Zhen Hao Chen

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

Dermatological Skin

• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Natural relief from acute and chronic hives, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of episodes.
• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage psoriasis flare-ups by clearing Blood Heat, invigorating Blood circulation, resolving Dampness, and nourishing Yin to address skin scaling, redness, and itching. (As an adjunct to dermatological care).
• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying inflammation and vascular reactivity contributing to rosacea flare-ups.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Restoring balance to the large and small intestines and related organ systems (like Spleen, Liver, Kidney) to promote normal stool consistency, frequency, and ease of passage.
• 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.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.

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. Zhen can assess your needs.

• 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: 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 Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Practical strategies for living in harmony with nature, managing daily stressors effectively, conserving vital energy (Qi), and cultivating healthy habits from a TCM perspective to support overall resilience and a vibrant life.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.
• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Personalized dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (Shi Liao), considering the energetic properties of foods (e.g., warming/cooling, drying/moistening, Five Flavors) and their effects on specific organ systems to support your unique constitution, address health imbalances, and promote healing.

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

• The journey to experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days when faced with frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness can be supported by Zhen's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy.
• If dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities is affecting your ability to participate in managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain, Zhen's TCM approach aims for a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, helping you to regain your stride.
• Zhen believes in a partnership with patients. When uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, enabling a more active lifestyle including walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery.
• If trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed is preventing you from fully enjoying participating in community events and social gatherings more actively, Zhen offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.

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

Located at ACM HEALTH CENTRE in the Unionville North area of Markham, Zhen’s practice is situated in the Berczy Village West neighborhood near Uptown Market. The clinic is conveniently accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva, making it easy for patients to reach. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing and relaxation, with street parking often available nearby, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patients.

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

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform the practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and existing health issues. Patients are strongly advised against self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources, as this can lead to incorrect diagnosis, improper formulations, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing to ensure safety.

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 Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to check with individual private or extended health insurance plans, as many do provide some coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly depending on the plan.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive 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 massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle guidance. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to address the root causes of health issues by balancing Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to restore harmony and promote long-term wellness.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are extremely thin, and many people feel little to no sensation when the needles are inserted. Common sensations include a slight pinch, dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicate effective stimulation of Qi. Patients often report feeling very relaxed and may even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infections. If you experience any pain or discomfort, immediately inform your practitioner.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via a network of channels called meridians. When Qi flows smoothly and in balance, health is maintained. Blockages or deficiencies in Qi flow can lead to pain and illness. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore proper Qi flow within the meridians to promote health and well-being.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically access a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider about their specific requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. It stimulates the flow of Qi along the meridians, helping to alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and support overall health. Many patients experience relaxation and symptom relief during and after treatments, with some feeling more energetic and balanced.

ACM HEALTH CENTRE
16-280 Yorktech Dr.
Markham, ON, L6G 0A6

Phone: (416) 898-5906

Zhen Hao Chen 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=74adc82c-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.