New anti-asthma drugs based on the principle of acupuncture treatment for Asthma

Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine found the underlying principle of "acupuncture treatment of asthma", is expected to make new anti-asthma drugs that could lead to more effective targeted therapy for millions of individuals with asthma...

Acupuncture has been used as an effective alternative treatment of asthma for long time. What's the mechanism behind at the molecular level of this traditional classic acupuncture treatment formular?

Published Wednesday(Feb. 8th,2017) in the journal Science Translational Medicine, Professor Yang Yongqing from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine led a research team about 10 years after, significant progress has been made in basic research on anti-asthma targeted drugs and acupuncture-effect substances.

In a study, published Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine, Luis Ulloa, a lead author and immunologist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and his collaborator from China's Shanghai University examined more than 6,000 compounds and identified a drug called TSG12 that relaxes the muscles and opens the airways in asthma.

This drug treatment, which is not toxic in human cells, can prevent pulmonary resistance in egg-and dust mite-induced asthma.

Researchers found that a protein called MT-2 in asthmatic lung tissue relaxes airway smooth muscle cells and opens the airways but MT-2 was over 50 percent lower in asthmatic lung tissue.

Ulloa and his collaborators transmitted short electrical pulses into mice through electro-acupuncture needles.

It enabled them to identify the specific drug TSG12 that provides better therapeutic treatments for asthma and other respiratory disorders.

The TSG12 treatment was more effective than current treatments, including bronchodilator inhalers used by almost all people with asthma, Ulloa said...

Looking for acupuncture for Asthma control treatments feel free to call 416-800-3978 or book an appointment online.

中醫成果登上《Science》子刊封面！上海中醫藥大學發現“針灸治療哮喘”深層原理，有望製成抗哮喘新藥

　　背部穴位入針，有效治療哮喘，這一經典名方在分子細胞層面究竟有何機理？

　　北京時間2月8日下午，國際著名期刊《科學（Science）·轉化醫學》最新一期封面文章揭開謎底——前后歷經約10年，上海中醫藥大學楊永清教授帶領科研團隊，在抗哮喘靶標和針灸效應物質的基礎研究中取得重大進展。

　　他們不僅基於針灸臨床率先發現全新的有效靶標

　　明確了體內一系列蛋白質反應

　　還找到能夠模擬針刺效應的活性小分子

　　可轉化為具有廣闊應用前景的“針灸藥”

　　《科學》主審編輯專門為論文成果做了評論

　　認為這是一篇令人振奮、引發深思的創新力作

　　解放日報·上觀新聞了解到，這是中國中醫人第一次在《科學》專業子刊發表擁有自主智慧財產權的原創性科學工作，也是中國科學家驗證的第一個支氣管哮喘新靶標。　

　　《科學·轉化醫學》論文推介。

　　本次研究的突破點在哪裏？

　　老中醫針灸方子多年來改善支氣管哮喘

　　支氣管哮喘是常見呼吸道疾病，目前常規藥物療法主要是皮質激素、β2受體激動劑類藥物，這些藥物除了本身多種副作用之外，還很容易出現耐藥乃至無法緩解癥狀等問題。甚至美國FDA曾質疑短效和長效β2受體激動劑，認為其可能引起病情加重、增加死亡率。

　　而中醫界，以名老中醫邵經明為代表的邵氏中醫，70年來運用針刺大椎、風門、肺俞等穴位，顯著改善哮喘患者呼吸功能，經驗方子得以發展成熟。

　　楊永清團隊驗證“針灸改善哮喘”深層原理

　　但針刺是多靶向的，可激發上百種生化反應。其弟子楊永清教授領銜的研究團隊，通過小鼠哮喘模型實驗，“鎖定”金屬硫蛋白-2（MT-2），驗證了其蛋白含量上調，對緩解哮喘發病起關鍵作用。

