Ariella Meinhard, BA, L.Ac
Ariella Meinhard is a graduate of the Acupuncture and Asian Body Work Therapy program from the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Toronto. She uses acupuncture, Tuina massage, Asian reflexology, and Chinese medicinal herbs as part of her practice. These tools allow clients to strengthen their bodies and core energy in order to eliminate disease and maintain their health. When administered by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture and Tuina Massage are safe and effective modalities for people of all ages, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
“My practice is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and I work with people towards finding the main cause of their health concerns. I then incorporate acupuncture and bodywork to help the body heal itself. My goal is to enable my clients to cope with the challenges facing them by helping them strengthen their bodies and restore their core energy in an atmosphere of relaxation and rejuvenation. I myself have benefited greatly from TCM treatments, so it gives me immense satisfaction to be able to share the techniques I have learned with others.”
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been developed and practiced for thousands of years. In TCM, the goal is to treat the root of the disease rather than to focus solely on the presenting symptoms. It is therefore considered to by a truly holistic form of medicine. Based on the understanding that harmony between Yin and Yang allows for optimal health within each individual and the environment at large, TCM aims to restore balance and harmony to the body when it has become disrupted. Environmental influences, physical or emotional trauma, unexpressed anger, frustration, grief, worry, and depression can all disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang. Chi Kung, Nutritional Therapy, Herbal Therapy, Acupuncture and Tuina Massage are the many tools used by practitioners of TCM to facilitate healing. By combining one or more of these tools, TCM has been proven to be effective in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Back-neck-shoulder pain, sciatica, repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, sports injuries, etc.
- Digestive Disorders: Abdominal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
- Respiratory Conditions: Sinusitis, common colds, allergies, bronchitis, asthma, etc.
- Sleep and Stress Disorders: Insomnia, depression, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, etc.
- Women’s Health: PMS, irregular menstruation, painful periods, menopausal symptoms, sexual health, conditions during pregnancy, etc.
- Pediatric Illness: Colic, ear infections, diarrhea, ADHD, allergies, eczema, etc.
- Other Benefits: Addiction control, weight management, increased energy, relaxation, immune system strengthening, etc.
The World Health Organization recognizes the effectiveness of TCM in the treatment of over 100 conditions.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an incredible tool used for activating the body’s ability to heal itself. By inserting hair-fine, sterile, and disposable needles into the body at specific points, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can use acupuncture to energize the body’s meridians or energy pathways. While they cannot be seen directly, meridians carry energy or Qi, (pronounced “Chi”) throughout the entire body, just as our blood vessels carry blood and oxygen, and our nervous pathways carry electrical impulses.
If Qi (energy) is prevented from following its natural course through the body, symptoms of disharmony begin to appear. If energy flow is not restored, disease develops due to an inadequate supply of energy in one or more areas of the body. Acupuncture is used to restore the natural course of energy flow throughout the body, thereby restoring function to our tissues and organs. The beauty behind acupuncture is that it can stimulate and strengthen the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our bodies all at once. Even after one course of treatment, most people will feel incredibly relaxed and more at peace in their bodies.
Tuina Massage
Tuina (twee-na) is a form of therapeutic bodywork (massage) that can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual. Tuina techniques include acupressure as well as direct massage of the head, hands, and feet. Tui Na incorporates many different bodywork techniques and adjustments that can be used to reduce and eliminate tension and pain. Tuina can also strengthen the body’s meridian and organ systems. Like acupuncture, Tuina promotes the flow of blood and energy throughout the body and can be used to treat a variety of disorders as well as provide overall stress relief and body maintenance.
Pediatric Tuina
Tuina was initially developed for the treatment of infants and toddlers, who do not sit still long enough for the insertion of acupuncture needles. Because of children’s tremendous capacity to heal, pediatric Tuina is a remarkably effective method for treating acute or chronic conditions in small children. Gentle pressure and calming strokes are applied to the hands, legs, abdomen and back, depending on the condition. Sessions last up to
30 minutes, and parents are taught how to continue applying gentle Tuina techniques
at home.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine is based on the principle of treating each individual uniquely. Herbs are mixed together into a formula that is designed to meet the patient’s needs and prevent side effects. Chinese herbs can be used in their natural dried from as leaves, bark, roots, and flowers, or they may be processed into powders, pills, granules, ointments, and creams. Like acupuncture, Chinese herbs work to correct internal imbalances within the body and activate the body’s self-healing processes. Herbal medicine can be used as an adjunct to or in place of acupuncture treatments.
Cosmetic Acupuncture & Facial Rejuvenation – Look and Feel Your Best!
Cosmetic acupuncture is a form of non-surgical face lifting, which involves the insertion of hair-fine needles into specific points on the face and body. The needles are sterile, single-use, and are specially designed for the face. Facial acupuncture enhances
blood circulation and stimulates collagen production creating tighter and healthier looking skin.
A full course of treatment (12 weekly sessions) will guarantee to:
- improve skin tone
- increase collagen production
- reduce under-eye circles
- decrease puffiness
- eliminate fine lines
- reduce wrinkle visibility
- tighten skin pores
- lift eyelids
- lighten age spots
- tighten skin around the neck and chin
- rejuvenate your body
After a full course of treatment, follow up sessions are scheduled throughout the year in order to maintain facial rejuvenation. Each facial acupuncture session includes a full body medical acupuncture treatment that is fine tuned to meet your specific needs.
Testimonials
“As I was approaching 40 I noticed my skin had become a lot more tired looking and wrinkles seemed to be deepening quickly. I had no interested in using invasive procedures or injections and so decided to try cosmetic acupuncture. Not only have I seen a great improvement in the tone, elasticity, and overall appearance of my complexion, but there were other great benefits as well. I was able to completely relax while on the table and left feeling very energized. I am extremely satisfied with the results I receive from Ariella’s acupuncture treatments.”
-LW, Toronto
“Thank you! You are such a lifesaver. I slept like a baby last night and I feel so much better.”
-SH, Toronto
“The treatment [Tui Na massage] was awesome. Ariella did some pressure points but not so hard it hurt. When she was working on my neck I became aware of my heart beat. She did pressure points down my back. At one point the soles of my feet became very warm. Then she used oil or cream and rubbed my back. It felt wonderful. This was a very positive experience. I found Ariella to be very skilled and professional but also sensitive and gentle.”
-LS, Toronto
Fee Schedule
Medical Acupuncture
Initial Consult & Treatment (90 minutes): $90.00
Second Visit (60 minutes): $65.00
Package Prices
6 Visits: $330.00
12 Visits: $600.00
Tuina Massage and Asian Reflexology
30 minutes: $40.00
60 minutes: $65.00
90minutes: $90.00
Paediatric Tuina
30 minute sessions: $30.00
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Initial Consult & Treatment (120 minutes): $175.00
Follow Up Sessions (60 minutes): $125.00
12 Week Package: $1200.00
*The cost of seeing a licensed acupuncturist is covered under most extended health plans
*Student/Senior Discounts and Sliding Scale Rates are Available
Contact
Ariella Meinhard, B.A., Licensed Acupuncturist
Clinic: 416-778-0085
Cell: 416-220-6238
Email: ariella.meinhard@yahoo.ca