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Registered Naturopathic Doctors · Toronto

Clinical Acupuncture in Toronto

A 2,500-year-old healing tradition, delivered by registered Naturopathic Doctors. We use Traditional Chinese Medicine and electro-acupuncture to restore the natural flow of Qi, energy and blood — supporting pain, stress, fertility, hormones and more.

Covered by most extended health plansIn-person in Toronto
Fine acupuncture needles placed along a client's back
Regulated NDsLicensed in Ontario
Virtually pain-freeFine, flexible needles
Mind & bodyTreated as one system
College of Psychologists of OntarioCRPO Registered Psychotherapists20+ years of clinical experiencePHIPA-compliant virtual careDirect insurance billingCollege of Psychologists of OntarioCRPO Registered Psychotherapists20+ years of clinical experiencePHIPA-compliant virtual careDirect insurance billing
100%OHIP RegisteredCovered Services
25+Evidence-BasedClinical Research
10+Expert TeamLicensed Professionals
95%Proven ResultsPatient Outcomes

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Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs and cupping glasses
The Practice

What is Clinical Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and one of the fastest-growing forms of healthcare in Canada. This tradition carries a 2,500-year history of herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, meditation, and dietary and lifestyle principles. We use these treatments to correct imbalances in the flow of Qi (chi), energy, and blood throughout the body.

Clinical acupuncture is a modality used alongside our psychology and naturopathic services. In Chinese medicine, impairment and imbalance in this flow is believed to cause illness — and restoring the normal flow can restore health. We perform acupuncture with a series of very fine needles that are both flexible and virtually pain-free, inserted in precise points on the body with a deep historical basis in Chinese medicine.

“Restoring the natural flow of Qi, energy, and blood is, in Chinese medicine, how the body returns itself to health.”

Why Acupuncture

A natural path to feeling like yourself again

Precisely placed points carry powerful healing functions — supporting the body and mind across many dimensions of health.

Natural Pain Relief

Eases back, shoulder, and chronic pain by improving circulation and calming the body's pain response — without medication.

Stress & Nervous System

Helps shift the body out of fight-or-flight, supporting nervous-system regulation, calm, and resilience to daily stress.

Better Sleep

Many clients report deeper, more restorative sleep and a quieter mind in the weeks following treatment.

Hormonal Balance

Supports the body's hormonal rhythms — often used alongside care for menstrual, menopausal, and stress-related concerns.

Fertility Support

A gentle, complementary therapy that supports circulation and relaxation as part of a broader fertility journey.

Mood & Anxiety

Used alongside psychological care to ease anxiety and low mood, reflecting McDowall's whole-person, integrative approach.

What It Can Help With

Conditions we treat

Acupuncture points have powerful healing functions and can be used to support a wide range of physical and psychological concerns.

Back Pain
Shoulder Pain
Stress
Fertility
Anxiety
Depression
Chronic Pain
Hormonal Imbalances
Headache & Migraine
Digestive Disturbances

Not sure if acupuncture is right for your concern? Book a free 15-minute discovery call and we'll help you decide.

What to Expect

Your acupuncture journey

From first call to ongoing care, here's how treatment works at our Toronto clinic.

1

Free Discovery Call

A relaxed 15-minute call to understand your goals and confirm acupuncture is a good fit.

2

Intake & TCM Assessment

Your Naturopathic Doctor reviews your health history and assesses the flow of Qi and energy.

3

Personalized Treatment

Fine needles — and, where helpful, electro-stimulation — are applied in a calm, therapeutic setting.

4

Ongoing Care

We track your progress and adjust your plan, coordinating with your wider care team where relevant.

Naturopathic doctor treating a client on the clinic table
Registered Naturopathic DoctorsLicensed in Ontario
Expert Care

Delivered by our Naturopathic Doctors

Our Naturopathic Doctor team has extensive training and knowledge in this area. Naturopathic doctors complete extensive practicals in clinical acupuncture and must pass licensing exams prior to certification.

Depending on the individual, our NDs may use our state-of-the-art electro-stimulation machine to further increase the healing potential of the protocol selected for you — small electrodes are attached to select needles to increase their effectiveness.

Electro-stimulation technology

Optional electrodes amplify the healing potential of your tailored acupuncture protocol.

A therapeutic, relaxing environment

Our Toronto clinic is designed with you in mind — your time to decompress and let the therapy take effect.

Licensed & regulated practitioners

Every treatment is performed by a Naturopathic Doctor regulated in Ontario and trained in TCM.

Where to Find Us

In-person in Toronto, supporting clients across Ontario

Clinical acupuncture is provided in-person at our Toronto clinic. Naturopathic and psychological consultations are also available virtually to clients throughout Ontario.

