of queasiness and prevent vomiting.
• 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.

Other Common

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Natural and comprehensive solutions for combating persistent, debilitating tiredness, improving energy production, and enhancing overall resilience and quality of life.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): Focusing on harmonizing Yin and Yang, clearing pathogenic factors (like Heat or Damp), nourishing deficient substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang), and resolving stagnation to support overall systemic balance.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Early and consistent TCM intervention to maximize functional recovery and minimize residual facial weakness or asymmetry.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: TCM strategies, including regular acupuncture, moxibustion, and constitutional herbal tonics, to strengthen the body's overall defensive energy (Wei Qi) and address underlying deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang that may lead to a weakened immune system and frequent infections (e.g., colds, sinus infections, UTIs).

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. Xiantao can assess your needs.

• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• 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).
• 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.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Supporting patients in their herbal medicine journey with clear instructions, quality-sourced herbs, and ongoing monitoring of their response to treatment.

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

• It's rewarding for Xiantao to witness patients find relief from brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory and experience improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions again.
• With Xiantao, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings are guided towards a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it again with greater zest.
• Understanding that that nagging back pain that just won't go away can be frustrating, Xiantao applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, making it possible to rediscover the joy in resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• When symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Xiantao can help you work towards noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions.

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

Practicing at Osteo Tuina, situated in the vibrant Kensington Market area of Toronto, ON, Xiantao's clinic is conveniently located in the Chinatown and Grange Park neighborhood. The clinic is near the iconic Gooderham Building (Flatiron Building) and easily accessible via TTC, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation, with metered and paid parking lots generally available nearby for added convenience.

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 public health plans like OHIP. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans do offer some coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies, as coverage levels and reimbursement criteria can vary significantly.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. When Qi flows smoothly and in balance, health is maintained; disruptions can lead to illness. **Meridians** are interconnected channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in Qi flow within these meridians can cause pain or disease, and acupuncture aims to restore proper flow and balance.

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 Dr. TCM with extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, monitor for herb-drug interactions, and identify contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. Patients should inform their practitioner about all medications they are taking. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks such as incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician’s referral. This is known as direct access. Nevertheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to verify their insurance policy requirements before scheduling treatments.

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 the meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

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

TCM is a holistic healthcare system that addresses health imbalances through therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and dietary recommendations. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifies patterns of imbalance, and customizes treatment plans to restore harmony and promote healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, sterile, and single-use, often causing little to no discomfort during insertion—usually just a tiny prick. Many patients feel a dull ache, warmth, or tingling once the needles are in place, which indicates Qi movement. Most find acupuncture to be relaxing and safe when performed by a licensed practitioner who uses disposable needles. Always communicate any discomfort during treatment.

Osteo Tuina
403 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON, M5T 1G6

Phone: (416) 939-8888

Xiantao Luo 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=4929c300-4e02-ed11-811b-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.