Yi Zhang – Acupuncturist | Orleans, ON

Yi Zhang is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Bellefleur Physiotherapy in Orleans, 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.

Yi'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, ensuring personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs.

Yi Zhang completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2021). With over 3 years of dedicated practice since 2021, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest or further training in areas such as acupuncture. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism); she also emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. She offers consultations in English and Mandarin.

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: TCM strategies aimed at strengthening the Spleen, resolving Dampness and Heat, invigorating Blood, and regulating immune function to support gut healing and reduce flare-ups in IBD.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.

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. Yi can assess your needs.

• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• 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.

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

• Patients struggling with dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects their balance and daily activities can find dedicated support from Yi. The therapeutic focus is on achieving a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare their body for pregnancy and achieved improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles under the care of Yi, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation with renewed vitality and ease.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Yi assists patients with trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed in reaching an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, fostering a return to beloved activities like managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Yi, common concerns like managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, helping people to once again enjoy keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.

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

Located within Bellefleur Physiotherapy, Yi practices at an acupuncture and TCM clinic situated in the central Orleans neighborhood of Orleans. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to incorporate your visits into your daily routine. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, it offers a welcoming environment for all patients seeking holistic health care. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

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.

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) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check with your private or extended health insurance providers, as many offer varying levels of coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is 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 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.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered Acupuncturist, Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your individual insurance policy requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involving the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints. This stimulates the flow of Qi along meridians, helping to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by activating the body's natural healing abilities.

Bellefleur Physiotherapy
3095 St. Joseph Blvd.
Orleans, ON, K1E 3W6

Phone: (613) 424-7852

Yi Zhang 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=6348c400-0d59-e811-810b-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.