Acupuncture | Stimulating the central nervous system, Pain and Stress Relief

Our Eight Branches clinic is proudly equipped with a strong and heartfelt team of Registered Acupuncturists (R. Ac)’s who have worked hard to help those of the people in Ontario. Our acupuncturists have thousands of hours in training and have perfected their skill to make sure you are taken care of and to further help stimulate your body’s natural healing powers to restore the balance lost when... Read More

Our Eight Branches clinic is proudly equipped with a strong and heartfelt team of Registered Acupuncturists (R. Ac)’s who have worked hard to help those of the people in Ontario. Our acupuncturists have thousands of hours in training and have perfected their skill to make sure you are taken care of and to further help stimulate your body’s natural healing powers to restore the balance lost when physical, mental, or emotional conditions are present.

At our clinic, your treatment will take place in one out of our many serene treatment rooms where you can feel as it’s your very own Zen space, so that you can relax and feel tranquil. Book a session with one of our professionals and see why our clientele turnaround has been consistent!


Herbs/ Traditional Chinese Medicine

Take an ancient approach to addressing your health conditions by using naturopathic medicine to help target the root of illnesses or diseases. With a body consultation and diagnosis – dietary considerations, exercise, stress levels, and other factors will take into play when curating your herbal formula by one of our lovely professionals to help target the condition that needs the most attentio... Read More

Take an ancient approach to addressing your health conditions by using naturopathic medicine to help target the root of illnesses or diseases. With a body consultation and diagnosis – dietary considerations, exercise, stress levels, and other factors will take into play when curating your herbal formula by one of our lovely professionals to help target the condition that needs the most attention and care!


Massage Therapy | Relaxing muscle tissue and reducing painful contractions

Feel relaxed with a deep muscle tissue massage that consists of hands-on manipulation on the body to help optimize your health. Targeting muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints to better your life and well-being. Our top priority is making you feel comfortable and at ease to make sure your experience with us goes well. Throughout the treatments, physical function can be d... Read More

Feel relaxed with a deep muscle tissue massage that consists of hands-on manipulation on the body to help optimize your health. Targeting muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints to better your life and well-being. Our top priority is making you feel comfortable and at ease to make sure your experience with us goes well.

Throughout the treatments, physical function can be developed, maintained, and improved. Physical dysfunction and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented using Massage Therapy.


Osteopathy | Non-invasive manual therapy, manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework

Our Osteopathic practitioner, Jackelyn Hurtado, will help to assess and treat using manual techniques to balance all the systems in the body to improve optimal health and well-being. Some techniques may include soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure, mobilization of joints, cranial therapy, and exercises for strength and conditioning. Ultimately, patients may experience reduced pain and ... Read More

Our Osteopathic practitioner, Jackelyn Hurtado, will help to assess and treat using manual techniques to balance all the systems in the body to improve optimal health and well-being. Some techniques may include soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure, mobilization of joints, cranial therapy, and exercises for strength and conditioning. Ultimately, patients may experience reduced pain and greater mobility which allows the body to heal more effectively.

We want to make you feel as comfortable as possible and aim to create a safe space for both the practitioner and patient. Our practitioner has had plenty of experience and can treat a variety of conditions that affect musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems, including back and neck injuries, chronic pain, headaches or migraines, ligament or muscle sprains, shoulder, knee, or ankle pain, and much more. The practitioner will work closely with their patients to improve their ability to move as they recover throughout the treatments!


Combination Treatment


Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine, offered at Eight Branches, combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge to treat the whole person, addressing physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being. Our skilled Naturopathic Doctors use natural therapies like nutrition, herbal medicine, and acupuncture, working in harmony with conventional medicine for personalized and comprehensive... Read More

Naturopathic medicine, offered at Eight Branches, combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge to treat the whole person, addressing physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being. Our skilled Naturopathic Doctors use natural therapies like nutrition, herbal medicine, and acupuncture, working in harmony with conventional medicine for personalized and comprehensive care.