　　接着，他們又確認呼吸道中的“雙蛋白”綁定關係：上游的MT-2在氣管平滑肌細胞上還必須有下游的“作用受體”——肌動蛋白結合蛋白-2（Transgelin-2）。原來，針灸的物理刺激正是引發了這對蛋白的結合，從而舒張氣管、平喘止咳。

　　研究還發現“潛在的抗哮喘新藥”，還是針灸藥

　　針灸人並未止步於此。論文第一作者、上海中醫大和上海市針灸經絡研究所尹磊淼博士告訴解放日報·上觀新聞記者，中科院上海藥物研究所所長蔣華良早在2003年就和楊永清團隊成立“針灸中藥效應聯合實驗室”，他們繼續開展合作，利用分子對接、虛擬篩選等技術，將下游蛋白Transgelin-2作為“魚餌”，從6000個候選化合物中，篩選出了可以特異性地與新靶標結合的分子化合物。

　　這個針鋒相對的小分子，具有“類針刺”的舒張氣管平滑肌作用，成為潛在的抗哮喘新藥。因此，尹磊淼的“師爺”、楊永清的博導、上海市中醫藥研究院副院長陳漢平教授表示，新發現的活性小分子，探索出從中醫臨床到實驗室再回到臨床的轉化醫學模式，可謂一劑“針灸藥”。上海藥物所藥物發現與設計中心主任、該文共同作者朱維良教授也認為，此項研究可以稱得上中國第一個自主智慧財產權的靶標和新藥發現。

　　為解決哮喘當前困境開闢了一條新的路徑

　　“正如《科學》雜誌評審所言，靶向Transgelin-2受體的治療為解決哮喘當前困境開闢了一條新的路徑。”上海中醫大科技實驗中心副主任、市針灸所課題負責人王宇，向解放日報·上觀新聞記者表示，這一從中醫而來的新藥發現與開發策略，也是應用當代生物技術闡釋中國傳統針灸學機制的成功嘗試，對保持我國在針灸研究領域的國際領先地位，率先在這一領域取得原創性的自主智慧財產權具有重要戰略意義。事實上，針灸與針灸藥並非誰替代誰，而是互為補充，多種理化手段，綜合施藥用針。

　　楊永清教授帶領科研團隊。

　　為這支中國中醫團隊點贊！

　　本文來源：解放日報·上觀新聞

　　作者：徐瑞哲

The Regimen of the king of Traditional Chinese Medicine who lived upto 140

"Whenever eminent physicians treat an illness, they must quiet the spirit and settle the will, they must be free of wants and desires, and they must first develop a heart full of great compassion and empathy. They must pledge to devote themselves completely to relieving the suffering of all sentient beings.（凡大醫治病，必當安神定志，無欲無求，先發大慈惻隱之心。誓願普救含靈之苦。）" ----- By Sun Simiao (The king of Chinese Medicine)

Sun Simiao (simplified Chinese: 孙思邈; traditional Chinese: 孫思邈; Born in 541；died in 682) was a famous traditional Chinese medicine doctor of the Sui and Tang dynasty. He was titled as China's King of Medicine (药王, Yaowang) for his significant contributions to Chinese medicine and tremendous care to his patients.

He lived up to 140 years old, back at that time, the average life expectancy of people was only 40 - 50 years old. The "three little" regimen that he proposed in his health care, that is, having "less in the mind, less food in the belly, less sleep in nature", is well worth our study and practice。

The first is "less in the mind." This is the top of the "three little". The premise of peace of mind is that there are few things in mind. There is little or no trouble with the matter of right and wrong, that is, heart and mind can calm down. Therefore, peacetime must be philosophical, indifferent to fame and fortune, be generous with others, reduce the stimulation of bad emotions...

The second is "less food in the belly." The ancients said: "If you want to be healthy, having ave a clear stomach and clear intestine is the key" To achieve this "double-clear," we must always eat less food. In particular, “Sweetness” and “Fatness” must be “remembered with mercy” and “eat only half full,” so that the stomach can be easily digested, and if you drink more tea, you will naturally have a clear stomach and intestine and disease-free.

