Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM Services with Joel Farrell, Registered Acupuncturist

At Back in Balance, we are excited to offer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services. TCM is a holistic approach that has been practiced for thousands of years. It focuses on restoring balance and promoting overall well-being by harmonizing the body’s internal energy, or “qi.” TCM techniques aim to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve various physical and emotional health conditions. Our TCM services include Acupuncture, Acupressure, the NADA Protocol, Gua Sha, Cupping, and Tui Na, performed by our experienced Registered Acupuncturist and TCM practitioner.

Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture & Foot Acupressure

Acupuncture is a key practice in TCM that involves inserting fine needles at specific meridian points to balance the flow of qi, the body’s vital energy. This treatment helps stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and can address a wide range of conditions, from pain relief to emotional well-being.

Foot Acupressure, a non-invasive alternative, applies gentle pressure to specific points, promoting relaxation, improving circulation, and relieving stress.

Acupressure Therapy

NADA Protocol: Ear Acupuncture

The NADA Protocol focuses on five key points on the ear to help manage stress, improve sleep, enhance emotional balance, relieve pain, and support recovery. This specialized form of ear acupuncture is particularly beneficial for those looking to manage anxiety, insomnia, or other stress-related issues.

Cupping
Cupping

Cupping involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction, which helps to remove stagnation and stimulate the flow of qi. This technique encourages blood flow, loosens connective tissues, and promotes healing. It’s especially effective for relieving muscle tension and improving circulation.

Gua Sha: Lymphatic Drainage

Gua Sha is a technique that uses a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin, promoting the flow of energy and blood. This therapy is ideal for lymphatic drainage and can help release tension and improve circulation. It’s a soothing option for those seeking to support their body’s detoxification process.

Tui Na: Deep-Tissue Alternative

Tui Na is a dynamic form of massage that uses movement and pressure to release blockages and improve energy flow in the body. For those looking for an alternative to deep-tissue massage, Tui Na provides a similar level of intensity, focusing on reducing pain, improving posture, and enhancing overall physical adaptability. It’s perfect for addressing chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, and more.

What to Expect From The Procedures of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is designed to treat the body holistically, focusing on restoring balance and encouraging the body’s natural ability to heal itself. If you're new to TCM, understanding what to expect can help make your experience more comfortable and effective.

Initial Consultation

Your TCM journey begins with an initial consultation, during which the practitioner will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and specific health concerns. This consultation is essential for creating a personalized treatment plan. The practitioner may also observe your tongue, pulse, and other physical markers, which are important diagnostic tools in TCM.

Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture

During an Acupuncture session, very fine needles are gently inserted into specific points on your body. The sensation is typically minimal, and most people experience little to no discomfort. The needles remain in place for about 20-30 minutes while you relax. You may feel a tingling sensation or a mild warmth, which indicates the activation of your body’s qi (energy). With Electroacupuncture, small electrical currents are applied to the needles, enhancing the therapeutic effects and providing a continuous stimulation to the treatment areas.

After your session, you might feel deeply relaxed or slightly energized. It’s common to experience subtle improvements in your condition over several sessions, as acupuncture’s effects are cumulative.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a non-invasive procedure that applies gentle but firm pressure to specific points on your body, often along the meridians (energy pathways). This can be done manually by the practitioner’s hands or using specialized tools. Expect to feel a gentle pressure, which might at times feel intense, especially in areas where blockages or tension exist. The pressure should never be painful, but you may feel tender spots that release over the course of the treatment.

After the session, you should feel more relaxed, and you may notice an improvement in symptoms like stress, digestive issues, or pain relief.

NADA Protocol: Ear Acupuncture

The NADA Protocol involves inserting fine needles into five specific points on the ear. This form of acupuncture is quick and effective, usually lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The procedure is commonly used for managing stress, improving emotional balance, and aiding recovery. You might feel a slight sensation as the needles are inserted, but the process is generally very tolerable. After the session, many people report feeling calmer, more centered, and better equipped to handle stress.

Gua Sha

During a Gua Sha session, the practitioner will use a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape your skin in areas that need attention, such as your back, neck, or shoulders. The sensation can range from mild to firm pressure, depending on your comfort level. While Gua Sha may leave red marks on the skin, these are temporary and a sign of the treatment’s effectiveness in promoting circulation and relieving stagnation.

You can expect to feel relief from tension and tightness, and some people experience improved mobility and less discomfort in the days following treatment.

Cupping

Cupping involves placing special cups on your skin to create suction. This process draws blood to the surface, helping to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and encourage healing. You may feel a pulling sensation during the procedure, but it should not be painful. After the treatment, it’s normal to have circular marks on your skin where the cups were placed—these marks usually fade within a few days.

Cupping can help relieve deep muscle tension, and many clients report feeling lighter and more relaxed after the session.

Tui Na: Deep-Tissue Massage Alternative

Tui Na is a hands-on body treatment that combines techniques such as kneading, rolling, and stretching. It is often compared to deep-tissue massage, but it focuses more on the flow of energy throughout the body. Tui Na can be quite vigorous, and you may feel strong pressure in areas that need attention. This therapy is especially beneficial for relieving chronic pain and correcting musculoskeletal issues.

After your session, you may feel some soreness similar to what you might experience after a deep-tissue massage, but this usually subsides within a day or two. Many people notice improved flexibility, reduced pain, and a greater sense of balance in their body.


Post-Treatment Care

After any TCM procedure, it’s important to allow your body time to rest and integrate the benefits of the treatment. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity, and pay attention to how you feel in the hours and days following your session. TCM treatments often work gradually, so multiple sessions may be recommended to achieve the best results.

Each person’s response to TCM is unique, so your practitioner will guide you through the best course of action based on your individual needs.

We've Helped People Just Like You

Another wonderful trip to Back in Balance today. I always leave feeling refreshed and renewed. I have been seeing Dr. Friedman for Chiropractic care for years and Catherine Hanson for massage therapy. Personable, professional and expert care. The team at back in balance has helped me through several wears and tear injuries and works continually to keep me in tip-top shape!
Michael Ryan Smith
Michael Ryan Smith
Patient

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Office Location

591 Byron Avenue Ottawa, Ontario
K2A 4C4

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday:
07:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday:
07:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed

Contact Details

Phone: (613) 288-2225
FAX: (613) 288-2226

Christmas comes early - for you or a loved one!

Every December I (Dr. Martin Zollinger) offer the biggest gift of the year; a free entry into Chiropractic care with 2 weeks of adjustments included – so you can personally experience the power of Chiropractic adjustments!

What’s included:

– A Comprehensive Chiropractic Exam
– Digital Posture or X-Rays as necessary
– Personalized Report of findings
– First 2 weeks of care

This is a value of up to $585 with no cost to you!

We have 20 spots available!

The fine print!
You have to book your appointment before Friday December 20th – you can book your appointment anytime in December or January. This is not available after Jan 31 2025.

If you have been thinking of Chiropractic care, this is your sign. Give yourself the biggest gift of the season and let’s start getting you feeling great and moving better in 2025!

If this is your first time booking please use the form below:

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