Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture | Innate Wellness Naturopathic Medical Centre

Acupuncture, Fertility & Labor with Matthew Richardson, R.Ac.

Matthew Richardson, Registered Acupuncturist at Innate Wellness, High park, is an experienced acupuncturist who has spent a lifetime studying martial arts, Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. One thing many people don’t know about Matthew is his experience in fertility, pregnancy, labor and delivery. Wondering about how acupuncture can help fertility? Concerned about the labor and delivery process? Matthew has personal experience and many tips to help you conceive and deliver your baby on your terms! Matthew Richardson, Registered Acupuncturist Q1. For those of us that don’t know – what exactly is acupuncture and how does it work? This is the most common question I get, and the hardest one to answer. The textbook kind of answer is this : Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medical practice that has been practiced, passed down and improved on for over 2000 years and involves the insertion of very thin sterile stainless steel needles into very specific points on the body. The stimulation of these points have the effect of regulating blood pressure, reducing pain, regulating the nervous system and promoting proper organ function. These combined effects are useful for treating any pain, symptom or disease of the body. Put simply though, acupuncture stimulates the body to heal itself. Health is a state of balance. Your best health comes from you, and acupuncture is the means by which we can improve the body’s function when it has lost balance. As a side note, when people ask me about acupuncture I often suggest they come in to experience a session. There is a look that people have when you ask them to do something they have never imagined themselves doing before [...]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-11T10:09:48-04:00March 1st, 2016|Fertility, Innate Wisdom Practitioner Q&A, Post Natal Care, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Women's Wellness|Comments Off

Transition to Fall with Traditional Chinese Medicine

by Matthew Richardson, R.Ac With summer winding down and the days beginning to get shorter we can all feel fall just around the corner with its cool temperatures and windy days. The seasons in Chinese medicine are not events that are separate from us, but are integrated into our lives along with the internal changes of our mind and body (organ systems, emotional selves and habits we have formed). The change in our external environment reflects our internal changes in health and balance. “In ancient times those people who understood Tao (the way of self cultivation) patterned themselves upon the Yin and the Yang (the two principles in nature) and they lived in harmony” The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine – approx. 475-221 BC […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-12T02:54:59-04:00September 5th, 2015|Cold and Flu Season, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

Banish Stubborn Cellulite with Traditional Chinese Cupping & Acupuncture

With Matthew Richardson, R.Ac. Unwanted cellulite can be very tricky to get rid of. It occurs as a result of a build up of fatty tissue closer to the surface of the body that creates an uneven or dimpled appearance on the skin. This tissue commonly accumulates on the hips, thighs, abdomen and on the back of the upper arms. We are often looking for the right cream or exercise that can change the tone of the skin and remove the uneven look but it can be very difficult to find a cream that is actually effective. How is it treated? […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-19T03:17:08-04:00May 27th, 2015|Detoxification/Cleanse, Skin Hair & Nails, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Women's Wellness|Comments Off

Relieve Allergies with Acupuncture

with Matthew Richardson, R.Ac. It’s finally that time of year where April showers start turning into May flowers. It is also the beginning of Allergy Season, which for many of us is the start of dealing with symptoms such as runny nose, sinus congestion, itchy eyes, sore throats, headaches and possibly skin reactions. We often suffer silently or stock up on anti-histamines from the pharmacy and try to get through it for another year. But, there is an alternative and most importantly a more permanent solution that won’t require another trip to the pharmacy. […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-26T06:01:20-04:00May 2nd, 2015|Allergies, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

Meet the Massage Therapy Team!

At Innate Wellness, our Registered Massage Therapists are skilled and unique. From general relaxation to complicated medical conditions, our therapists are trained in a range of techniques to help you achieve wellness. Xiu Hong “Nicole” Peng, RMT Nicole is amazing at getting into painful areas and releasing tension. You will walk out with increased mobility and decreased pain after her treatment sessions! Nicole has experience in the treatment of neck pain, frozen shoulder, muscle tension and pain caused by stress, arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome and occupational-related strains. Her other specialties include: Swedish Relaxation Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release Trigger Point Release Tui na Shiatsu Technique Lymphatic Massage Giuliana Paola, RMT Giuliana provides an elegant blend of eastern and western techniques. She has a Shiatsu styled practice inspired by the healing principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Guiliana is a Certified Shiatsu Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist who strives to help her clients find balance, mind, body and spirit. Swedish Relaxation Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release Shiatsu Tui na Chinese Cupping Acupressure Patti MacGregor, RMT Patti has been in practice 8 years. Her technique is confident and deeply relaxing. Her knowledge in women’s specific massage techniques is extensive. Patti is also trained as a Doula and Lactation Consultant. Her passion for all things ‘women’s wellness’ is evident. Swedish Relaxation Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release Fascial Stretching & Release Breast Massage Lotus Palm Thai Massage (Levels 1 &2) Mercier Therapy (gynovisceral manipulation) About Our Different Massage Techniques Massage therapy is as ancient as any form of medicine. There is archeological evidence of massage in cultures as diverse as China, India, Japan, Korea, Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia. This explains why there are so many different [...]