The third is "less natural sleep". Sleep is a natural supplement. For the seniors, with the change of the physiological function, relative reduction in sleep is a normal law, and there is no need to bother. However, Sun Simiao said that "less nature sleep" is the ultimate realm of sleep, that is, in the process of natural sleep reduction, to ensure the quality of sleep is the key. It is a blessing for each of us if we can “naturally fall asleep and naturally wake up”.

   孙思邈是我国唐代杰出的医学家。他在养生中提出的“三少”养生法，即心中事少、腹中食少、自然睡少，是很值得我们学习和实践的。

　　第一少为“心中事少”。这是“三少”之首。他指出“安心是药更无方”。安心的前提是心中事少。是非之事、烦忧之事少了或者没有了，即能神静心宁。因此，平时一定要善修情性，淡泊名利，宽以待人，减少不良情绪的刺激，做到心中事少而怡然自得，人之精、气、神得以呵护，养生之本就牢固了。

　　第二少为“腹中食少”。古人讲：“欲求无病肠中清，欲得长生腹中清”。要做到这个“双清”，平时一定要食少。特别对“爽口物”和“肥腻厚味”，一定要“口下留情”、“食惟半饱”，这样才能让肠胃轻松裕如消化顺畅，加之多喝茶水，自然就能肠腹双清、内病不染了。

　　第三少是“自然睡少”。睡眠是天然的补品。人到老年以后，随着生理机能的变化，睡眠相对减少是一个正常的规律，大可不必烦恼。但孙思邈说的“自然睡少”是睡眠的终极境界，即在自然减少睡眠的过程中，保证睡眠质量是关键。老年人的睡眠若能做到“自然入睡自然醒”，则是一种好福气。

　　老年朋友，如能学好“三少”养生法，或许会如孙思邈一样活上百岁。

Jarry's acupuncture for Infertility case report

A 40 year-old lady came for Jarry's acupuncture treatment for infertility last December,  after one course (10 sessions) treatments nothing happened. So she got couple weeks break as Jarry told her, she came back for another course treatments this Feb. After 8 sessions treatments, she told us on phone "Do you know why I didn't come to see Jarry this couple weeks, because I got pregnant!" What a great news from her. We are all very happy for her and she is still coming to see Jarry regularly for preventing morning sickness and miscarriage.

In this case, it's not an easy one because of the age(She is at her 40's), for less than 2 courses acupuncture treatments and she got pregnant, it is not only because Jarry has 28 years clinical experience in treating infertility, but also because the lady didn't give up and she believed that ancient Chinese acupuncture can help her. so her commitment to the acupuncture treatments  is one of the key to success.

Acupuncture can be used in combination with conventional reproductive medical care or as a primary treatment approach, for women who taking fertility drugs or reproductive technology techniques (such as IVF or IUI). More details at http://www.orientalacupuncture.ca/2017/08/infertility-acupuncture-is-great-option.html

Youyou Tu: Discovery of Artemisinin - A gift from Traditional Chinese Medicine to the World

Youyou Tu delivered her Nobel Lecture on 7 December 2015 at Aula Medica, Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. The lecture was presented in Mandarin.

The 2011 Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award honors a scientist who discovered artemisinin and its utility for treating malaria. Tu Youyou (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing) developed a therapy that has saved millions of lives across the globe, especially in the developing world. An artemisinin-based drug combination is now the standard regimen for malaria, and the World Health Organization (WHO) lists artemisinin and related agents in its catalog of "Essential Medicines." Each year, several hundred million people contract malaria. Without treatment, many more of them would die than do now. Tu led a team that transformed an ancient Chinese healing method into the most powerful antimalarial medicine currently available.

