A Toronto TCM private practise with over 16 years experience treating difficult conditions with natural medicine.

Sarah became interested in acupuncture as a career during high school. She chose to study physiology at the Lyman Brigg's School of Michigan State University. After undergrad, Sarah continued her education at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR. She spent 3 full years learning Chinese Medicine, including anatomy, physiology, Chinese medical theory, western pathology, acupuncture, Chinese herbology, nutrition, shiatsu massage, taichi,
and qigong. She also completed a 1 year internship in her last year of school, where she studied under both Chinese and Western acupuncturists and herbalists. She completed her qigong training with a certification to teach 1000 Hands Buddha Qigong.

Sarah has continued expanding her acupuncture knowledge by taking many continueing education courses. These include Chinese medical theory, the treatment of stress, anxiety, and pain, women's health, GI disorders and allergies. She has studied balance method with Dr. Tan, the Mei Zen Cosmetic acupuncture system, the Battlefield Acupuncture protocol for pain management and Chinese language. Most recently she has completed a 3 weekend intensive training in Sports Medicine Acupuncture and is working on completing the ABORM exam for certification in reproductive medicine.

Five Element Acupuncture treats the person as a whole; something that can be absent from Western medicine where we see several doctors to tend our whole person. Five Element acupuncture is natural, ancient, and simple form of medicine that works to help the person find their natural balance. Instead of looking at a person like a list of separate symptoms, Five Element Acupuncture looks at the person as a whole. Taking in the physical, the mental, and the spiritual; it is all encompassing way of looking at life and healing. Acupuncture is an ancient system of health care based on natural laws of healing, involving the movement of vital energy. This energy, called qi (pronounced chi), moves in pathways called meridians which support the functions of the body, mind, and spirit. When qi is not moving smoothly in the body; imbalances begin to surface in the form of symptoms. Acupuncture addresses the root cause of these symptoms, and creates a deep and lasting healing.

Acupuncture assists in treating immediate acute symptoms, as well as underlying chronic imbalances to a person’s well being by improving overall health and immunity. Many people say they have greater energy and focus following treatment. Early treatment can help prevent more serious health problems from arising. Many people committed to a healthy lifestyle use acupuncture to help them maintain their well being. Treatments are uniquely designed for each patient in this highly personal form of medicine.

Dr. Alexander J. Hou, M.S., D.O.M., A.P., graduated with a Master of Science degree from Florida College of Integrative Medicine earning his Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician designation in the state of Florida. He is a member of the Florida State Oriental Medical Association (FSOMA). As a 3rd Generation Acupuncturist, he has learned to appreciate both traditional medicine and Western medicine, which can enhance the treatment effectiveness in patients. Dr. Alex Hou specializes in pain control, sports medicine, and balancing treatments. He has also treated people with a wide spectrum of things from quitting smoking to paralysis of having a stroke.