Xuelian Li – Acupuncturist | North York, ON

Xuelian Li is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Greenhealth Wellness Ltd. in North York, 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.

Sarah'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 is focused 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, with compassion and holistic expertise.

Xuelian Li completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2024). With approximately one year of clinical experience since 2024, 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 acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic health approaches.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. She utilizes time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). Sarah offers consultations in English and Chinese, ensuring clear communication and personalized care.

Sarah practices at Greenhealth Wellness Ltd., located in the heart of North York's central neighborhood, within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The clinic is conveniently situated near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Public transit routes serve the area well, providing straightforward access for clients. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.

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

• Acupuncture and TCM with Sarah can be a turning point for those affected by managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably. The goal is achieving an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, paving the way for you to enjoy having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Sarah, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects their balance and daily activities impacts their life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain.
• Understanding that looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue can be frustrating, Sarah applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), making it possible to rediscover the joy in cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort.
• Let Sarah help you navigate knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult with targeted TCM care. The goal is a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, so you can fully enjoy meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue and other life pleasures once more.

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

Sarah practices at Greenhealth Wellness Ltd., located in the heart of North York's central neighborhood, within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The clinic is conveniently situated near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Public transit routes serve the area well, providing straightforward access for clients. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 Acupuncturist immediately.

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.

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. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.

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

Patients in Ontario can generally see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral from a physician (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the requirements of your insurance plan beforehand.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system rooted in ancient Chinese principles that emphasizes the balance of Qi, Yin-Yang, and the health of Zang-Fu organs. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health through diagnostic methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis and provides personalized treatments. These may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice aimed at restoring harmony and supporting your body's natural healing processes.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points along the body's meridians to stimulate Qi flow and restore balance. It can effectively address a wide range of conditions such as pain (back, neck, headaches), stress, digestive issues, menstrual irregularities, and more. By activating your body's own healing mechanisms, acupuncture promotes overall wellness and alleviates symptoms.

Greenhealth Wellness Ltd.
15-865 York Mills Rd.
North York, ON, M3B 1Y6

Phone: (431) 990-8866

Xuelian Li 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=3407874f-d697-ee11-8146-005056a97495

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.