Acupuncture in London, Ontario
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healing system that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It draws from ancient Chinese philosophy, including the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements (Wu Xing), to restore balance and health in the body. TCM views the body as an interconnected system and focuses on both the prevention and treatment of illness.
The information on this page is adapted from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO), the regulatory body that governs the safe and ethical practice of TCM in Ontario.
At Olivia Therapy & Retreats, all Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists are fully registered with the CTCMPAO.
Initial Intake and Assessment: $150
Follow Up Appointments: $100
The comprehensive assessment is a detailed overview of your health history and presenting concerns. Laetitia will spend 30-40 mins talking with you and then will provide initial treatment. You should expect the initial assessment and treatment to take a maximum of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Laetitia Liu
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Laetitia is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner in Ontario, trained in Taiwan. She brings diverse clinical experience into a practice that is holistic, thoughtful, and centered on each individual’s unique needs.
Inspired by the flow of Qi and the philosophy of TCM, Laetitia sees health as a dynamic balance of body, mind, and environment. She works closely with each person, listening deeply to what their body is expressing, and believes healing begins when we feel truly seen, safe, and supported. Her approach gently guides people back to their natural rhythm and supports chronic conditions, improves quality of life, and promotes preventive wellness. She strives to walk alongside those who are seeking to rediscover ease, natural breathing, and a more grounded, peaceful connection with their bodies. Our bodies deserve to be listened to, and through acupuncture and TCM, we can begin to remember what it feels like to feel safe, balanced, and fully present within ourselves. |
Jin Bao
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Jin is an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist and herbalist, with over 10+ years experience. Jin also led a successful career as a doctor in China. He graduated from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in 2009 and received a Master's degree of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is registered as a member of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Jin uses various techniques including acupuncture, acupuncture point massage, cupping, and guasha, along with informed home care recommendations on diet and lifestyle to treat and support his clients. He is passionate about creating specific treatment plans for each client and helping them toward their health care goals. He has experience supporting clients who have suffered from conditions such as, frozen shoulder, arthritis, various soft tissue injuries like sprains/strains and joint discomfort in the back, neck and wrists. He has also supported clients experiencing GI issues, circulatory issues, sleeping challenges and a variety of other physical, mental and emotional concerns. Jin is excited to help you toward feeling your best. |
What to Expect with TCM Treatment
1. Consent to Treatment
- Before starting, your practitioner will explain your treatment options and answer any questions.
- Medical and family history
- Medications
- Symptoms including digestion, sleep, energy, mood, and menstrual health
- Observation: Includes tongue and facial diagnosis
- Listening & Smelling: Includes voice, breathing, and odours
- Touching: Includes palpation of the body and acupuncture points
- Pulse Diagnosis: Pulse is taken at six positions on the wrists, giving insight into the health of major organ systems
- Using the theories of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, your practitioner will diagnose patterns of imbalance and create a customized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbs, and other modalities.
Core Theories in TCM
Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang represent complementary opposites — light and dark, activity and rest — that cannot exist without each other. TCM believes that health is achieved by maintaining balance between these forces. When Yin and Yang are out of sync, illness can occur. TCM treatments aim to restore this vital balance.
Qi and Meridians
Qi (pronounced "chee") is the vital life energy that flows through the body along invisible channels called meridians. When Qi is blocked or unbalanced, it can cause physical or emotional symptoms. TCM works to keep Qi flowing freely.
Zang-Fu Theory
Zang organs (Yin) and Fu organs (Yang) each play essential roles:
Five Elements (Wu Xing)
The Five Elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water — represent both natural and internal processes. Each organ is associated with an element, season, taste, colour, and emotion. TCM uses this framework to diagnose imbalances and understand how body systems influence one another.
Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang represent complementary opposites — light and dark, activity and rest — that cannot exist without each other. TCM believes that health is achieved by maintaining balance between these forces. When Yin and Yang are out of sync, illness can occur. TCM treatments aim to restore this vital balance.
Qi and Meridians
Qi (pronounced "chee") is the vital life energy that flows through the body along invisible channels called meridians. When Qi is blocked or unbalanced, it can cause physical or emotional symptoms. TCM works to keep Qi flowing freely.
Zang-Fu Theory
Zang organs (Yin) and Fu organs (Yang) each play essential roles:
- Zang (Yin) Organs: Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs, Kidneys — store vital substances like Qi, blood, and body fluids.
- Fu (Yang) Organs: Gallbladder, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Bladder — process and eliminate food and waste.
Five Elements (Wu Xing)
The Five Elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water — represent both natural and internal processes. Each organ is associated with an element, season, taste, colour, and emotion. TCM uses this framework to diagnose imbalances and understand how body systems influence one another.
Treatment Modalities in TCM
Acupuncture
This will ensure both client comfort and the safe ventilation of herbal smoke used in treatment.
Acupuncture
- Fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points to regulate Qi and restore balance. There are over 365 commonly used acupuncture points on 20 meridians. Most treatments last 30–60 minutes
- Herbal remedies are custom-blended using plant parts like leaves, roots, and flowers, along with some minerals or animal products. Herbs are selected based on their energetic properties and are used to correct imbalances. They may be prepared as teas, capsules, powders, or pastes.
- Cupping uses suction to pull the skin and muscle layer into a cup, encouraging circulation and easing pain. Cups may be made of glass, plastic, or silicone.
- Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy that uses burning mugwort (moxa), either directly on the skin or held just above it, to warm acupuncture points, stimulate circulation, and enhance the flow of Qi.
This will ensure both client comfort and the safe ventilation of herbal smoke used in treatment.