Xiaogang Ding

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

Other Common

• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and gentle herbal therapies to help manage common side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety, thereby improving quality of life and treatment tolerance. (Always in coordination with primary oncology care).
• 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.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.
• 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.

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. Xiaogang can assess your needs.

• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
• 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.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): A contemporary acupuncture technique involving the insertion of needles into specific therapeutic zones on the scalp that correspond to different body functions and brain areas (e.g., motor, sensory, balance zones), primarily used for neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional conditions.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms, Xiaogang crafts treatments to achieve accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, supporting a return to activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain with comfort and confidence.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Xiaogang can be a turning point for those affected by looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue. The goal is achieving clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, paving the way for you to enjoy participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• It's rewarding for Xiaogang to witness patients find relief from digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) and experience enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue again.
• Patients struggling with wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes can find dedicated support from Xiaogang. The therapeutic focus is on achieving a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment.

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

Xiaogang practices at KS WELLNESS CENTER, situated in the Caledonia-Fairbank neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing and relaxation, with street parking often available nearby.

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 the need for a physician's referral, as part of direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to review their individual insurance policies to confirm specific requirements.

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 effective stimulation of your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and sometimes even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If you feel any significant pain during treatment, please inform your acupuncturist immediately.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient principles that view the body as an interconnected system. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health patterns, often using tongue and pulse diagnosis, and develops treatment plans that may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to restore balance and promote healing.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, sustaining health when flowing smoothly. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in these pathways can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians to promote health and healing.

What are Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Tui Na?

These are adjunct therapies used in TCM. Cupping involves creating suction on the skin to improve circulation and reduce tension. Moxibustion uses heat from burning herbs to stimulate acupuncture points. Gua Sha involves scraping the skin to promote blood flow and reduce inflammation. Tui Na is a therapeutic massage technique that manipulates muscles and acupressure points to relieve pain and improve energy flow. Your acupuncturist will determine if these therapies are suitable for your condition.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points (acupoints) along meridians to stimulate and balance Qi flow. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, enhance immune function, and support overall well-being by activating the body's natural healing processes.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, although many private and extended health insurance plans offer some reimbursement for these services. Patients are encouraged to check their individual insurance policies for coverage details.

KS WELLNESS CENTER
2090 Eglinton Ave. West Lower Level
Toronto, ON, M6E 2K7

Phone: (416) 900-1706

Xiaogang Ding 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=5ab2472f-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.