July Infographic – TCM Hydration Insights:

July 10, 2026

the ‘ice water’ debate

This month’s infographic dives into the time honoured tradition to skip the ice with science to back it up!

To use this shareable infographic designed to inspire with educational details and tips about cold water consumption from a TCM perspective. Download the PDF. Add your details into the fillable field in the bottom right corner. Save and share! Whether physical or digital, this resource is both a teaching tool and promotional material for your business.

Download Infographic

Sources:

1.Taghizadeh-Hesary, F. Is Chronic Ice Water Ingestion a Risk Factor for Gastric Cancer Development? An Evidence-Based Hypothesis Focusing on East Asian Populations. Oncology and Therapy. 12, 629–646 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40487-024-00299-y

2.Maley, M. J., Minett, G. M., Bach, A. J. E., Zietek, S. A., Stewart, K. L., & Stewart, I. B. (2018). Internal and external cooling methods and their effect on body temperature, thermal perception and dexterity. PLoS ONE, 13(1), e0191416. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191416

3.Chen, S., Leung, N. N., Cheng, H., Wu, M., Cheung, D. S., Ruan, J., Qin, J., Ren, G., & Yeung, W. (2025). Acceptability of self-administered acupressure for knee osteoarthritis in middle-aged and older adults: A mixed-method secondary analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 89, 103130. https://do.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103130

The Method SYNERGY and Sports Acupuncture at OCTCM

July 3, 2026

The Method SYNERGY and Sports Acupuncture – Level 1 and Level 2 with Valerie Truong R.Ac & Physiotherapist


The SYNERGY Method is a method of treating musculoskeletal pain and injuries with 2 simple and effective SYNERGY Sequences, the Upper and the Lower Sequences, by rebalancing the fascias and muscle chains, in the clinical setting with the general clientele and applicable on field with high-level athletes using distal points.

DATE: August 14th – August 16th, 2026 Friday – Sunday

LOCATION: OCTCM Toronto Campus

COST: $950 CAD + Tax

TCMO MEMBER PRICE: $875 CAD + Tax

PREREQUISITES: R.Ac or students who have completed the Acupuncture program

INSTRUCTOR: Valérie Truong, Acupuncturist, Physiotherapist, B.Sc

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Be effective treating musculoskeletal conditions and enrich the recommendations given to the patient to accelerate progress according to Phases 1, 2 or 3 of patient’s healing.

At the end of the seminar, therapists will be equipped to work effectively in their clinic and on field in a sports environment, as well as any environment, where the pace of action is intense and where effectiveness of intervention must be maximal in a small amount of time (eg humanitarian)

Presentation of the SYNERGY Method is based on more than 1000 interventions on field with professional athletes and sports teams and 25 years of private clinic practice in Montreal, Canada.

TOPICS COVERED:

Presentation of the Upper and Lower SYNERGY Sequences rebalancing muscle chain by muscle chain with the use of palpation and distal acupuncture points.

Presentation of treatment strategies and SYNERGY recommendations to accelerate patient progression and optimize acupuncture treatment, according to the 3 healing phases:Phases 1, 2 or 3.

The following will be covered during the hands-on workshops:

1) Upper and Lower SYNERGY Sequences rebalancing of the spine and the 4 muscle chains of the limb with palpation and use of the distal points.

2) Refinement of SYNERGY Sequences with the use of points at the sacroiliacs and of the scapulas.

3) how to perform SYNERGY fascia and muscle chain rebalancing AND powerfully treat an internal disorder simultaneously using: 

  • superimposed images, which will allow us to puncture only from the elbow to the hand and from the knee to the foot
  • the 3 Yin Meridians
  • the 3 Yang Meridians
  • the combination of the SYNERGY Sequences and Dr. Richard Tan’s “Magical 8+1” prescription, aka “the million dollar prescription” to address issues such as: digestive, intestinal, menstrual problems, menopausal, weight loss, glycemic control, seasonal allergies.

THE SEMINAR IS FOR TCM Therapists who have completed their course in acupuncture with an interest in Orthopedics.

SCHEDULE:

DAY 1: 9 AM to 6 PM – The first day consists of presenting the SYNERGY Method Theory in the morning followed by 2 demonstrations on models in the afternoon.

DAY 2: 9 AM to 5 PM – The second day, presentation of the final part of the SYNERGY Method Theory followed by the Practical Workshop Level 1.

DAY 3: 9 AM to 5 PM – The third day, presentation of the SYNERGY Method Theory Level 2 and demonstration on model Level 2 in the morning followed by the Practical Workshop Level 2 in the afternoon.

