Huiling (Karen) Cheng

Activate Healing Clinic

1200 Prince of Wales Dr., Unit E, Ottawa, ON, K2C 3Y4

Huiling (Karen) Cheng is a licensed acupuncturist with a background in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She earned her bachelor’s degree in clinical medicine in China in 2005 and worked as an internal medicine physician before opening her own pediatric Tuina (Chinese massage) clinic in 2010. For several years, she focused on children’s health, treating common conditions such as cough, fever, digestive issues, and allergies. After moving to Canada in 2014, Huiling worked for eight years at a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic in Ottawa, where she assisted with acupuncture treatments for pain relief, women’s health, infertility, menopause care, and cosmetic acupuncture, while continuing to provide pediatric Tuina for local families. From 2022 to 2024, she completed her formal acupuncture studies at Trillium College and became a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Huiling offers a full range of TCM treatments including acupuncture, cupping, facial Gua Sha, and pediatric Tuina, with acupuncture at the core of her practice. She has developed particular expertise in women’s health, pediatric care, and cosmetic acupuncture, providing patients with both comprehensive and specialized care. Outside of her practice, Huiling enjoys taking long walks with her dog and practicing Tai Chi, which she believes bring balance and energy to both her personal life and clinical work. My Story: A Lifelong Journey with Acupuncture Hello, I’m Huiling (Karen). I grew up in China. Early Inspiration: A Daughter’s Curiosity My mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at thirty. From my elementary school years, I often accompanied her to medical appointments. Beyond Western medicine, we frequently visited the rehabilitation room at a traditional Chinese medicine hospital, where patients of all ages received acupuncture amidst the warm, distinctive scent of moxa. I always asked my mother, ‘Doesn’t it hurt with all those needles?’ She would always smile and reply, ‘If it really hurt, why would people keep coming back?’ This simple question sparked my lifelong fascination with healing. From Western Medicine to Traditional Chinese Medicine Inspired by my mother’s experience, I pursued medicine. In 2005, I completed a five-year Bachelor of Clinical Medicine in China. After working as an internist for two years, I apprenticed under a renowned pediatric TCM master in Shanxi Province, China. Following this, I opened my own pediatric Tui Na (therapeutic massage) clinic, where I treated children for common conditions until I immigrated to Canada in 2014. An Unforgettable Lesson One of the most unforgettable moments in my learning journey with my pediatric TCM mentor, who continued practicing until the age of 83, was watching him treat a seven-month-old infant with severe pneumonia. The baby was so weak that he could no longer cry or produce tears and mucus. My mentor performed a rapid acupuncture treatment on the child’s back, lasting no more than two minutes. What happened next moved all of us: the baby’s tears and mucus returned, and he transformed from lying weakly in his mother’s arms to lifting his head on her shoulder and smiling at us. Every time I recall that scene, I find myself both smiling and crying with joy. It showed me in the most vivid way that acupuncture is not just about easing symptoms—it has the power to awaken the body’s own healing strength. Deepening Roots in Ottawa Upon immigrating to Ottawa in 2014, I joined a traditional TCM clinic as a full-time medical assistant for a respected TCM professor, practicing alongside him until his retirement in 2022. Over eight years, I worked with thousands of patients, averaging more than 25 patients daily. This made me deeply appreciate the teaching from my medical school professors in China: the best teachers are not only books, but every single patient. A New Chapter: My Own Practice In 2022, my mentor’s retirement became a turning point in my life. Looking back, I realized that “acupuncture” has always been like a gentle thread, weaving through the chapters of my journey—it has accompanied my growth, guided my studies, carried me across oceans, and witnessed my maturity. I came to understand that it was time to transform this profound connection into an independent path of my own. That same year, I enrolled in the Acupuncture program at Trios College, graduating in 2024. In the summer of 2025, I finally received my license as a registered acupuncturist. Today, I am passionate about combining my Eastern and Western medical knowledge to provide personalized, effective care. I believe deeply in the body’s natural ability to heal, and I am committed to helping each patient reconnect with their own innate health. What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a foundational practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a history of over 2,000 years. It is a natural therapy that promotes health and well-being by restoring the body’s inherent balance. At the core of acupuncture is the concept of Qi (vital energy), which flows through pathways in the body called meridians. Illness, pain, or other health concerns are believed to occur when the flow of Qi is disrupted or unbalanced. While the underlying theory can be complex, acupuncture works to bring systems or organs back to a stable state, helping the body function optimally. Whether addressing pain, fertility, or digestion, the ultimate goal is homeostasis—a balanced, healthy state. How Does Acupuncture Work? Acupuncture helps the body regain its natural balance. Consider times when the body may be overactive, such as with chronic inflammation, or underactive, due to fatigue or nutrient depletion. Acupuncture addresses these imbalances to restore optimal function. During a session, very fine, single-use needles are gently inserted into specific points, called acupoints, along the body’s energy channels (meridians). This process is typically painless—you may feel only a slight tingling sensation or sometimes nothing at all. Your comfort and safety are our priority, and you remain in complete control throughout the session. A Personalized, Holistic Healing Experience Our practitioners combine ancient wisdom with modern understanding to provide a truly personalized treatment plan. Each session is designed not only to address your specific health concerns but also to promote deep relaxation, overall wellness, and sustainable long-term health. Which Conditions Can Acupuncture Help With? Acupuncture can effectively support a wide range of health concerns, from pain relief to overall wellness. Our treatments are personalized to your needs, addressing both common and complex conditions, including: Chronic Pain & Musculoskeletal Issues: •Neck, Back & Spine: Disc herniation, disc disease, spondylosis, sciatica •Shoulder: Rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, osteoarthritis •Elbow: Epicondylitis (tennis elbow) •Wrist & Hand: Carpal tunnel syndrome •Hip & Pelvis: Bursitis, sciatica, osteoarthritis •Knee: Patellofemoral syndrome, chondromalacia, knee derangement, osteoarthritis, ligament injuries (ACL, MCL) •Ankle: Ankle instability, Achilles tendonitis •Feet & Toes: Pes planus, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, bunions Neurological & Head Conditions: •Migraines and headaches Women’s Health & Fertility: •Fertility challenges, menstrual disorders, menopausal support Digestive & Internal Health: •Digestive problems such as IBS, acid reflux Mental Health & Stress Management: •Stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, sleep disorders, fatigue, low energy Allergies & Respiratory Conditions: •Seasonal allergies, asthma, and other respiratory concerns Postoperative & Chemotherapy Support: •Nausea, pain management, and recovery support