Preventive treatments by TCM

Along with the development of modern medicine,the heart of clinical task and investigation of theory is shifting from "to rule already ill" to "to prevent the prognosis of a disease".Invigorating the kidney is important to "prevention".

The preventive treatment theory origin in <Huangdi Neijing>, an ancient Chinese medical text that has been treated as the fundamental doctrinal source for Chinese medicine for more than two thousand years. The connotation of "Preventive Treatment" in Traditional Chinese Medicine: first is treating disease before its onset,second is preventing disease from exacerbating(getting worse). 
For example ,for diabete type II, either Chinese medicine or acupuncture can control it very well along with the proper diet and life style so it won't get worse to type I or even worse to at lease one complication occur, and once the complication occurs, drug treatment is difficult to reverse, therefore emphasizing the early prevention of diabetic complications .

Over thousand years, "pre-medical intervention before diseases" has been one of the preponderant practices in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to tackle early symptoms of health problems and diseases. A scientific explanation to the "preventive treatments" in TCM on the sub-health condition is therefore put forward following the stress-induced patho-physiological situations. In light of the mordern Western medicine, scientific interpretations for various preventive treatments in TCM, such as cupping, scraping and acupuncture were open-mindedly featured with a de-carbonylation biology which is biochemically fundamental in diabetes, atherosclerosis and free radical biomedicine. 

Increased oxidative stress induces inflammation to several tissues/organs leading to cell death and long-term injury. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and autophagic regulatory functions has been widely used as preventive or therapeutic strategy in modern medicine. 

One famous legend tells of how once when Bian Que was in the State of Cai, he saw the lord of the state at the time and told him that he had a disease, which Bian Que claimed was only in his skin. The lord brushed this aside as at that time he felt no symptoms, and told his attendants that Bian Que was just trying to profit from the fears of others. Bian Que is said to have visited the lord many times thereafter, telling him each time how this sickness was becoming progressively worse, each time spreading into more of his body, from his skin to his blood and to his organs. The last time Bian Que went to see the lord, he looked in from afar, and rushed out of the palace. When an attendant of the lord asked him why he had done this, he replied that the disease was in the marrow and was incurable. The lord was said to have died soon after.

This story told us why we need preventive treatments. Treating the disease at early stage before getting worse. That's what exactly the TCM preventive treatments( such as acupuncture,cupping, herbs decoction ) do and much more than that. Looking for a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapist also Registered acupuncturist in Ontario with 29 years clinical experience who you can trust on, feel free to call us at 416-800-3978.
For FREE consultation you can also text us at 416-655-1311 or email: OrientalAcupuncture@outlook.com

How TCM Acupuncture Treat Stress & Infertility

The debate about the impact of chronic stress on fertility is still unresolved. However, more and more research suggests a strong link between mental health and physical well-being. Stress can wreck havoc on an already delicately balanced endocrine system by increasing the production of cortisol and prolactin, which are two hormones that interfere with proper ovulation and implantation. Elevated adrenal function associated with stress response uses progesterone to produce the hormone cortisol, hence depleting the supply of progesterone, which is needed to thicken the uterine lining. Data also implies that increases in abnormalities within the immune system are greatly compounded by stress and decrease the chance of successful IVF transfer, embryo implantation, and full term live birth. Stress has also been known to decrease or give rise to no ovulation and can increase symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Fertility related stress can further exacerbate an already stressful lifestyle, establishing a viscous loop of continued anxiety.

Chinese medicine has historically sought to treat the whole rather than just a part of a system, and prides itself on the focus of treating the root of disease before too many life altering symptoms can manifest. The differentials associated with the treatment of stress, according to traditional Chinese medicine, are vast. Begin with treatment of symptoms ranging from amenorrhea to migraine headaches, then precisely maneuver back to the root to achieve the desired outcome of fertility. Because of such a strong foundation of seeing "the big picture" in diagnosis, practitioners of Chinese medicine are at an advantage as far as treatment strategies are concerned.