TEACHING METHODS:

Oral presentation, case histories, 4 clinical demonstrations on models, sharing of experience. The Method Seminar manual and educational tools will be provided. 

INSTRUCTOR BIO Valérie Truong

Physiotherapist and Acupuncturist in private clinical practice for 25 years in Montreal, Canada, specializing in Sports Acupuncture for teams and professional athletes. She teaches the SYNERGY fascia rebalancing Method in Canada and in Europe since 2016. 

She works with the Canadian Women’s Professional Hockey League, Le Royal de Montréal of the American Ultimate Disc League (Frisbee), The Red Bull Cliff Divers and dancers of the Ballets Jazz de Montréal and of the Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal. In spring of 2024, she was the therapist for the cast and crew of Netflix « Emily in Paris » season 4 during the filming in Paris.

She is involved in teaching and research in the field of acupuncture in Quebec. 

For more information on the course and instructor, please see:https://www.octcm.com/single-post/the-method-synergy-and-sports-acupuncture-level-1-and-level-2

Any questions, please contact toronto@octcm.com.

Pulse Diagnosis Course at AIM

June 13, 2026

Practical Pulse Diagnosis with Richard Kwan

Details:

Dates: Friday, September 18th and Saturday, September 19th 2026

Time: 10:00AM – 5:30PM

Cost: $700

TCMO Member Cost: $600 (Call 416-323-1818 ext. 202 to register at your discounted rate.)

Location: In Person at AIM Academy, 455 Spadina Ave, Suite 300, Toronto ON, M5S 2G8

Requirements: Participants must be Registered Acupuncturists or Acupuncture students (Students must provide proof of enrolment, call 416-323-1818 ext. 202 to register.)

Instructor: RICHARD KWAN, BSc, R.TCMP, R.Ac

Description:

Do you feel a lack of confidence in Pulse Diagnosis? Do you feel confused about the different kinds of pulses?

Richard Kwan is offering Practical Pulse Diagnosis for students and practitioners to simplify your Pulse Diagnosis and practice knowing how to improve your Pulse taking skills.

There will also be a Practical component not only to palpate the Pulse but also to influence the Pulse of patients through palpation of acu-points and Acupuncture. By seeing how the Pulse changes during a treatment, this helps to build your confidence and improve your treatment results.

For full course details, click here.

Point Combination Course at AIM

June 13, 2026

Point Combination and Meridian Systems with Richard Kwan

Details:

Dates: Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th 2026

Time: 10:00AM – 6:00PM 

Cost: $700

TCMO Member Cost: $600 (Call 416-323-1818 ext. 202 to register at your discounted rate.)

Location: In Person at AIM Academy, 455 Spadina Ave, Suite 300, Toronto ON, M5S 2G8

Requirements: Participants must be Registered Acupuncturists or acupuncture students completing the clinical portion of their training. (Students must provide proof of enrollment, call 416-323-1818 ext. 202 to register.)

Instructor: RICHARD KWAN, BSc, R.TCMP, R.Ac

Description:

Treatment of pain is often based on Meridian Differentiation compared to the treatment of internal disorders based on Zang-Fu Syndrome Differentiation.  Meridian based Acupuncture integrates TCM microsystems, balancing methods, Acupuncture Meridian Systems and 5 element theory taken from Classical Acupuncture, Japanese Acupuncture, Tung and Tan Style Acupuncture.  This workshop summarizes how these famous Acupuncture masters have applied these ancient Meridian systems to produce effective results in the treatment of pain.  

Richard Kwan’s innovative style of Acupuncture teaches the importance of palpation and intention to create effective and miraculous results even with a few needles.  Workshop includes lecture and treatment demonstration to enhance learning experience and empower practitioners with a variety of tools and insights to give simple yet profound treatments.

For more information, check out the full description here.

June Infographic – TCM Tips to regulate, hydrate & establish equilibrium…

June 3, 2026

This month’s infographic celebrates summer with practical pointers to balance out some of that excess yang energy.

To use this shareable infographic designed to inspire with research backed tactics to clear heat and replenish yin. Download the PDF. Add your details into the fillable field in the bottom right corner. Save and share! Whether physical or digital, this resource is both a teaching tool and promotional material for your business.

