At Aurora North Medical Centre, we provide authentic, professional care rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our holistic approach focuses on restoring balance and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal, delivered by registered practitioners in a medical clinic setting in Aurora, Ontario.
Acupuncture, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine and Tui Na are all part of the same tradition, so we treat them as one service rather than a menu of separate appointments. Your practitioner chooses the techniques that suit your assessment.
What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine, usually shortened to TCM, is a complete system of medicine developed over thousands of years. It looks at patterns across the whole person, including your symptoms, sleep, digestion, stress and energy, rather than at one isolated complaint.
Because TCM treats the pattern rather than the single symptom, your treatment plan is built around your own assessment. Two people arriving with the same headache can leave with two different plans.
Our Traditional Chinese Medicine Services
TCM Diagnosis
Each TCM visit includes a consultation with tongue and pulse assessment and an in-depth discussion of your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history. This identifies the underlying imbalances and guides a personalized plan.
Acupuncture
Using fine, sterile, single-use needles at specific points on the body, acupuncture is used to regulate Qi, relieve pain and restore balance. You can book acupuncture on its own if that is all you are looking for.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription
Where appropriate, your practitioner may write a customized herbal prescription for your condition as part of your TCM visit. We do not dispense herbs at the clinic, so you can have your prescription filled at a Chinese herbal pharmacy of your choice. Tell your practitioner about any medications or supplements you take, including over-the-counter products, so your prescription can be written safely around them.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping uses cups to create gentle suction on the skin, to support circulation, relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Depending on your practitioner, this may include fire cupping, a traditional technique where heat is used to create the suction. Cupping commonly leaves circular marks for a few days, which fade on their own.
Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage)
Tui Na is a therapeutic form of Chinese massage using traditional manual techniques and acupressure. Depending on your practitioner, this may include Hot Stone Tui Na, which combines traditional manual techniques with the warmth of heated stones to help release tension, improve relaxation and support overall well-being. We also offer Head Tui Na, which focuses on acupressure points around the head, neck and scalp.
Cupping and Tui Na are usually delivered as part of a TCM visit rather than booked separately. If there is a technique you particularly want, mention it when you book so your practitioner can plan the session around it.
Who Can Benefit from TCM?
Our practitioners commonly support people with:
- Pain management, including muscle tension
- Women’s health, including obstetric and gynaecological health, such as menstrual irregularities, PMS and menopause support
- Chronic skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis and eczema
- Weight management goals
- Stress, tension and relaxation
- Chronic illness support and preventive care
- General wellness
- Digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation, acid reflux and IBS
- Poor sleep and fatigue
- Headaches and migraines
- Anxiety, mood imbalance or emotional stress
- Allergies and respiratory conditions
- Immune support
TCM works alongside your medical care, not instead of it. Please keep taking any medication your physician has prescribed and tell your practitioner what you are on. If something you describe needs medical assessment, we will say so, and our medical team is in the same building.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first visit is longer than a follow-up, so there is time for a thorough consultation about your health, including a tongue and pulse assessment. From there, your practitioner creates a personalized plan. Depending on your condition, your initial TCM visit may include acupuncture, a herbal prescription, or other techniques such as cupping or Tui Na. If you book acupuncture on its own, your first appointment also begins with a full assessment.
Follow-up visits are shorter and focus on treatment and on reviewing your progress. You can see current appointment options and lengths on our Jane booking site. TCM and acupuncture usually work as a course of treatment rather than a single visit, and your practitioner will discuss a realistic schedule with you after your first assessment.
What to wear: loose, comfortable clothing. Many acupuncture points are on the arms below the elbow and the legs below the knee, so sleeves and pants that roll up easily are helpful.
Meet Our Registered TCM Practitioners
Rong (Rosa) Du
Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner & Acupuncturist
R. TCMP, R. Ac
Specialties: Acupuncture, Cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, and Tui Na
Languages spoken: English, Mandarin
Background in Western medicine and critical care, having studied and practised in both China and Canada.
Ikjoon (Ike) Chang
Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner & Acupuncturist
R. TCMP, R. Ac
Specialties: Obstetrics & Gynaecological Health, Atopic Dermatitis & Eczema, Weight Management, Fire Cupping
Languages spoken: English, Korean
Over 20 years of clinical experience in Canada. Techniques include fire cupping, magnetic therapy and Hot Stone Tui Na.
All of our TCM practitioners are registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario. You can see the rest of our clinical team on our About Us page.
Pricing & Insurance
For current pricing and appointment options, please visit our Jane Online Booking Site.
Our practitioners are registered with the College as R. TCMP and R. Ac. Acupuncture from a registered practitioner is covered under acupuncture benefits on many extended health plans, subject to the terms and limits of your individual plan. Herbal prescriptions are filled and paid for separately at the pharmacy, and are less commonly covered by insurance.
We offer direct insurance billing where permitted by your insurance provider. Please bring your insurance information to your first appointment and our team can help you with the billing process.
Coverage limits, deductibles, referral requirements and reimbursement amounts vary by individual plan. Please confirm the details of your coverage with your insurance provider.
Why Choose Aurora North Medical Centre?
- Registered practitioners. Our TCM practitioners are registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario as R. TCMP, R. Ac.
- TCM inside a medical clinic. Family physicians, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy and massage therapy all operate from the same building, so your care can be coordinated rather than siloed.
- Direct billing where available.
- Convenient location at 16015 Bayview Avenue in Aurora with free parking, serving Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, King City and the surrounding York Region communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get acupuncture in Aurora, Ontario?
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are available at Aurora North Medical Centre, 16015 Bayview Avenue, Unit No. 1, Building B, Aurora, ON L4G 3L4, from practitioners registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario as R. TCMP, R. Ac. Book acupuncture through our Jane booking site or call (905) 727-6669 ext. 2.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very fine, far thinner than the needles used for injections or blood tests. You may feel a brief pinch as a needle goes in, followed by a dull ache, heaviness or warmth, which is normal. Tell your practitioner if anything feels uncomfortable and they can adjust your treatment.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans include acupuncture when it is performed by a registered practitioner, and our practitioners are registered with the College. Coverage varies by plan, so confirm your limits with your insurer. We can direct bill where your provider permits it.
What is the difference between acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Acupuncture is one technique within Traditional Chinese Medicine. A TCM visit includes a TCM diagnosis and may combine acupuncture with cupping, Tui Na or a herbal prescription. If you only want acupuncture, you can book that on its own.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on the concern and how long you have had it. Your practitioner will give you a realistic plan after your first assessment and adjust it as you go.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are seeking relief from a specific condition or looking for preventative, holistic care, TCM offers a natural and personalized path toward better health.
Book acupuncture or a TCM visit online through our Jane booking site, or call (905) 727-6669 ext. 2 if you would like help choosing the right appointment.
Aurora North Medical Centre, 16015 Bayview Avenue, Unit No. 1, Building B, Aurora, ON L4G 3L4. See our full range of rehabilitation and wellness services, including chiropody (foot care) and osteopathy.