Acupuncture Treatment in
Richmond Hill
Thoughtful, Evidence-Informed Acupuncture Care
Herbs Meta provides individualized acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) care in Richmond Hill, serving patients from Markham, York Region, and across the Greater Toronto Area. Treatment may include acupuncture alone or in combination with Chinese herbal medicine and other supportive TCM therapies, depending on each patient’s individual presentation and treatment needs.
Acupuncture may be considered for a wide range of health concerns, including but not limited to pain and musculoskeletal concerns, stress-related symptoms, sleep disturbance, headaches and migraines, fatigue, digestive concerns, women’s health concerns, and fertility-related support.
At Herbs Meta, acupuncture is provided by CTCMPAO-registered practitioners using a professional, patient-centred approach. Treatment is based on individualized assessment, realistic expectations, and ongoing reassessment, with care adjusted according to each patient’s presentation and response over time. Eligible visits may be direct billed through TELUS Health eClaims, depending on the patient’s insurance coverage.
What Is Acupuncture? In Practical Terms
Acupuncture involves the use of very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body. While rooted in traditional practice, modern acupuncture is commonly used to support:
- Pain modulation
- Muscle and joint function
- Nervous system regulation
- Circulation and tissue recovery
At our Richmond Hill clinic, patients don't need prior experience with acupuncture to benefit from treatment.
You do not need to “believe” in acupuncture for it to be appropriate. Many patients come to us simply looking for a measured, low-risk option when symptoms have not fully resolved with other approaches.
Common Conditions We See
At our Richmond Hill clinic, care is primarily focused on pain management, stress relief, sleep quality, energy support, women's health, and fertility care.
We commonly see patients seeking acupuncture support for:
Pain & Musculoskeletal Concerns
- Neck, shoulder, and low back pain
- Sciatica and nerve-related discomfort
- Jaw tension (TMJ)
- Muscle stiffness and limited mobility
- Chronic pain patterns and recovery support
Stress & Nervous System Support
- Stress-related tension
- Sleep difficulty or poor sleep quality
- Headaches and migraines
- Fatigue or burnout patterns
Women's Health & Fertility Support
- Menstrual discomfort and cycle irregularity
- Fertility support, including IVF acupuncture
"We also see patients for plantar fasciitis,vertigo, allergies, and anxiety, among other concerns not listed above."
Our Approach to Acupuncture Care
At Herbs Meta in Richmond Hill, we take a measured and individualised approach, rather than applying the same treatment to everyone.
Each acupuncture plan is based on:
- A clear discussion of your symptoms and history
- How your body is currently responding
- What has and hasn’t helped in the past
- Ongoing response to treatment over time
Treatment is adjusted as your body changes. If acupuncture is not producing meaningful improvement, this is discussed openly.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Initial Visit
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your concerns and whether acupuncture is appropriate for you. Treatment is never rushed.
Most patients describe the sensation as:
- Minimal discomfort
- A dull ache, warmth, or heaviness
- Or very little sensation at all
Many find the experience calming.
Follow-Up Visits
Subsequent treatments are guided by:
- Your response to previous sessions
- Changes in symptoms
- Functional improvement, not just temporary relief
We reassess regularly rather than continuing indefinitely without review.
How Many Sessions Are Usually Needed?
This depends on several factors, including:
- How long have symptoms been present
- Whether the issue is acute or longstanding
- Overall stress and recovery capacity
Some people notice early changes, while others require a short course of treatment before benefits are clear. We aim to be transparent about progress and expectations.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
When performed by trained professionals using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is considered a low-risk treatment. All treatments at our Richmond Hill clinic use sterile, single-use needles.
We will discuss:
- Any relevant medical history
- Medications or conditions that may affect care
- Whether modifications are needed for comfort or safety
Your comfort and consent guide every session.
Is Acupuncture Right for You?
