Xiaowei Zhou

Xiaowei practices at VIVI CLINIC, situated in the Nepean neighborhood (Centrepoint, Tanglewood, Craig Henry) of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the Centretown Business Area and is easily accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity, making it easy for patients to visit and focus on their wellness journey.

• 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.
• 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.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• 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.

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

• If skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives are affecting your ability to sleep soundly through the night and wake up feeling refreshed and energetic, Xiaowei's TCM approach aims for a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, helping you to regain your stride.
• Dealing with ongoing challenges of trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up tired? Xiaowei collaborates with patients to reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing and congestion, and decrease reliance on allergy medications. His treatments may include acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion, to help you travel more comfortably without issues like motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM, concerns such as leg pain or tingling (like sciatica), irregular menstrual cycles, PMS, or PMDD are addressed holistically. Xiaowei aims to help patients experience more regular, balanced cycles, less pain, and a greater capacity to enjoy activities like tennis without discomfort.
• Many find that TCM with Xiaowei alleviates respiratory issues like asthma and helps manage side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, supporting overall well-being and daily functioning.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Xiaowei, will be designed to help you reach your specific health and wellness goals through a holistic and time-tested approach.

Xiaowei practices at VIVI CLINIC, situated in the Nepean neighborhood (Centrepoint, Tanglewood, Craig Henry) of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the Centretown Business Area and is easily accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity, making it easy for patients to visit and focus on their wellness journey.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, thanks to direct access regulations. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system rooted in ancient principles, focusing on restoring balance and harmony within the body. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health, often through tongue and pulse diagnosis, to identify patterns of imbalance. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice, all aimed at helping your body heal naturally and maintain optimal health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The thin, sterile needles are inserted gently, often resulting in little to no sensation. Some individuals may feel a slight pinch or a dull ache, which indicates Qi stimulation. Many patients relax deeply or fall asleep during treatments. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If you experience any discomfort, you should inform your acupuncturist immediately.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians. According to TCM, this helps to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, support immune function, and promote overall well-being by encouraging your body's natural healing processes.

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

In general, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in private clinics are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, though some private insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, maintaining health when balanced. **Meridians** are channels through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or deficiencies in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow within these meridians, promoting health and healing.

VIVI CLINIC
33 avonlea rd
Ottawa, ON, k2g oj4

Phone: (613) 884-9169

Xiaowei Zhou 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=f979c309-b976-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.