Acupuncture in North York
Registered, Gentle, and Research-Informed Care

Our clinic near Yonge & Sheppard offers registered acupuncture care — even if needles make you nervous.

CTCMPAO Registered 20+ Years in North York Direct Insurance Billing

Book a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call

A no-pressure conversation where you can ask questions and understand your options.

(416) 730-8218 Book Online

A Gentle Approach, Even If Needles Concern You

Many people curious about acupuncture have questions about the needles. That’s completely understandable.

Here’s what you should know:

Acupuncture needles are remarkably fine, almost as thin as a human hair
A blood draw needle is more than three times wider
Most people describe sensations as light tingling, gentle pressure, or nothing at all
Many are surprised by how little they feel, some even fall asleep during treatment

Our treatment rooms include table warmers, soft music, and infrared heating lamps. A call button is always within reach to immediately summon your practitioner.

If you’re sensitive to needles, we can begin with minimal stimulation and adjust based on your comfort.

Meet Your Registered Acupuncturist

Daryl Fang, R.Ac

Daryl has over 15 years of clinical experience at White Lotus Clinic. She is registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO).

Many of Daryl's patients come to her for support with fertility, women's health, PCOS, and pain. She also provides cupping therapy and moxibustion.

Daryl works collaboratively with patients' existing healthcare providers and is available for a free discovery call before your first visit.

View Daryl's full profile →

Acupuncture Within an Integrative Clinic

White Lotus Clinic has offered acupuncture for over 20 years as part of an integrative healthcare environment.

Acupuncture is provided by our Registered Acupuncturist, Daryl Fang, R.Ac. For patients who are also seeing one of our Naturopathic Doctors, care can be coordinated — though each practitioner provides care independently within their regulated scope, and coordination is offered only when appropriate and with patient consent.

This means you can receive acupuncture on its own, or as part of a broader health plan if you choose.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a regulated healthcare practice in Ontario. Only Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) may provide treatment.

The practice involves gentle insertion of sterile, single-use needles at specific points on the body. Modern imaging methods have documented measurable nervous system and circulatory responses to acupuncture. These findings help explain why acupuncture has been widely studied — but they are not guarantees of individual outcomes.

View Research References

Takayama S, et al. Blood flow changes with acupuncture. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012.
Wang Y, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of electroacupuncture. PLoS One. 2014.
Dou B, et al. Neuroimmune crosstalk in acupuncture. Front Neurosci. 2021.
Liu L, et al. Brain connectivity changes with acupuncture. Neuroimage Clin. 2022.
The Acupuncture Evidence Project. 2017.
Lu L, et al. Evidence mapping of acupuncture reviews. BMJ Open. 2022.

What to expect during a session

Assessment — Your acupuncturist reviews your health history and current concerns
TCM Diagnosis — Traditional tongue and pulse assessment
Treatment — Sterile needles are gently inserted at specific points
Rest — You relax for 20–45 minutes with needles in place
Completion — Needles are removed and next steps discussed

Most patients find the experience deeply relaxing.

Acupuncture Support for Health Concerns

Within a Traditional Chinese Medicine framework, acupuncture is used to support a variety of health concerns. Below are areas where patients commonly seek care at our clinic.

Fertility and Reproductive Support

We frequently support individuals and couples who are navigating their fertility journey — whether pursuing natural conception or undergoing IVF/IUI. Acupuncture is used traditionally to support reproductive health and is often received alongside conventional fertility care.

Common concerns include:

Support during natural conception efforts
IVF and IUI cycle support
Irregular menstrual cycles
Ovulation-related concerns

For those building a family while balancing work and daily life, acupuncture can be part of a supportive, integrative approach.

Women's Health Concerns

Hormonal health has been a cornerstone of our practice for over 20 years. Many patients seek acupuncture within a TCM framework for gynecological and hormonal concerns.

Common concerns include:

Menstrual pain and cramping
Irregular or absent periods
Premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
PCOS-related concerns
Menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms
Postpartum recovery support

Whether you're managing monthly discomfort or navigating a transition, acupuncture offers a calm, supportive space.

If you're dealing with something similar and aren't sure where to start, you can ask Daryl your questions during a free 15-minute call.

Pain and Musculoskeletal Concerns

Musculoskeletal discomfort is one of the most common reasons patients visit us. Acupuncture has been widely studied for pain-related conditions within a TCM framework.

Common concerns include:

Back pain (lower and upper)
Neck pain and stiffness
Knee and joint discomfort
Headaches and migraines
Sports and repetitive strain concerns

For those dealing with ongoing discomfort that affects daily life, acupuncture offers a gentle, non-invasive option.