Acupuncture focuses on treating the most problematic symptoms first, such as sleep disturbances or chronic pain conditions that can be exacerbated by chronic stress. Points selected include those that help regulate the endocrine system to avoid over stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and misdirection of hormones necessary for reproduction. 

Acupuncture also focuses on strengthening the immune system to prevent any misguided inflammatory responses.

If you are looking for an experienced acupuncturist, Jarry Liu, a Chinese acupuncturist since 1989, is definitely one of the most reliable acupuncturist in Toronto. Call 416-800-3978 to set up your first appointment or you can book an appointment online.

Or Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today 

at 416-800-3978 to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, 

beyond treating symptoms.

So you can experience 

greater health and well-being!

Alfalfa Tea lowers bad LDL cholesterol

Alfalfa plant and especially alfalfa leaves are very rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, and have very rich group of vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6. Besides, very important health benefits of alfalfa tea are derived from a very high content of chlorophyll, which is known for stimulating detoxification (especially of heavy metals), improved healing properties of the body, improved magnesium absorption in the body, and strengthening body tissues.

Alfalfa Tea Benefits

Alfalfa leaf tea is a great natural solution for everyone who needs to strengthen the function of the immune system and prevent a great deal of common diseases.

Those who want to lower their bad LDL cholesterol level should consider using alfalfa tea as a great natural remedy. According to the report in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, alfalfa tea consumption is linked to reduced risks of fat buildups in the arteries, along with decreased risks of serious diseases like Stroke (Apoplexy), Atrial Fibrillation, Pericarditis. Health benefits of alfalfa tea also include lower risks of cancer, according to the findings of the scientists at the American Association for Cancer Research. The study has shown that alfalfa tea benefits embrace excellent antioxidant properties of this natural remedy. Other researchers say that this herbal tea can be of a great help to those who suffer from various kidney problems or want to prevent this kind of health conditions, because alfalfa of a great diuretic recommended for reducing fluid retention and swelling.

Anti-inflammatory health benefits of alfalfa tea are considered very powerful and this natural remedy can be used to treat a great deal of infections, starting from intestinal infections and ending up with arthritis. By the way, external application of alfalfa infusion can help reducing swellings and joint pains related to arthritis. However, drinking alfalfa leaf tea is also good for those who suffer from this disease. This remedy is known as a great natural blood and liver cleanser, natural appetite stimulant, or a great natural solution for minor digestive disorders. Finally, alfalfa is known for its amazing natural properties to lower blood glucose levels being a perfect natural help to those who suffer from Diabetes. 

Alfalfa leaf tea should be made by steeping in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.

Acupuncture & Herbs the natural ways to lower Cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack or a stroke.... 

Chinese Medicine Acupuncture for sub-health conditions ROCKs

Let's start from Mars500

  “Mars500” is an international experiment project to explore Mars initiated by Russia and participated by many countries.It is the first time for human being to simulate the whole process of manned experiment flying to Mars, around the Mars and landing in Mars and back to Earth. The experiment was carried out in Moscow. Six volunteers stayed for 520 days in sealed cabin and overcame difficulties and completed the simulation experiment.

        China’s project was“Mars500 TCM syndrome differentiation study in sealed environment for long time”. Daosh four diagnostic instrument was selected by expert team as the only TCM equipment.

what's sub-health conditions?

Why  do I feel weak while my health examination shows nothing wrong?

Astronaut health and job performance are required assessment to ensure safety in long term manned flight. However, in the long interstellar flight, astronaut will face such a health problem: my western medicine indicators are good, but why did I feel uncomfortable? Such as bad appetite, Insomnia, Anxiety, Uclers, Emaciation, Gaunt...

                              Bad appetite,insomnia,anxiety,ulcers,emaciation,gaunt...etc. sub-health conditions not only happen to our Astronauts but also very popular in lots of people while western  medicine indicators show normal.

Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) emphasizes " The concept of holism" and " Syndrome differentiation and treatment" , and has unique features and advantages in the assessment of function and health conditions.

