Acupuncture Yichi Zhang

Born in China and left at the age of six, I’ve always considered myself a foreigner from my birthplace. My parents were very busy so Chinese culture was something I had to learn on my own. The good part is that I speak and understand Chinese Mandarin, which makes the quest to learn about my roots a bit easier. Now here I am, a Canadian citizen living in La Belle Province of Québec, you can probably guess that self identity crisis is a common thing for people like me.

Having to face the challenge of continuously shuffle between three languages and being in between two cultures, I’ve decided at the age of 22, to go on a quest to find out about who I really am, to learn about my roots and how I can have an impact in this world.

After a two months trip to China, I’ve started being really curious about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I asked myself how come more than a BILLION people incorporate TCM theories and believes in their daily life (one thing that struck me the most is this whole thing about food dietetic with absolutely no link with western nutrition facts). As you may not know, TCM and modern science is like Chinese characters and alphabet, very hard to understand each other but can definitely co-exist.

Now, we are not talking about farmers living in ancient rural lands using a remedy to cure a common cold, we are talking about people living in cities filled with skyscrapers more modern than NYC (if you don’t believe me, go take a look for yourself!), applying very old TCM theories.

Yeah, pollution is off charts, people are rude, communication is only limited electronically, students and workers hustling as if their life on the line. BUT, one thing that amazes me is the older people. You will see them everywhere dancing as a group in the middle of the city, you will see more older people working out in parks than children playing. 70 years old grandpas looking like he can run a marathon. Don’t mind the generalization, the point is that these older folks are not following Arnold Schwarzenegger work out routine, they are applying TCM in their daily life routine.

As I come back to my hometown in Montréal, probably more confused but definitely excited, I started researching about TCM. I felt that I was finally on track to finding my true self and it also paved the way for what I really want to do in the future.

I found out that there’s only ONE school in whole Québec that offers a program related to TCM which is the Collège de Rosemont with its intensive 3 years acupuncture DEC. Without a surprise I jumped on this opportunity. In these intensive three years, I’ve learnt so much about myself and what I was able to do with acupuncture for others. I was part of a very structured program where we went from understanding TCM in Chinese history and culture to its very detailed applications in the modern world diseases and to relieve pain.

In Québec, the practice of acupuncture is heavily regulated by the Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec (OAQ) and I’m very happy to reassure everyone that I am a proud member of this board.

As I continue acquiring new knowledge in TCM, my mission is help out human beings both physically and mentally for their health and wellness.

What is Acupuncture?/how does it work?

Acupuncture is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the others being: -Dietetic -Pharmacology/Herbology -Qi Gong (A mixture of martial art with meditation and breathing technique) -Tui Na (Chinese massage therapy)

Before we go further, for all those who are very afraid of needles, I want to share some insights: 1. Acupuncture needles are EXTREMELY thin, it’s less than 1/10th of the size of a medical syringe, thin like a hair! 2. Often, you WON’T even feel the needle. 3. ALL acupuncture needles in Québec are sterilized and MUST be single-use only. 4. People have a misconception of “pain”. It is very common to have sensations such as: tingling, pressure, numbing, soft pinch, hot/cold, etc. These sensations often means that Qi (energy) is being manipulated by the thin needle. 5. Certain acupuncture points has a calming effect as well and can diminish sensations. 6. The number of needles placed are very limited, usually around 4-10, more or less depending on the problematic. 7. An acupuncturist practicing legally in Québec is generally very well aware of certain consequences and are extremely professional and careful. If not, the Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec (OAQ) will apply heavy disciplinary action. (A little trick is searching the acupuncturist name in the official OAQ website to know if he/she is liscenced) https://www.o-a-q.org/fr/trouver-un-acupuncteur.aspx

Now, the chinese through trial and error has mapped complex circuits where Qi (energy) flows (we call them meridians/channels). To put it simple, think of acupuncture needles tools to stimulate Qi within the meridians (It is believed that when there are blockages in these meridians like traffics, there will be pain). Because these meridians covers from top to bottom of the body, you will sometimes see needles being places in the hands/feet for problems around the head like migraines. Other than purely TCM theory, acupuncture needles also have a local effect and helps circulation which boost the immune system to promote auto regeneration.

Also! Acupuncture treatment is not only limited to these thin needles. We also use other techniques together/alone like: Moxibustion (Idea of adding heat. Ideal for problems caused by cold, to promote circulation and etc...) Cupping (helps stimulate wider region and “sucks” out the bad energy, perfect for muscular problems. VERY common in the athletic world: search Micheal Phelps cupping and you’ll have a better idea.) Gua Sha (By applying oil/ointment and then using the chinese soup spoon, we “scrape” on the skin. It destroys adherence and promotes tissue regeneration. Used often for muscular problems like torticollis, often offers instant relieve.) Electrostimulation (By placing 2 electrodes on 2 needles, we’re able to accelerate stimulation and favor a connection between the two points, used often for joint problems like arthritis.) There are many other techniques, some newer techniques are being developed/improved such as laser and many more. I would be glad to show you guys more during the treatments!

Conditions treated by acupuncture

Acupuncture has a wide range of actions and has a very holistic approach that not only treats the problem but also the roots of these problems (all these with zero side effect!). Here are some common conditions treated by acupuncture:

Pain relieve: headaches, migraines, arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint pain like shoulder/knee/etc, sciatica, lower back, carpel tunnel and etc.

Digestive system: diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, hiccups, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, colitis, ulcer, dyspepsia (difficult to digest), bloating, hemorrhoids and etc.

Respiratory system: asthma, allergies, sinusitis, cold, bronchitis, cough and etc.

Endocrinal system: menopause, hot flashes, profuse or nocturnal sweating and etc.

Gynecological problems: infertility, menstrual problems, pre-menstrual syndrome, endometriosis and etc.

Locomotor problems: spasms, paralysis like bells palsy and etc.

Auditory and ocular problems

Sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, lack of energy and many more!

How does a normal session go usually?

All licensed acupuncturists in Québec must follow stricly “la Code de Déontologie” and “La loi sur l’acupuncture”. One of the main aspect of this is to keep at all time the professional secret unless the life of the patient is in danger or if the patient asks to share the information to another health professional (in this case, needs to sign a consent letter). Which means that all the information that the acupuncturist take from the patient must be disclosed.

The acupuncturist will follow the four examination methods strict to TCM which are: looking, listening, smell and feeling the pulse near the wrist. We will then make an energy opinion and prescribe a list of points that treat the problematic/roots of the problem. We then place the needles after disinfecting the skin and leave them in place for 15-30mins while you are in a comfortable position. It is a very relaxing moment where you’re being re-centered to find your inner balance again.

We are also obligated to count the needles before and after treatment and must take absolutely full responsibility for the patient’s wellness.

Please feel free to message me or to give me a call/text message if you have any inquiries or to book an appointment!

Enjoy your acupuncture treatment! PS: I also write professional receipts for your insurances!