Gestalt Coaching

Gestalt Coaching, a transformative and client-centered practice, focuses on the present moment, fostering self-awareness, exploring possibilities, and empowering individuals to align with their personal and professional goals. Participating in Gestalt Coaching offers a safe space to navigate academic challenges, responsibilities, and the transition into professional life. It's an investment in ... Read More

Gestalt Coaching, a transformative and client-centered practice, focuses on the present moment, fostering self-awareness, exploring possibilities, and empowering individuals to align with their personal and professional goals. Participating in Gestalt Coaching offers a safe space to navigate academic challenges, responsibilities, and the transition into professional life. It's an investment in personal and professional growth, aiding in overcoming challenges, setting goals, and discovering potential.

Marcel Cozma graduated from Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine. In his practice, he uses Acupuncture, Cupping, Tuina Massage, Zen Shiatsu and Ear Acupuncture to help various issues, such as: pain, musculoskeletal problems, internal medicine, sleep disturbances, anxiety/stress, digestive issues and other.

Marcel has a passion for helping people regain their health and live a more balanced life through the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is a friendly, calm acupuncturist with a gentle needling technique. He tailors every treatment to meet the individual needs of his patients.

Marcel Cozma graduated from Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine. In his practice, he uses ... Read More

To reach Betty’s Biography, please click text for link

To reach Betty’s Biography, please click text for link Read More

B.Sc (Piloto University of Colombia) Zen Shiatsu Therapist & Instructor (Kokoro Dojo) Oriental Breathing Therapy Instructor (Kokoro Dojo) Medical Qigong A&B (Taichi and Meditation Centre) Thai Massage (Thai Massage Toronto School) Wu’s Head Massage (OCTCM) Biodynamic Craniosacral (Body Intelligence) Biodanza Facilitator (Colombian School of Biodanza) Gestalt Therapy (Gestalt Institute of Toronto) Gestalt Coaching (Gestalt Institute of Cleveland)

Self Care practices: Buddhist chanting, Vipassana Meditation, Hara breathing, Taichi, Qigong, Biodanza.

B.Sc (Piloto University of Colombia) Zen Shiatsu Therapist & Instructor (Kokoro Dojo) Orienta... Read More

Tatiana Smirnova, MSc, ND, TCMp, R.Ac.

Tatiana Smirnova is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMp), and Acupuncturist (R. Ac). Additionally, she has extensive training in classical and complex homeopathy. She completed her degrees at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine (EBAEM), and Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine (OCHM).

Previously, Tatiana completed her Master of Science degree at the University of Toronto in the field of Molecular Genetics & Cell Biology, and Plant Physiology. She also has PhD in Plant Biotechnology from the Moscow State University. For details click here.

In her practice, Tatiana combines a variety of treatments to achieve an optimal outcome for her patients. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Lab testing through Life Labs and ICL (not covered by OHIP) for your health assessment:
  • as comprehensive health panels or selected biomedicine tests
  • Nutraceuticals/supplements, diet modifications, Herbal medicine (based on Chinese and Western traditions), homeopathic remedies, gemmotherapy, vitamin B12 I/M injections, etc
  • Therapeutic devices, including Photobiomodulation (PBM, or formerly lower level laser therapy, LLLT), Pulse Electro Magnetic Field (PEMF), Bioresonance/Biofeedback
  • Treatment according to Chinese Medicine: Herbal Formulas, Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, Laser Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Guasha, Cupping, Tuina

Tatiana’s approach is to combine the best of modern research and diagnostic tools with ancient and holistic traditions, including Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Photobiomodulation, Magnetic therapy and Bioresonance (Biofeedback).

A variety of treatment methods helps Tatiana to find the optimal treatment approach and to help her patients with many conditions including, but not limited to acute and chronic joint pains, chronic inflammation, indigestion, allergies, food sensitivity, insomnia, stress/burnout, psycho-emotional, cardiovascular, metabolic, and gynecological problems, as well as increasing their general vitality to reduce risk of possible illnesses.