Keep Cool…balancing the fire of summer heat…

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Sources:

Chou, T. H., & Coyle, E. F. (2022). Cardiovascular responses to hot skin at rest and during exercise. Temperature (Austin, Tex.), 10(3), 326–357. https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2022.2109931 

George, A. S., George, H. & Shahul, A. (2024). The Science and Timing of Power Naps: Investigating the Cognitive and Physical Benefits of Brief Daytime Sleep. Partners Universal Innovative Research Publication, 2(1), 70–84. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10673171

Javid, H., Fatima, U., Rukhsar, A., Hussain, S., Bibi, S., Bodlah, M. A., Shahzad, H. H., Dilshad, M., Waqas, M., & Sharif, A. (2024). Phytochemical, Nutritional and Medicinal Profile of Cucumis sativus (Cucumber). Food Science and Engineering, 358–377. https://doi.org/10.37256/fse.5220244795

Liu, X., Wang, Z., Yao, H., Yang, Y., Cao, H., Toh, Z., Zheng, R., & Ren, Y. (2022). Effects of acupuncture treatment on postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in colorectal cancer: study protocol for randomized controlled trials. Trials, 23(1), 100. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06003-7

Meghwar, P., Saeed, S. M. G., Ullah, A., Nikolakakis, E., Panagopoulou, E., Tsoupras, A., Smaoui, S., & Khaneghah, A. M. (2024). Nutritional Benefits of Bioactive Compounds from Watermelon: A Comprehensive Review. Food Bioscience. 61. https://doi.org/104609.10.1016/j.fbio.2024.104609

Yang, S., Byun, S., & Kim, J. (2016). A study for changes of blood pressure and heart rate by acupressure to acupoints in rat model of hemorrhagic shock. Korean Journal of Acupuncture, 33(2), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.14406/acu.2016.008

May Infographic – TCM Tips for the Spleen & Stomach

May 5, 2026

This month’s infographic is another great resource packed with physiologic information to support digestive function and calm the mind.

To use this shareable infographic designed to inspire with research backed habits to benefit the spleen and stomach. Download the PDF. Add your details into the fillable field in the bottom right corner. Save and share! Whether physical or digital, this resource is both a teaching tool and promotional material for your business.

Regulate the Nervous System…with mindful gut-brain connections.

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Sources:

Dewintasari, N. N. P., Mustika, I. W., Sudiantara, I. K., Lestari, A. S., Achjar, K. a. H., Gama, I. K., Suardana, I. W., Ngurah, I. G. K. G., & Harini, I. G. A. (2025). The Effect of Acupressure Therapy at SP6 And LI4 Points on Lowering Blood Pressure in Elderly with Hypertension. Health Dynamics, 2(6), 224–232. https://doi.org/10.33846/hd20602

Kamate, M., Teranishi, H., Umeda, R., Shikano, K., Kitaoka, S., Hanada, T., Hikida, T., Kawano, K., & Hanada, R. (2025). Dietary texture-driven masticatory activity and its impact on stress tolerance. Journal of Oral Biosciences, 67(1), 100628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.job.2025.100628

Koszła, O., Kukula-Koch, W., Jóźwiak, K., Jastrząb, R., Marć, M. A., Mytych, J., Tabęcka-Łonczyńska, A., Skóra, B., Szychowski, K. A., & Sołek, P. (2025). Biotransformation of Ganoderma lucidum and Hericium erinaceus for ex vivo gut-brain axis modulation and mood-related outcomes in humans: CREB/BDNF signaling and microbiota-driven synergies. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 342, 119393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.119393

Kumar, A., Almotairy, N., Merzo, J. J., Wendin, K., Rothenberg, E., Grigoriadis, A., Sandborgh-Englund, G., & Trulsson, M. (2023). Chewing and its influence on swallowing, gastrointestinal and nutrition-related factors: a systematic review. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 63(33), 11987–12017. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2098245

Mounika, V., Gowd, Y., Lakshminarayana, D.,  Krishna, G., Yogesh, M., Reddy, I., Soumya, B., Chamuah, S., & Singh, Y., & Reddy, P. (2025). Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam): a comprehensive review of its botany, nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, health benefits, and future prospects. European Food Research and Technology. 251. 3225-3239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-025-04828-5. 

Shaharom, N., Seow, L., Yusoff, A., & Seow, E. (2023). Unravelling the potential of rice congee: A review of its physicochemical properties, processing methods, functional food opportunities, and current hurdles. Journal of Food Technology Research,10. https://doi.org/10.18488/jftr.v10i3.3493.