In Mars500 experimetns, six volunteers in the mild to moderate fatigue state, the overall autonomic nerve function is more exciting, still at a fairly balanced state, showing varying degrees of sub-health conditions, but no disease. After well-tried, there were signs of recovery in the late stages of the trial. Signs of this dynamic change can be recorded in a responsive vein, which can show the health of the volunteers and can be used as a reference for health assessment.

By TCM four diagnosis, it shows that "Qi" deficiency is the basis of the long airtight environment throughout the card type. All 6 volunteers had "Qi" deficiency syndrome throughout the experiment; it is accompanied by different degrees of liver depression, spleen deficiency, dampness or Yin deficiency.

So TCM focus on Qi deficiency syndrome, combining with the astronauts individual physical differences, targeting to individualized Chinese Medicine and non-drug intervention of TCM nursing measures, to improve the level of overall health in long-term manned missions.

For more than thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Acupuncture have been used for treating Qi deficiency syndromes etc. sub-health conditions, and it Rocks. 

Benefits of Naturopathy

• What's the benefits of Acupuncture,Massage Therapy(Chinese TuiNa), Moxibustion,  Shiatsu,Reflexology,Cupping, Osteopathy etc. naturopathy?
• In general, 
• Safe and Effective Treatment
  The main goal of naturopathic practice is to treat disorders and to restore normal body function by enhancing the body's own natural healing abilities.
• Health Promotion
  By identifying and removing obstacles preventing a cure, the body is able to heal itself and move back toward optimal health.
  
• Disease Prevention
  Naturopathic therapists work with their patients to find the cause of the disease and to address the factors that are affecting a patient's health.
• Individualized Treatment
  Every patient has a unique history, lifestyle, dietary habits, genetics and associated health concerns so we create an individualized treatment plan.
• 

How Long the Sleep Time is the Safest to our Health

'Over time, you incur a sleep debt which you can never fully repay,' says doctor

 In 2010, Statistics Canada found 46 per cent of Canadians cut into the time they spend sleeping in order to complete other activities. About 40 per cent of Canadians will experience a sleep disorder during their lifetime, which can lead to serious health risks over time. Less sleep or sleep disorder can have drastic long-term effects on the mind and body, from heart problems to stroke, to an increase risk of car accidents, work performance errors,  more fatigue during the day, anxiety,even obesity......Lack Of Sleep Doubles Risk Of Death.

But does that mean the longer sleep better?

A new study suggests that individuals who sleep eight hours or more a night actually have an increased death rate compared with those who average just six or seven hours. The findings appear in the Archives of General Psychiatry. 

It is not hard to believe that lack of sleep cause lots of health problems, but how come longer sleep(over 9 hours) is not good to our health either? Studies didn't tell us why, but 2000 years ago, the ancient Chinese medicine pioneer has told us that " Stay too long on the bed(Sleep too long time) hurt 'Qi'(energy)" in his book"Huangdi Nei Jing" or "The Inner Canon of Huangdi"

So balance is the key. For all different kind of sleep disorder such as Insomnia or wake up problem, acupuncture or cupping massage therapy definitely is a great option to improve the sleep quality and improve your general health. 

With Jarry(Chinese acupuncturist since 1989) 28 years clinical experience, you will feel the difference.

