Clinic Blog

What is Qi?

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  • What is Qi

Qi (also spelled “Chi” and pronounced “chee”) is a central concept in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. It is a vital energy or life force, or potential force that is believed to flow throughout the body, connecting and animating all aspects of the human system. In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi is believed to circulate along pathways called meridians, which correspond to different organs and bodily functions. When Qi is flowing smoothly and in balance, the body is believed to be healthy and in a state of harmony. However, when Qi is blocked, deficient, or imbalanced, it can lead to physical or emotional symptoms and illness. Qi is also a key concept in martial arts, where it is seen as a source of power and focus. Practitioners of martial arts seek to cultivate and harness Qi through various techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and physical movements. While the concept […]

What is Cupping?

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  • acupuncture in toronto

Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves placing glass, silicone, or plastic cups on the skin and creating a vacuum or suction by heating the air inside the cup or using a mechanical pump. The suction pulls the skin and underlying tissues up into the cup, creating a tight seal. The theory behind cupping is that it can help promote the flow of Qi and blood in the body, which can help to alleviate pain, promote relaxation, and stimulate the immune system. Cupping is often used to treat conditions such as muscle pain, back pain, headaches, and respiratory issues such as coughs and asthma. Cupping is believed to work by creating a local suction that helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is also thought to help stimulate the lymphatic system, which can help to eliminate […]

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

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Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the belief that the body is a complex system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain health and balance. This system includes the organs, meridians, Qi (pronounced “chee”), and other bodily functions. TCM practitioners believe that illness and disease are caused by imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi. This can be due to a variety of factors, including stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, environmental factors, and emotional issues. To address these imbalances, TCM practitioners use a variety of techniques and therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage, and mind-body practices such as tai chi and qi gong. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and help restore balance. Herbal medicine uses natural substances such as roots, bark, and leaves to treat various conditions. Dietary therapy involves making changes […]

What is Acupuncture?

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Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These needles are typically made of stainless steel and are about as thin as a human hair. The theory behind acupuncture is that the body has channels of energy called meridians, and by inserting the needles into certain points along these meridians, the energy flow can be rebalanced. This is believed to help alleviate a wide range of conditions, including pain, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia. The needles used in acupuncture are typically left in place for several minutes to an hour, during which time the patient may feel a slight tingling or dull ache. After the treatment, some people report feeling relaxed and energized. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and should not be used as a […]

5 Lessons Learned After Studying Osteopathy, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

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  • The cavities exist between the organs and communicate between each of them

When I set out on my Chinese Medicine educational journey, I could have never imagined where it would lead me…   After all, I was just a high-schooler whose own Chinese Medicine practitioner decided to take me under her wing.   My studies led me to Beijing, then back to Toronto, and eventually led me to open up my own practice. I was able to meet and learn from the most renowned and respected practitioners in the industry.   It also kickstarted my deep study in Osteopathy.   Unlike many Chinese Medicine practitioners or Acupuncturists, I have specialized knowledge in all three disciplines. Because having the unique ability to pull from multiple bodies of knowledge allows me to fill in the gaps when needed. This means I can serve you better and puts me in the best position to help you optimize your health.   Over the years, I have […]

How to detect pain… Part 2!

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A lot of my patients ask me, “How do you know where the pain is?” Picture this: You are standing in front of a large table topped with a cloth. Blindfolded. You’re asked to hold the two corners of the table cloth and create a wave – just like when you were a kid with the parachute. Even though you can’t see the cloth move, you can feel that it’s making a big wave with ease. Then imagine a cup of water is placed on top of the cloth. And you’re asked to do the same thing. But when you try to create the wave, you no longer feel the ease. Instead, there is an obstruction. And the air beneath the wave has to flow around the obstruction to get to the other side. This is exactly how injury works in the human body. Think of the table cloth as […]

Accidental Acupuncturist by Everyday Acupuncture

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Recently, I did something I have never done before… It forced me to venture way outside my comfort zone. But it was a memorable experience nonetheless: I was interviewed for an American Acupuncture podcast show! I shared my thoughts on the integration of Eastern and Western intervention techniques for chronic pain management. We also chatted about where acupuncture fits in through the lens of modern day Scientific research. I found it difficult not following a script. But it was key to creating an organic and natural conversation surrounding everything from acupuncture to chronic conditions – and how I became an Acupuncturist accidentally. Want to know what you’ll hear during the interview? Here is just a glimpse at the golden nuggets we covered during our time together: ●  Your body is built to self-heal. But there is a specific wear-and-tear pattern that impacts your body’s natural ability to recover. Learn what […]

Effect of Somato-Sensory Training on Intra-Examiner Reliability in Determining the Evenness of Standardized Paired Blocks

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Hypothesis 1.  Somatosensory calibration training improves the ability to determine evenness on standardized paired blocks. 2.  Somatosensory calibration training will increase intra-examiner reliability in determining evenness on standardized paired blocks. Statistical significance will be measured by using p ≤ .05. Abstract Objective / Purpose: Osteopathic medicine practitioners require reliable manual palpatory skills for identifying structural abnormalities (asymmetries).  Past osteopathic and non-osteopathic palpation training studies have shown poor inter-rater reliability and intra- rater reliability.   The objective of this study is to determine if a fabricated training tool (symmetrical) can help calibrate the somatosensory system.  The study looks at whether this tool improves a clinician’s ability to detect smaller differences in asymmetry and increase inter-reliability and intra-reliability. Methods: Testing and training will be performed by participant students from the year one through five classes at the Canadian College of Osteopathy (CCO). The study will include two groups (experimental condition group, and control group) and two […]

How a bag of soup helps me detect pain – Toronto Acupuncture Clinic – Samuel Lo

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  • "How do you find the pain is?" "How do you know where the pain is?" Toronto Acupuncture Clinic

When a patient who is experiencing pain enters my office, one of their most common questions is: “How do you know where the pain is?”   Here’s what I tell them:   Imagine your body as a bag of soup with multiple layers.   Now picture pressing your finger into that bag of soup…   …What happened to your finger?   Well, your finger would be absorbed by the bag of soup. But if you remove your finger, the bag would return to its original shape, wouldn’t it?   Typically, in a healthy individual, it’s always the same process: your finger gets absorbed when you press it into a bag of soup. And when you remove it, the soup returns to its original shape.   So what does a bag of soup have to do with pain?   Here’s the secret sauce: I can find pain when your soup pushes […]

The Truth About Medication – Toronto Acupuncture Clinic – Samuel Lo

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  • Acupuncture Needles - Toronto Acupuncture Clinic

In my practice, I see a lot of patients with long histories of medication for multiple diagnosed conditions. In fact, by the time I have seen these people, they have consumed 50>=100% of their body weight in medication.   These medications are often prescribed by a variety of specialists for things like pain, hypertension, cholesterol, digestive issues, and more. And for the most part, they are prescribed to stabilize the condition – and not to “cure” the condition.   Of course, it is critical to take your meds when prescribed by a doctor. The medication has been prescribed to you for a reason. So if you are not compliant, your health could be at risk! But it is also important to be aware of the side effects… …Most of these medications actually have very similar side effects, like:   Broad short-term effects, including: gastrointestinal issues, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. This […]

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Days Hours
Monday 9.00 - 5.00
Tuesday 9.00 - 5.00
Wednesday 9.00 - 5.00
Thursday 9.00 - 5.00
Friday 9.00 - 5.00
Saturday 10.00 - 2.00
Sunday Closed

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