Stress, Sleep, and General Wellness

For North York parents juggling family and work, or professionals managing daily stress, acupuncture offers a space to pause and reset.

Acupuncture is traditionally used to address patterns related to stress, sleep, and mood. Research has documented effects on the autonomic nervous system, which regulates relaxation responses.

Common concerns include stress and tension, sleep difficulties, anxiety and mood concerns, fatigue and low energy, and digestive concerns.

Many patients incorporate acupuncture as part of their regular health maintenance routine.

Why North York Patients Choose White Lotus

20+ years serving the Yonge & Sheppard community — one of North York's longest-established integrative clinics
Registered, regulated care — your acupuncturist is licensed by CTCMPAO and meets ongoing professional standards
Experience with cycle-sensitive care — our clinic has extensive experience supporting patients undergoing IVF and reproductive care, and we understand the timing, communication, and sensitivity these journeys require
TCM-rooted approach — our care is grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which can complement your existing physio, massage, or conventional care
Comfort-first environment — table warmers, infrared lamps, soft music, and graded exposure for sensitive patients
Convenient location — steps from Sheppard-Yonge Station, minutes from the 401

While many patients come to us for reproductive support, we also see a large number of people for pain, stress, sleep, and general wellness.

As a small, long-standing clinic, our patients appreciate seeing familiar faces and receiving care that feels personal and unrushed.

Your First Visit

Step 1: Discovery Call
(Optional, No Charge)

A 15-minute phone conversation to:

Ask questions about your specific concerns
Understand whether acupuncture may be appropriate
Learn what to expect

If acupuncture is not a good fit, we'll let you know — your wellbeing comes first.

No pressure. No obligation.

Step 2: Initial Assessment
(60 minutes)

Your first visit includes:

Comprehensive health history review
Traditional tongue and pulse diagnosis
Discussion of your practitioner's assessment
Your first acupuncture session

Step 3: Your Treatment Plan

Following your initial visit, your acupuncturist will recommend a personalized schedule based on your assessment. Plans are adjusted based on your individual response.

Practical Information

Fees & Insurance Coverage

Acupuncture is not covered by OHIP but is included in many extended health plans.

We Offer Direct Billing Available Through Telus eClaims:

We offer direct billing through Telus eClaims for many major insurers. For other plans, we provide official receipts for reimbursement. For Sun Life plans, patients submit claims directly. We provide all required receipts at checkout.

Coverage varies by plan; our team can check direct-billing eligibility when you visit.

View our current fee schedule or ask us when you call.

Location & Community Access

White Lotus Clinic
📍 121 Willowdale Ave, Suite 301
North York, Ontario M2N 6A3

We're located in the Willowdale neighborhood, just east of Yonge Street.

Getting Here:

By Transit: Short walk from Sheppard-Yonge Station (Yonge line)
By Car: 3 minutes from the Highway 401 Bayview exit
Parking: Available on-site and on surrounding streets

Serving Our Community:
We provide registered acupuncture care to patients across North York, including Willowdale, Lansing, Newtonbrook, Bayview Village, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Hours & Availability

Clinic Hours:
Monday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday	9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday	Closed

Appointments are available throughout the week. If you need a specific time, book early or call to check availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients experience minimal to no discomfort. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — thinner than a human hair. Common sensations include gentle tingling or mild pressure. If you're concerned, let your practitioner know — we can adjust our approach.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a regulated profession in Ontario. Our practitioner is registered with CTCMPAO and meets ongoing licensing requirements. We use sterile, single-use needles and clean field technique. Side effects are generally mild (occasional bruising or fatigue).

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Acupuncture can be received during pregnancy, though certain points and approaches are modified. Your practitioner will review your situation and discuss any precautions. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, let us know when you book.

How many sessions are typically recommended?

Treatment recommendations are individualized. Acute concerns may respond to shorter courses; chronic or complex concerns often benefit from longer ones. Your practitioner will discuss expectations during your initial assessment.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be rolled up above elbows and knees. Gowns and draping are available as needed.

Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Acupuncture can be received alongside conventional medical care, naturopathic medicine, physiotherapy, and other treatments. We work collaboratively with your existing providers.

Is acupuncture appropriate for everyone?

Your practitioner will review your health history to confirm suitability and discuss any precautions relevant to your individual situation. If acupuncture isn't a good fit for your needs, we'll let you know.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance in Ontario?

Acupuncture is not covered by OHIP, but many extended health insurance plans include acupuncture coverage. Coverage varies by provider and policy. We recommend checking directly with your insurer.