五劳所伤：久视伤血，久卧伤气，久坐伤肉，久立伤骨，久行伤筋，是谓五劳所伤。（《黄帝内经·素问·宣明五气篇》）

久卧伤气：适当的睡眠对人是非常有益的，睡眠少则会伤身，气血得不到补养。但睡眠太多对健康是不利的，不管是健康人，还是病人，过度的睡懒觉缺乏运动，会削弱人的阳气，会使人精神萎靡，肺气虚弱，体弱无力。也会造成人体气机不畅，气滞则血瘀，经络越来越不通畅久而久之便会患上疾病如：动脉粥样硬化、脑血栓、心梗、高血压等。俗话说得好：“活人睡个病人，病人睡个死人”。生命在于运动，做适当的运动能生发人的阳气，能推动气血的运行，滑利关节。气行则血行，气滞则血瘀所以做适当的运动对人是非常有益的。气虚的人容易疲劳无力，少气懒言，经常喜欢卧床。气虚者常吃一些补气之品如：人参、党参、黄芪、西洋参、山药、大枣，还可以服用四君子汤、补中益气丸。四君子汤，配方：人参12克 白术12克 茯苓12克 甘草6克。水煎服一日两次，血压高者加钩藤10克 天麻10克，功效：补气健脾。

FAQs of Direct Billing for your Extended Health Insurance

Extended Health insurance plans often include alternative and complementary medical services, such as Acupuncture,Massage therapy that you would otherwise have to pay for out of pocket.

Common services that extended health insurance plans might include are:

• Acupuncture
• Massage Therapy
• Naturopathic Medicine
• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic
• Custom Foot Orthotics
• Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Dental
• Eye care and glasses
• Fitness Spending
• Discretionary funds to use how you like!  You need to ask about this!

Typically you will receive a certain dollar amount (i.e. $300 – 500) toward a particular service.  

How is Direct Billing done and what's the benefits?

Before direct billing came available, it used to be that the only option for getting these services paid for was to pay for them yourself upfront, submit the receipt either by mail or online, and then wait for a cheque in the mail (or a direct bank deposit).  The turnaround time to get the money this way can be prohibitive for people who are tight on cash.  

Most of the insurance companies provide the eClaims portal to clinics like ours or the healthcare providers to submit the eCalims for our clients and get paid directly, reducing your out of pocket payment and saving you the hassle of both submitting and waiting for your money!  

The insurance companies or providers that Oriental Acupuncture Clinic can direct billing to: 

• Blue Cross
• Chambers of Commerce 
  
  
• Cowan
• CINUP
• Desjardins
• First Canadian Benefits
• Great West Life
• Green Shield
• Industrial Alliance
• Johnson Inc
• Johnston Group
• Manulife Financial
• Maximum Benefit
• RBC insurance
• SSQ Financial Group
• Standard Life
• Sun Life
• Veterans Affairs Canada
• Canadian Armed forces
• Veterans Affairs
• RCMP: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

This is great news!  All you have to do is bring your policy and plan numbers (you should have a wallet card) on your first visit and sign up the consent forms, so we can start the eClaims for you. 

Will I ever have to pay up front?

3 cases that you have to pay upfront:

1. If your plan only covers a portion of the visit (i.e. 80%) you will have to pay the difference to the clinic,
2. If your company does not do Direct Billing at all or for specific types of services (so call your insurance company to find out if you not sure)
3. If it’s the first time using Direct Billing Services the Insurance Company sometimes blocks the first transaction because they want to make sure a real person can verify that it’s legitimate.  This does mean that you will have to pay up front on your first visit, but it usually clears up for follow-ups. 

Common Questions to ask your Insurance Company:

Being prepared for direct billing before you come in for your first visit for is always a good idea.  Do to privacy issues, you are the only one who can ask about your plan!  Plan to make a quick phone call and ask the following questions:

1. What is my coverage period?
2. What Categories am I covered for? Acupuncture or Massage therapy etc.
3. Do I have an annual deductible?
4. What are my maximums for each category?  (dollar amount)
5. Up to what amount is covered per each visit?  Is it different for initial visits versus follow-ups?
6. Do I need a referral from an MD to obtain any of these services?
7. Do I have separate “health spending account” or “fitness account” that can be used for other health care services not listed above?

Book an Appointment with our Therapists online 

Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic  at 416-800-3978 

or Text:416-655-1311

to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.

So you can experience greater health and well-being!

With Jarry's 28 years clinical experience, you will feel the difference.