What is Traditional Chinese Medicine & TCM Acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China and has a history of over two thousand years. Influenced by ancient Chinese philosophy, culture, science, and technology, Chinese medicine uses the theory of Yin and Yang and the theory of Wu Xing to explain the mechanism of balancing the function of the body.

Who can practice Traditional Chinese Medicine and TCM Acupuncture in Ontario?

Only registered members of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario are allowed to:

• use the protected title(s) of “Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner” and/or “Acupuncturist”, and the designation(s) of “R. TCMP” and/or “R. Ac”; and

• perform the following authorized controlled acts:

  1. Perform a procedure on tissue below the dermis and below the surface of a mucous membrane for the purpose of performing acupuncture.

  2. Communicate a TCM diagnosis identifying a body system disorder as the cause of a person’s symptoms using TCM techniques.

• Contact us if you have any additional questions.

College of TCM/Acupuncturist of Ontario

What types of treatments do Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners use?

Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners use a number of treatment options based on the patient's diagnosis. This may include a combination of

• Herbal medicine and treatment modalities,

• Acupuncture,

• Moxibustion,

• Cupping,

• Gua sha, and

• Tui na.

What to expect at a typical TCM visit?

When visiting a TCM practitioner and/or acupuncturist, patients should expect the following procedures: after the patient gives consent to treatment, the practitioner will gather information on the patient's medical history, perform assessments and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan.

• Consent Form

• Information Seeking

• Assessment

• Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

Information is taken from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of Ontario