You can book an appointment with Tatiana for Naturopathic or TCM treatment, with some modalities overlapping, such as acupuncture, laser, and electro acupuncture.

Tatiana Smirnova, MSc, ND, TCMp, R.Ac. Tatiana Smirnova is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Practitio... Read More

William (Yee Jin) Sung is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist (CTCMPAO). He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese

Medicine/Acupuncture from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. He is now a faculty member at the Eight Branches of Eastern Medicine(EBAEM), where his teaching style and skills are popular among students. He has been practicing Chinese medicine and acupuncture for over 20 years in both China and Canada. He is fluent in English, Mandarin.

William has helped many patients with chronic conditions such as pain (back, shoulder, neck, knee pain) and has deep experience in treating paralysis, and post stroke conditions. He created and developed new, effective pain management and mobility improvement techniques. He has studied New Acupuncture skills that reduce his patient’s overall treatment times and shorten recovery.

He also treats Chronic Fatigue syndrome Fibromyalgia, Shingles, Insomnia, Allergies, Anxiety, Migraine, Headaches, Gallstones and other Gastrointestinal disorders, Gynecological / Genitourinary disorders. Whatever your concern, you are in good hands with William: he combines his wealth of knowledge in Traditional Chinese Medicine with excellent clinical and interpersonal skills to create successful treatments and a positive experience for you.

William (Yee Jin) Sung is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturis... Read More

Maria Del Carmen Urquizar is a Registered Acupuncturist, with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CTCMPAO), practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She works with her patients to develop comprehensive and personalized treatment plans that holistically restore their physical, emotional and mental well-being. Carmen’s treatments are designed to not only relieve her patient’s symptoms, but treat the underlying root cause of the disease as well; thus she focuses her practice on Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, Guasha, Tuina and Dietary Chinese Nutrition to bring your health into an overall state of balance and harmony.

Carmen’s professional background includes practicing as a Registered Nurse in Spain for over 10 years, during which time she offered her services to Community health, Cardiology, Internal medicine, Oncology, Intensive Unit Care, as well as volunteering in Africa (Guinea Bissau). This professional experience has allowed Carmen to broaden her perspectives on health and understand diseases from a Western medicine standpoint to be used concomitantly with her practice in Eastern medicine.

As of 2012, Carmen has also been practicing TaiJi and Qi Gong as a part of self-healing by harmonizing her Body and Mind, which has been a valuable tool in her practice when treating clients.

Empathy, compassion and acceptance are her day to day values; she works effortlessly to address her patients concerns and is dedicated in her treatment. Carmen believes that you never truly stop learning and is consistently looking to sharpen her skills and enhance her knowledge of healing; she is continuing her education in Traditional Chinese Medicine with the study of Medicinal herbology to further expand her practice.

Maria Del Carmen Urquizar is a Registered Acupuncturist, with the College of Traditional Chinese ... Read More

Education

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eight Branches College of Eastern Medicine, Toronto

Continuing Education

Yin Yang Nine Needles Acupuncture; Master Tung Acupuncture; Sculp & Abdomen Acupuncture; Zen Moxibustion; Mater Li Scraping (Gua Sha in Chinese)

Philosophy

Christine takes a holistic view toward the source of pain & related movement limitation disorders. After asking detailed questions, examining closely the pulse, the tongue and palpating the affected body (shape, color, temperature, marks etc.), Christine will come up with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment plan. The efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine derives from its strength in the body-mind communication and connection. Clients may find **comprehensive changes and cellular level recovery **through a long-term meeting with TCM.

“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.” The sickness provides a great opportunity for us to enhance our life by re-reading the book of our body and its disorders. Christine would like to accompany clients to go through the re-examination/interpretation of our body, and also provide solutions for clients to resolve pains and disorders, strengthen body-mind connection and further improve our life.

Digestion (e.g. transmission& transportation of food/nutrients under TCM) is the guarantee for recovery. Christine pays great attention to digestion issues.

Gynecological disorders are the core issues for women health. Christine also treats dysmenorrhea, headache/general aching/diarrhea during period, emotional dysregulation related to period, heavy period/amenorrhea and menopause syndrome.

