Yun Mei Shao

Yun practices at SHAO'S ACUPUNCTURE, situated in the Western Hill, Glen Ridge neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Brock University and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing, ensuring a comfortable and supportive setting for your treatment. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity, making it convenient for patients to access the clinic.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• 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: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.

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

• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body, Yun crafts treatments to achieve a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, supporting a return to activities like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up with comfort and confidence.
• With Yun, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica) are guided towards experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain again with greater zest.
• If brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory is preventing you from fully enjoying feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings, Yun offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Rediscover your ability to playing with children or grandchildren more comfortably and with sustained energy without the burden of fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy. Yun focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

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

Yun practices at SHAO'S ACUPUNCTURE, situated in the Western Hill, Glen Ridge neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Brock University and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing, ensuring a comfortable and supportive setting for your treatment. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity, making it convenient for patients to access the clinic.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner 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 TCM Practitioner (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.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist directly without a physician's referral (known as 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 advisable for patients to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage requirements.

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, connecting internal organs with the exterior, 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?

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. Some private or extended health insurance plans may provide partial coverage, so it is recommended to check individual policy details.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

Your initial appointment typically involves a detailed consultation lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Yun will review your health history, main concerns, lifestyle, diet, sleep, and emotional health. This is complemented by a TCM diagnostic assessment, including tongue observation and pulse feeling. Based on this, a pattern diagnosis is made, and a personalized treatment plan is discussed. The first session may include acupuncture and other therapies such as herbal recommendations, cupping, or moxibustion, depending on your needs.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be comfortable or only mildly prickly. The needles are very thin, and many feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some may experience a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles and are trained in safe needling techniques to ensure your safety. If you experience any discomfort, inform your practitioner immediately.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and registered TCM practitioner, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications. It is essential to inform your practitioner of all medications and health conditions. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of contamination, incorrect formulations, or adverse interactions.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate Qi flow along meridians. This promotes balance, reduces pain, alleviates stress, improves sleep, and supports overall health by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

SHAO'S ACUPUNCTURE
8 HISCOTT STREET, UNIT 8
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 1C6

Phone: (905) 325-9198

Yun Mei Shao 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=d179c309-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.