By Dr. Kathleen Regan ND|2024-06-24T08:34:22-04:00April 10th, 2015|Massage Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

with Matthew Richardson, R.Ac Facial Acupuncture is a safe and painless, non-surgical method of reducing the signs of aging, swelling and redness. It uses very thin needles placed around the face and body to treat acne, remove puffiness, moisten the skin, and reduce swelling or darkness from around the eyes, mouth and jaw line. Sometimes referred to as Cosmetic Acupuncture, it is much more than just a simple face treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture can not only revitalize and nourish your complexion, but will also treat the internal issues that are the root or cause of your skin condition and health. The ‘local’ treatment will directly address any facial symptoms you may be concerned about, while the more internal aspect will address hormonal imbalance, digestive problems or emotional stress affecting your skin. This means, you will experience a more permanent, longer lasting change to your skin condition as well as feelings of increased energy, relaxation and well-being. […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-24T08:49:13-04:00March 30th, 2015|Skin Hair & Nails, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

The Secret to Heart Medicine from Ancient Tradition

with Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND Heart disease is one of the western world’s most prevalent diseases. The Heart and Stroke Foundation rates it as the number one cause of death in Canada. If you look on the Heart and Stroke Website you will see listed the following preventative strategies for heart disease: Maintain a healthy weight Consult a dietician for help with creating a balanced diet, monitoring fat intake, increasing complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables, reducing alcohol consumption Quit smoking or maintain a smoke-free environment Remain Physically Active Decrease stress All great suggestions that we give out as naturopathic doctors every day… lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle! But, our patients protest, ‘it is so hard to change!’ WHY? One of the BIG reason we have difficulty maintaining lifestyle is stress. Our bad habits make us feel really, really good – for a really short period of time. Yet, many of our global authorities on heart health have a hard time directly connecting emotions with heart health – or at least they have a hard time talking about it. Yet in ancient times, this connection was well understood. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) one of the biggest blocks to mental and spiritual wholeness is that between the heart (feeling) and the mind (thought). Somewhere along the way, our western minds came to believe that feelings and thoughts are separate. While in eastern medicine, the relationship is so important that a block or separation between heart and mind is considered a precursor to disease. In TCM the ‘Heart-Mind’ is the residence of memory, thinking, consciousness, mental activity, emotions, sleep and is said to be the home of the spirit or, ‘the [...]

By Dr. Kathleen Regan ND|2024-06-12T02:30:41-04:00February 6th, 2015|Cardiovascular Health, Mental Clarity, Mind Body Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

Renew this New Year with Tuina Massage

with Matthew Richardson, RAc. Tuina is good for anyone! It stimulates the bodies energies and blood to benefit the skin, muscles, tendons, joints and organs. 'Tuina' translates to “push – grasp” and is a traditional form of hands on body work with its roots in Chinese medicine. But, it is much more than just a simple massage for relaxation. Tuina is based on the same points and lines as acupuncture, with the same diagnostic methods. This means we use our hands to stimulate the appropriate acupuncture points and areas that will benefit each individual the most. No two treatments are the same as everyone comes into the clinic with their own unique life experiences. These experiences are stored in the body. We walk around with all that we have done during our lives inside of us. We define ourselves from our experience, and this experience in turn defines our body and how it functions. Tuina therapy considers the whole body, the whole individual and forms a treatment that captures your needs in the moment. Tuina is performed by a trained acupuncturist. If you are coming for acupuncture, don’t worry you won’t miss out! Acupuncture and Tuina are often done together to give a complete internal/external, yin/yang treatment of the body. This is a great treatment, and you leave feeling well grounded with renewed energy. One of the unique aspects of Tuina is the practice of Self-Tuina. This can be a complete set of techniques to treat yourself or just a few simple tips to get you through the day. There is nothing better than being able to treat yourself at the exact moment you feel your symptoms coming on! Frequently Asked Questions: Is Tuina for [...]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-11T09:45:43-04:00December 16th, 2014|Massage Therapy, Pain and Fatigue, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

Cure Common Skin Conditions with Acupuncture!

by Matthew Richardson, R. Ac. Is your skin determining what you wear, what you do or how you feel? Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, acne and dry skin are incredibly common. The discomfort that goes with them can have a large impact on how we live and how we feel about ourselves. Many people spend a lot of time and money on creams and medicines that are partially effective and are limited to treating the symptoms – instead of the underlying condition. Skin conditions don’t start and stop with the skin! They are a reflection of our internal health. There is another solution to problem skin that addresses your internal health. But it cannot be found in your local pharmacy! Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture have been effectively curing skin conditions for thousands of years. […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-14T03:10:15-04:00June 26th, 2014|Skin Hair & Nails, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off