Acupuncture may be appropriate if you are:
- Looking for a conservative, non-drug approach
- Managing pain, tension, or stress-related symptoms
- Interested in supporting recovery alongside other care
It may not be the right fit for every situation. We are always happy to discuss your options at our Richmond Hill clinic.
Treatment Pricing
Initial or Extended Treatment (75 minutes): $150. Recommended for first visits and for complex, chronic, or multiple concerns. Includes a full assessment and two to three treatment modalities.
Standard Treatment (60 minutes): $125. Assessment and one to two modalities.
Herbal Prescription Consultation (30 minutes): $50.
Acupuncture is not covered by OHIP. To claim under your plan’s acupuncture benefit, most insurers require a CTCMPAO-registered R.Ac or R.TCMP, as all of ours are. We direct bill most major insurers through TELUS Health eClaims, so where your plan allows it, you pay only your share at the visit.
Herbs Meta's direct billing through TELUS Health eClaims means patients are not required to submit their own insurance claims when their plan allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For most people, no. The needles are about the width of a human hair, far finer than needles used for injections. Patients may feel a brief tap or a dull, heavy ache around a point, which is normal, though sensation varies by individual and should always be reported to the practitioner.
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It depends on the concern and how long it has been present. Acute issues often respond in a few sessions, while longer-standing concerns usually need a short course over several weeks. Progress is reassessed on an ongoing basis rather than booking an open-ended schedule.
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Acupuncture is not covered by OHIP, but most extended health plans include an acupuncture benefit. To claim under it, insurers generally require a CTCMPAO-registered practitioner, which all Herbs Meta practitioners are, so confirming the specific benefit amount with the insurer before booking is recommended.
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Yes. Herbs Meta direct bills most major insurers through TELUS Health eClaims where a plan allows it, so patients pay only their share at the visit. This reduces the need to submit paper claims afterward and simplifies the payment process for eligible patients.
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The evidence is strongest for certain kinds of pain and for migraine prevention, and it is often used to support stress, sleep, and several other concerns. Herbs Meta is transparent about what acupuncture may and may not help with, and progress is reassessed over time.
Meet Your Practitioners
Herbs Meta is staffed by registered TCM practitioners serving Richmond Hill.
Andrew Zheng, R.TCMP, R. Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription, Meridian Diagnostic
Andrew has dedicated over twenty years to study and practice of medicine. He holds an MD from UMC, Southwest Free Medical University (Sichuan) and completed TCM training at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He also serves as a TCM college instructor teaching Meridian, Acupuncture, Acupuncture Therapeutics, and Clinical Internship. Fluent in Chinese, English, and Russian.
Melody Tian, R.TCMP, R.Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription, TCM Diagnostics
Melody is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Registered Acupuncturist in Ontario, and an instructor at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (OCTCM). For nearly five years she has taught TCM diagnosis and supervised clinical internships. She excels in tongue diagnosis and holistic, root-cause approaches to care.
Yang Wang, R.Ac, R.TCMP
Chronic Pain, Internal Medicine, Urological Conditions, Acupuncture
Yang Wang is a highly skilled, dual-trained medical professional and fifth-generation TCM practitioner. He holds a Master of Surgery from Peking University and served as a Urologist at Beijing Renhe Hospital for 13 years. He completed an intensive two-year Western Medicine to TCM program at Beijing Xiyuan Hospital and graduated from the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (OCTCM).
Wenhao Yang, R.TCMP, R.Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription
Eric is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Registered Acupuncturist in Ontario. He graduated from the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and brings a thorough, patient-centred approach to assessment and treatment, with a focus on individualized care plans for both acute and long-standing health concerns.
Book an Acupuncture Appointment
If you're considering acupuncture in Richmond Hill and would like to explore whether it's suitable for your concerns, we're here to help.
You can:
- Book an acupuncture appointment online, or
- Contact us to ask questions before booking
We believe good care starts with clear information and realistic expectations
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