Get the holistic health care you deserve.
Meet Kriss
Registered Acupuncturist + Traditional Chinese Practitioner
Hi, I’m Kriss.
An experienced Registered Chinese Medical practitioner and acupuncturist for over 13 years, I help clients across Toronto and the GTA live their best lives.
With compassion, commitment and care, my approach to integrated healing reflects my attitude to life. Striving to understand individuals’ uniqueness and seeking how we are connected as a whole, is what fuels me professionally and personally.
Whether I am assessing a first-time patient or addressing a workshop audience, preparing my young, active daughter’s lunch or playing a DJ set at a local event, well-being is always top of mind, body and soul.
A Natural Progression
Early jobs at health food stores honed my nutritional knowledge and piqued my passion for helping others. This set me on the path towards my formal education and training as a Registered Chinese Medical practitioner in Toronto.
A lifelong learner, I continue to broaden my traditional services like acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tui-na massage and cupping therapy, with today’s latest breakthroughs like cosmetic acupuncture treatments.
Traditional Healing, Today’s Innovations
My busy, inclusive practice welcomes everyone, particularly those seeking pain management, stress relief, and mood and energy support. Specializing in fertility and perinatal interests, I have taught Women’s Health at my alma mater, Academy of Integrated Medicine (AIM).
As a music lover and longtime DJ, I recently added sound healing to my list of services. I am also proud to be part of a growing holistic community facilitating cold therapies, like lake dips and ice baths, called the Immersions Series.
From acupuncture needle to turntable needle, I work to achieve balance and harmony in my life, and want to help you do the same. I also understand first-hand as an entrepreneur and mother, that is not always easy. My husband, self-employed in fitness, is a great support (ok, except when I beat him at tennis!) championing me to now offer workshops and events to my longtime client base. Community is vital amid today’s demands and hectic schedules, and this includes a network to help achieve your health goals.
Now that you know a bit more about me, I would love to learn about you.
I welcome you to book a free 15-minute call to determine if my practice and your needs are a fit.
Kriss@traditionaltoday.com
416.554.0345
Traditional Chinese Medicine
A Modern Approach to TCM
History of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back as early as the Han Dynasty, 200th century. The ancient Chinese text, Neijing, known as the ‘Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic’ was first to document and translate Chinese Medicine and its theory on the causes of disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is focused on function of the body as a whole rather than on anatomy as is Western Medicine.
It was developed out of necessity as the ancient Chinese had to struggle against disease. Before there were medical autopsies treatments were determined from observing the body, facial complexion and tongue diagnosis. It is in Chinese Medicine by which taking of the pulse as a diagnostic tool was first used, however the foundation for which it is taken differs from the West.
TCM considers it essential to take its surrounding environment and treat according to the particular pattern (excess/deficient, hot/cold, wet/dry, etc.) associated with the disorder. After diagnosis of these patterns an acupuncture point prescription is determind to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang to keep the normal flow of qi unblocked. Other therapeutic techniques such as Tui-Na massage, Qi Gong, cupping or moxabustion, eastern dietary nutrition and Chinese Herbal formulas are also used, this, restoring or maintaining healthy energy helping the body clear up stagnation and blockages.
Eastern Philosophies
TCM beliefs are deeply rooted in early traditional Taoist & Confucius philosophies, believing a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified. The Confucian idea of moderation, in lifestyle and health, shows up in the Nei Jing in several passages.
Taoism is not a religion, more a philosophy based on the concept of Tao. Sometimes said to mean “the way”.
Tao expresses through the duality of Yin-Yang. Tao is like the eternal primeval law of nature. The way the ancient Taoists’ would teach would be via observation of the nature, in the hopes of obtaining a direct grasp of the truth.
Benefits of Acupuncture
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Recovery & Pain
Acupuncture can be relaxing, offer immediate improvement from a single treatment and dramatic results with on-going follow up treatments.
Research shows acupuncture improves the circulatory system, decreases muscle tightness and increases joint flexibility -
Reduce Stress
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Cosmetic Acupuncture
Relaxed muscle tone
Increased circulation oxygenating the skin
Increased collagen & elastin production
Tightened and eyes are brightened
Nourished skin giving you a healthy complexion
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Conditions
Musculoskeletal & Neurological:
acute & chronic injuries | neck & back pain | headaches & migraines | TMJ | frozen shoulder
tennis/golf elbow | carpal tunnel | sciatica | tendinitis | arthritic pain
Digestive & Urinary Disorders:
constipation, IBS, acid reflux, urinary tract infections
Respiratory Disorders:
common cold, sinusitis, rhinitis, cough
Gynecological Disorders:
men & women’s fertility, pre and post-natal conditions, menstrual irregularities, labor induction
Mental-Emotional / Behavioral Disorders:
stress management, insomnia, PTSD, PMS, addictions, depression
Skin Disorders
acne (adult, cystic, hormonal), eczema, psoriasis, dry skin
Our Feature Treatments
Acupuncture for Pain & Injury
Acupuncture and cupping treatments for acute and chronic pain are based on current presentation and health history. In addition to Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) methods, we may add contemporary methods, like Western sports medical acupuncture, upon assessment by a Traditional Today expert.
Acupuncture for pain includes: TCM theory, contemporary sport medical methods, trigger point acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping therapy, tui-na massage, myo-fascial release.
Fertility Acupuncture & Perinatal Support
Infertility can be a very challenging and emotional time for those struggling to conceive.
Along with fertility acupuncture treatments, Kriss offers customized conception support for each individual and family, from prenatal to postnatal help. Whether you have endured repeated miscarriages or are experiencing low egg quality, we focus on both fertility and the overall constitutional health of each of you for optimal success.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture in Toronto is increasing in popularity thanks to its effectiveness and safety. As an early practitioner of cosmetic acupuncture, Kriss has helped clients boost their own beauty naturally for 10+ years and developed her signature Skin Deep + Beyond custom method. Combined with the “Mei Zen Technique” and microneedling, clients see fine lines soften, and skin tone and firmness improve by increasing the body’s own production of collagen and elastin. Cosmetic acupuncture also helps minimize puffy eyes, dark circles and tighten aging skin naturally.
Sound & Cold Therapies
Sound baths and ice baths reduce stress by helping the body and mind relax. In sound therapy, various vibrations and frequencies are shown to alter brainwaves, sending you deeper into your subconscious. Music is a big part of Kriss’ life and she often uses it to enhance acupuncture and other treatments.
Through her own self-care journey, Kriss became passionate about elevating cold therapy in Toronto with her Immersion Series, facilitating workshops and retreats involving ice baths and cold lake plunges.