Christine also has special interest in treating shingles, diabetic foot & Fibromyalgia.

Education Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eight Branches College of Eastern ... Read More

Likai,Yao, a registered Acupuncturist, graduated from TSTCM (Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine Institution). She has always being inspired by traditional Chinese Medicine since she grew up in a family with a TCM background. She is hard working and enjoys helping people. Likai has excellent knowledge in Chinese traditional medicines. She is able to identify the sign and symptoms and provides suitable treatment. Likai has excellent skills in acupuncture and Chinese medical therapy such as acupressure, cupping, moxibustion, Guasha, and Chinese tuina. Based on feedback from patients, all her treatments show remarkable results. Working with patients in -Pain syndromes like arthritis, tendonitis, sprain, strain, skin conditions -Emotional disorders like anxiety, depression, irritability, stress -Gynecopathy like fertility, PMS, irregular menstruation -Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, allergies/ osteoarthritis/ chronic pain, often in the neck, back, knees, and head/ hypertension/ insomnia/ menstrual cramps and PMS/ morning sickness/ strokes

Likai,Yao, a registered Acupuncturist, graduated from TSTCM (Toronto School of Traditional Chines... Read More

To reach Sherry’s Biography, please visit her website.

To reach Sherry’s Biography, please visit her website. Read More

About Simon

Simon’s enthusiasm for Wellness led him to study the healing art of Five Element Acupuncture at Saam Five Element Acupuncture Institute in Korea. In 2000, following his studies in Korea, Simon came to Canada and completed the four-year diploma at Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Simon is a faculty member of Eight Branches College of Eastern Medicine.

Simon also apprenticed in Germany under the late professor Saeyion Kim, founder of KSNS (Kim’s Safety Nerve System) therapy. KSNS is a revolutionary Acupressure therapy which can be used to treat even disease areas in which conventional medicine has failed. Simon is credited as the first practitioner to bring KSNS Acupressure therapy to North America.

Simon has been successfully treating various challenging conditions with over 20 years of experience by combining the best knowledge of Five Element Acupuncture, KSNS Acupressure therapy, Registered Massage Therapy, Cupping, Guasha, Blood-letting, and Herbal Medicine.

Some of the many conditions Simon can treat include: · Fibromyalgia & chronic Fatigue, Multi-sclerosis, · Plantar Fasciitis, Joint & Muscle Pain, Sciatica · Insomnia, Depression & Psychiatric issues. · Digestive issues, Hair loss, Skin disorders, · Headaches, Allergies, Asthma . Infertility and Sexual issues

Simon’s Primary Services:

Five Element Acupuncture

► Founded by Master Saam 400 years ago in Korea based on the Five Element theory in TCM Classics. Principle Acupuncture that addresses the constitution of the person rather than symptoms to cure the diseases at the core.

► Advanced method, which requires the therapist to use only a few needles on the Five Element acupoints, which are found at the distal ends of the limbs, so patients do not have to go through the inconvenience of removing their clothes.

► Simon specializes in and teaches Five Element Acupuncture that has gone beyond the limitations of conventional Acupuncture. Simon’s Acupuncture session includes KSNS Acupressure and other assistive modalities as needed.

KSNS Acupressure Therapy

► Focused Acupressure therapy designed to help the body heal itself by stimulating specific reflex points related to your conditions and the problematic joints or muscles.

► The Acupressure points may include sensitive areas such as:

☐ Glutes ☐ Chest wall & Breasts ☐ Inner thigh & Pubis

depending on the results of the Assessment. In this case, if you want, the therapist will ask for your consent.

► Brief KSNS Acupressure would be combined with your regular Acupuncture or Massage session.

Registered Massage Therapy

► Simon’s Massage session is combined with Acupuncture or Cupping for a more therapeutic session.

About Simon Simon’s enthusiasm for Wellness led him to study the healing art of Five Element Acu... Read More

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Located at: 112 Merton St, 3rd Floor, Toronto
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