Herbs Meta provides acupuncture for sciatica and lower back pain in Richmond Hill, one of the more evidence-supported uses of acupuncture. The first visit assesses the back, leg symptoms, and history, with needling targeting affected areas and related points over a course of weekly sessions, reassessed as symptoms improve. Patients come from Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, and Aurora.
Chronic pain that disrupts sleep is not unique to the back either; restricted, aching shoulders that make it hard to lie down comfortably are just as common, and we treat that with acupuncture for frozen shoulder as well. Acupuncture is one of the more evidence-supported options for managing it.
What the evidence shows
That same nerve pain can sometimes radiate all the way to the heel or sole of the foot, which is why we also see patients for acupuncture for plantar fasciitis.
When to seek urgent care
Some symptoms need urgent medical attention rather than acupuncture: progressive weakness or numbness in the leg, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or any loss of bladder or bowel control. If you have these, seek medical care immediately. We will also refer you on if your assessment suggests it is needed.
What to expect
At Herbs Meta, the first visit assesses the back, leg symptoms, and history. Needling targets the affected areas and related points, and treatment usually runs as a course of weekly sessions, reassessed as you improve. Patients come to us from Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, and Aurora.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services
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Some symptoms need urgent medical attention rather than acupuncture: progressive weakness or numbness in the leg, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or any loss of bladder or bowel control. These require immediate medical care, and referral is made if assessment suggests it is needed.
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Treatment usually runs as a course of weekly sessions, reassessed as symptoms improve. The exact number depends on individual history and how the back and leg symptoms respond to initial treatment, with the plan adjusted along the way as progress is monitored.
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Acupuncture is not covered by OHIP, but to claim under an extended health plan's acupuncture benefit, most insurers require a CTCMPAO-registered R.Ac or R.TCMP, as all Herbs Meta practitioners are. Direct billing is available through TELUS Health eClaims where a plan allows it.
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Sciatic nerve pain can sometimes radiate all the way to the heel or sole of the foot, which is a pattern also addressed through acupuncture for plantar fasciitis, since related nerve pathways are often involved, and treatment may target both areas together depending on the presentation.
Cost and coverage
A first visit is a 75 minute initial treatment at $150, with 60 minute standard treatments at $125 after that. Acupuncture from a registered acupuncturist is not covered by OHIP, but to claim under your plan's acupuncture benefit, most insurers require a CTCMPAO-registered R.Ac or R.TCMP, as all of ours are. We direct bill most major insurers through TELUS Health eClaims, so where your plan allows it, you pay only your share at the visit.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are complementary therapies and do not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your physician.
Meet Your Practitioners
Herbs Meta is staffed by registered TCM practitioners serving Richmond Hill.
Andrew Zheng, R.TCMP, R. Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription, Meridian Diagnostic
Andrew has dedicated over twenty years to study and practice of medicine. He holds an MD from UMC, Southwest Free Medical University (Sichuan) and completed TCM training at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He also serves as a TCM college instructor teaching Meridian, Acupuncture, Acupuncture Therapeutics, and Clinical Internship. Fluent in Chinese, English, and Russian.
Melody Tian, R.TCMP, R.Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription, TCM Diagnostics
Melody is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Registered Acupuncturist in Ontario, and an instructor at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (OCTCM). For nearly five years she has taught TCM diagnosis and supervised clinical internships. She excels in tongue diagnosis and holistic, root-cause approaches to care.
Yang Wang, R.Ac, R.TCMP
Chronic Pain, Internal Medicine, Urological Conditions, Acupuncture
Yang Wang is a highly skilled, dual-trained medical professional and fifth-generation TCM practitioner. He holds a Master of Surgery from Peking University and served as a Urologist at Beijing Renhe Hospital for 13 years. He completed an intensive two-year Western Medicine to TCM program at Beijing Xiyuan Hospital and graduated from the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (OCTCM).
Wenhao Yang, R.TCMP, R.Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription
Eric is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Registered Acupuncturist in Ontario. He graduated from the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and brings a thorough, patient-centred approach to assessment and treatment, with a focus on individualized care plans for both acute and long-standing health concerns.
Book a Chinese Herbal Medicine Consultation
At Herbs Meta, our CTCMPAO-registered practitioners provide personalized herbal prescriptions and acupuncture treatment plans tailored to your health goals.
- Sleep and stress support
- Digestive health
- Women's health and fertility
- Chronic fatigue
- TELUS Health direct billing available
What happens next:
- Book your appointment online and tell us your main concern.
- At your first visit, your registered practitioner takes a full history and assessment.
- You receive your treatment and a clear plan, with direct billing handled at the desk where your plan allows.
- You leave knowing your next step.
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