Singh, A., Saini, R. K., Kumar, A., Chawla, P., & Kaushik, R. (2025). Mushrooms as Nutritional Powerhouses: A Review of Their Bioactive Compounds, Health Benefits, and Value-Added Products. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 14(5), 741. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050741

Wattanathorn, J., Muchimapura, S., Thukham-Mee, W., & Tong-Un, T. (2025). Congee Containing Carotenoids-Enriched Functional Ingredient from Tomato Improves Cognition, Serum α-Synuclein, Monoaminergic Function, and Gut-Brain Axis Functions in the Elderly Volunteers. Life, 15(7), 1093. https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071093

Facial Rejuvenation with Roberto Iusso

April 4, 2026

Schedule: Monday, September 21st 2026 from 10AM – 6PM and Tuesday September 22nd 2026 from 10AM to 4PM

AIM Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine Academy

Special rate for TCMO Members $600 (regular $700)

Description:

The practical applications of facial rejuvenation can be a lucrative service for those practitioners who choose to incorporate it into their TCM practice!

Five areas will be comprehensively covered over the 2 day workshop including:

  1. Point selection and acupuncture needling techniques for conditions such as dark circles, puffy eyes, drooping skin, scars, fine lines and wrinkles will be introduced. Constitutional imbalances will also be addressed.
  2. Participants will also learn how to do a deep, soothing, acupressure-based face massage, utilizing acupuncture points to stimulate qi and blood in the face and neck areas.
  3. Facial toning (Facial Yoga) exercises will be learnt so that practitioners can pass this onto clients to facilitate self-care and improvement.
  4. The latest Facial cupping techniques will be demonstrated and covered in depth.
  5. Facial Gua Sha techniques will be taught, focusing on lifting, sculpting, and promoting lymphatic drainage to enhance skin tone, reduce tension, and support overall facial rejuvenation.

Please be ready to give and receive a treatment in class.  Please arrive at the course without any make-up or facial hair (beards/moustaches). 

Course material and supplies, including a Facial Cupping Kit will be provided.

A certificate will be issued at the end of the course.

CLICK FOR COMPLETE DETAILS

Wang Ju-yi’s Applied Channel Theory: Module 1 – Channel Diagnosis and Palpation Seminar

April 4, 2026
  • Monday, July 6, 2026 from 9:00AM – 1:00PM (Online portion)
  • Monday, July 13, and Tuesday, July 14, 2026 from 10:00AM – 6:00PM (In Person portion)

AIM Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine Academy

Special rate for TCMO Members $700 (regular rate $800)

Description:

Developed by Dr. Wang Ju-yi over 50 years in Beijing clinics, hospitals, colleges and research institutes, it involves the rigorous combination of theory and diagnostic technique. In addition to channel examination, Applied Channel Theory is a comprehensive system that includes channel theory (channel qi transformation), channel differentiation, channel selection, the nature of acupuncture points, point selection and location, and various methods of channel regulation (like acupuncture, moxibustion, hand techniques and so on).

This two-day class will focus on learning the basics of channel examination through interactive lectures and hands-on practice of technique. Channel examination is a classical diagnostic technique not often taught in modern acupuncture schools in the West. Emphasized in the earliest Chinese medical texts (Nei Jing/Nan Jing), examination of the channels is essential to confirming diagnosis and refining point selection.

Channel examination involves the methods of observation, feeling temperature/moisture, palpation of pulses, pressing and palpation of channels. The emphasis of the course will be on channel palpation of the 12 main channels, and the various changes that can be discovered. Ren and du vessel palpation will also be taught.

In addition, an exploration of channel-based physiology will be presented from Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine and An Introduction to Applied Channel Theory（《经络医学概论》）. The course will focus on lectures on channel physiology and their common pathologies. Common point pairs will also be introduced.

This course can be considered as an introductory course on Applied Channel Theory, as Dr. Wang believed that mastery of this system first requires knowledge of the channels, particularly their physiology and actual physical location in the body.

Future classes will build upon the foundations of his course.

Subjects covered will include:

  • Classical channel physiology and a discussion of how physiology manifests with specific, palpable changes on the acupuncture channels.
  • Techniques for the accurate palpation of each of the fourteen major channels, especially the exact crevice where each channel travels. This section of the class will involve hands-on work by the students.
  • How to utilize information gleaned from channel palpation to refine and simplify diagnosis.

CLICK FOR COMPLETE DETAILS

April Infographic – TCM tips for the Lungs

April 3, 2026

This months infographic is a practical spring resource to support lung function and protect against seasonal allergies.

To use this shareable infographic designed to inspire with research backed habits to benefit the Lungs. Download the PDF. Add your details into the fillable field in the bottom right corner. Save and share! Whether physical or digital, this resource is both a teaching tool and promotional material for your business.

