About
Xu Zhao is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Care of Me health Centre in Toronto, 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.
Xu'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. Her care focuses on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized and compassionate care tailored to individual needs.
Xu Zhao completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest and further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being; she adopts a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Xu often utilizes therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural Yin-Yang harmony. She offers consultations in English.
Xu Zhao provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Dermatological Skin
- Acne (Vulgaris, Cystic, Hormonal): Natural solutions for clearer skin, aiming to reduce blemishes, prevent scarring, and promote a healthy complexion.
- Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying inflammation and vascular reactivity contributing to rosacea flare-ups.
Other Common
- Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
- 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.
- Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Natural relief from sensations of spinning, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness by addressing the root energetic imbalance.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and tonifying herbal therapies to address the profound exhaustion and complex symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by strengthening Spleen Qi, nourishing Kidney Essence (Yin and Yang), resolving Dampness, and calming the Shen.
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. Xu can assess your needs.
- Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
- Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Xu, 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 Care of Me health Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Xu frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- For those whose brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory has made playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain seem difficult, Xu's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain with greater comfort.
- Xu believes in a partnership with patients. When managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, enabling a more active lifestyle including having more regular and comfortable menstrual cycles, allowing for uninterrupted daily life and activities.
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life? Xu works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
- Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Xu, common concerns like stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, helping people to once again enjoy walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Xu, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Xu practices at Care of Me health Centre, situated in the Mimico NW, The Queensway West, south of Bloor neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Distillery District and is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with accessible transportation options and typically available parking for patients.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It’s considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.
- 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 provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners, though coverage levels vary significantly.
- 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 health, including tongue and pulse diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to restore balance and promote healing.
- Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?
- Patients in ON can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify individual insurance policies.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi along meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost the immune system, and promote overall wellness by supporting the body's natural healing processes.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Most people experience little to no discomfort during acupuncture. The needles are very thin, and many feel only a slight pinch or sensation of warmth or tingling. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety. If any pain or discomfort occurs, patients are encouraged to inform their practitioner immediately.
Care of Me health Centre
1258 The Queensway
Toronto, ON, M8Z 1S2
Phone: (416) 252-8828
Xu Zhao 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=46adc82c-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.