Toronto Clinic — In-Person CareIn a calm, welcoming therapeutic space
Virtual Consultations Across Ontario
TorontoMississaugaBramptonHamiltonLondonOttawaHamiltonLondonKitchenerWindsorSt. CatharinesBarrieKingston
Featured Therapists

Find My Therapist

Browse our experienced therapists and find the right fit for you — every clinician is registered and matched to your goals.

Alysha Leal, Registered Psychotherapist, MACPAccepting Clients
Alysha LealRegistered Psychotherapist, MACP
AnxietyDepressionGrief & Loss
View profile
Hermenia Fitzpatrick, Registered Psychotherapist, MACPAccepting Clients
Hermenia FitzpatrickRegistered Psychotherapist, MACP
AnxietyDepressionBipolar Disorder
View profile
Meeshika Sharma, Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Therapist, MAAccepting Clients
Meeshika SharmaRegistered Psychotherapist, Clinical Therapist, MA
AnxietyDepressionOCD
View profile
Keren Mann, Registered Psychotherapist, MScAccepting Clients
Keren MannRegistered Psychotherapist, MSc
AnxietyDepressionPTSD
View profile
Deena Aziz, Registered Psychotherapist, MA, CCCAccepting Clients
Deena AzizRegistered Psychotherapist, MA, CCC
AnxietyDepressionBipolar Disorder
View profile
Chelsea Smith, Registered Psychotherapist, MACPAccepting Clients
Chelsea SmithRegistered Psychotherapist, MACP
AnxietyDepressionOCD
View profile
Jonathan Moore, Registered Social Worker, MSWAccepting Clients
Jonathan MooreRegistered Social Worker, MSW
AnxietyDepressionOCD
View profile
Huda Syed, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP CandidateAccepting Clients
Huda SyedRegistered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP Candidate
AnxietyDepressionPTSD
View profile
Kelly Campbell, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACPAccepting Clients
Kelly CampbellRegistered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
AnxietyDepressionGrief & Loss
View profile
Samra Hashim, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP CandidateAccepting Clients
Samra HashimRegistered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP Candidate
AnxietyDepressionPTSD
View profile
Michael Hinderyckx, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACPAccepting Clients
Michael HinderyckxRegistered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
AnxietyDepressionPTSD
View profile
Gurjit Jhuty, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP CandidateAccepting Clients
Gurjit JhutyRegistered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP Candidate
AnxietyDepressionAnger Management
View profile
Coverage in Ontario

Likely covered by your benefits

Because every treatment is performed by a registered Naturopathic Doctor, acupuncture at McDowall is covered by most extended health benefit plans in Ontario under naturopathic coverage.

  • Direct receipts issued for naturopathic services
  • No physician referral required to book
  • We'll help you understand what your plan includes

Most major insurers accepted

Check your plan for "Naturopathy" or "Naturopathic Doctor" coverage.

Sun LifeManulifeCanada LifeGreen ShieldGMSDesjardinsEquitable LifeBeneva
Across Ontario

Care that meets you where you are.

In-person at three Greater Toronto Area clinics. Virtual assessments available everywhere else in Ontario — fully PHIPA-compliant and covered by most insurance plans.

In-person
TorontoBramptonMississauga
Virtual
OttawaHamiltonLondonKitchenerWindsorSt. CatharinesBarrieKingstonGuelphSudbury
Now showingTorontoIn-person & virtual care availableBook in Toronto →
CoverageAll 13 Ontario citiesPlus virtual care anywhere with internet access.
Our Process

Our Integrative & Holistic Approach

We take comprehensive approach to evaluating your physical and psychological concerns.

1

Book Consultation

Contact us to book an appointment that works for you.

2

Complete Intake Process

Complete consent form and intake before your appointment.

3

Attend Your Appointment

Attend in-person or virtually to begin your private session

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Read More >
How can I start counselling right away?+
There are two ways to contact our office. You can contact our Intake Department at 416 485-5555 x 1. When you call, one of our Intake Counsellors will ask you a few questions and connect you with a therapist immediately. Alternatively, you can fill out a web form located on our website. After filling out a web form, our intake department will contact you to answer any questions you may have over the phone or by email.
How can counselling and/or psychological treatment help me?+
Counselling gives you a confidential space to understand what you're experiencing and build practical, evidence-based strategies to manage it. At McDowall, psychological care is integrated with naturopathic care where helpful, so mind and body are addressed together.
What if I don't like my therapist?+
That's completely fine — the fit matters. Let our intake team know and we'll match you with a different clinician at no extra cost.
Are my sessions confidential? Will privacy be respected?+
Yes. All sessions are confidential and our records and virtual care are fully PHIPA-compliant. Information is only shared with your written consent, or where required by law.
Is a deposit required to book?+
Your complimentary 15-minute consult is free with no deposit. For treatment appointments, our intake team will explain any booking policy before you commit.

Virtual Integrative Health Assessment. Across Ontario

Get matched with a virtual therapist now.