Support Wei Qi… clear congestion and breathe easier

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Sources: 

Israel, L., Rotter, G., Förster-Ruhrmann, U., Hummelsberger, J., Nögel, R., Michalsen, A., Tissen-Diabaté, T., Binting, S., Reinhold, T., Ortiz, M., & Brinkhaus, B. (2021). Acupressure in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: a Randomized Controlled Exploratory Trial. Chinese Medicine, 16(1), 137. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-021-00536-w, 

Gupta, P., Kumar, A., Verma, D., Soni, R., Kumar, S., Singh, J., Raviprakash Singh, S., Patel, A. & Sri Venkatesh, U. (2024). The Healing Herbs of Traditional Medicine: a review of the photochemical and pharmacological significance of mentha piperita (peppermint). European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11(11), 377-286. http://www.ejbps.com, 

Liang, Yaqun (2023). Self-Aministered Acupressure for the Management of Allergic Rhinitis. RMIT University. Thesis. https://doi.org/10.25439/rmt.27595983, 

Park, N., Chung, J. Y., Kim, M. H., & Yang, W. M. (2022). Protective effects of inhalation of essential oils from Mentha piperita leaf on tight junctions and inflammation in allergic rhinitis. Frontiers in Allergy, 3, 1012183. https://doi.org/10.3389/falgy.2022.1012183, 

Zafrilla, P., Ballester, P., Victoria-Montesinos, D., Cerdá, B., Marhuenda, J., Arcusa, R., & García-Muñoz, A. M. (2025). Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Their Role in Allergy Prevention: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients, 17(22), 3506. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17223506

March Infographic – TCM tips for the Liver

March 2, 2026

This months information packed PDF, celebrates the introduction of spring with tips to shake off winter stagnation and support liver function.

To use this shareable infographic designed to inspire with research backed habits to benefit the Liver. Download the PDF. Add your details into the fillable field in the bottom right corner. Save and share! Whether physical or digital, this resource is both a teaching tool and promotional material for your business.

Unblock Qi & clear Winter Stagnation

Download Infographic

Sources: 

Dutta, R. K., Oben, J., & Diehl, A. M. (2025). Sour taste sensation as a neuroimmune modulator in liver injury. Journal of hepatology, 83(3), 627–629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2025.06.003

Fujii, Y., Taira, S., Shinoda, K., Yamato, Y., Sakata, K., Muta, O., Osada, Y., Ono, A., Matsushita, T., Azumi, M., Shikano, H., Abe, K., Calabrese, V., & Osakabe, N. (2025). Astringent flavanol fires the locus-noradrenergic system, regulating neurobehavior and autonomic nerves. Current Research in Food Science, 11, 101195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2025.101195

Lin, G., Chang, W., Chen, K., Tsai, C., Hu, S., & Chen, L. (2016). Effectiveness of Acupressure on the Taichong Acupoint in Lowering Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016(1), 1549658. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/1549658

Liu, C., Liu, Y., Liu, J., Liu, J., Lu, T., Yu, J., Zhang, G., & Xu, K. (2025). Associations between intake of different types of vegetables and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a population-based study. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 315. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21331-4

Kaur, H., Kaushik, U., & Choudhary, N. (2024). Therapeutics effects of the genus citrus in anxiety disorder. Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, 15(4), 373–388. https://doi.org/10.1177/0976500×241278037

Kim, B. H. (2025). Analysis of the Effect of Acupressure Point Stimulation on Liver Function Activation through Voice Analysis. Mitteilungen Klosterneuburg. https://doi.org/10.61586/esm7o

Mašić, S., Čaušević, D., Čović N., et al. (2024). The benefits of static stretching on health: a systematic review. Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, 34(107), 27-39. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0054.2941.

Sadat, Z., Kafaei-Atrian, M., Mirbagher-Ajorpaz, N., Sarvieh, M., Asghari-Jafarabadi, M., & Solhi, M. (2016). The effect of acupressure at third liver point on the anxiety level in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 21(2), 142. https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-9066.178233 

Terzioğlu, Z. A., & Çakır‐çelebi, S. G. (2025). A brief online program Integrating Mindfulness and Stretching Exercises: Effects on Well‐Being in Health Sciences Students. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 81(12), 1259–1270. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.70034

Yan, Q., Xing, Q., Liu, Z., Zou, Y., Liu, X., & Xia, H. (2024). The phytochemical and pharmacological profile of dandelion. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy, 179, 117334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117334