By TLC Medicine • April 7, 2025

Sarah’s Story: Living Well with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Through TLC Medicine

When Sarah, a 35-year-old teacher and mother of two, began experiencing relentless fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog, she assumed it was just the stress of balancing her career and family life. However, as her symptoms worsened—accompanied by hair thinning and cold intolerance—she knew something deeper was at play. A visit to her doctor confirmed the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid gland.

While the diagnosis gave Sarah clarity, it also left her overwhelmed. She wondered how she could manage a lifelong condition while still living a vibrant life. That’s when she discovered TLC Medicine in Toronto, a clinic specializing in integrative care for chronic conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

What Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in North America.

It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and reduced hormone production. Symptoms can include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hair thinning or loss
• Cold intolerance
• Depression or brain fog
• Enlarged thyroid (goiter)

The Turning Point: Seeking Help

For Sarah, these symptoms had become a daily struggle. Although conventional treatments provided some relief, she sought a more comprehensive approach to address the root causes of her condition–enter TLC Medicine.

How TLC Medicine Helped Sarah Find Relief

TLC Medicine, located in the Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto, specializes in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offering personalized care for individuals with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Here’s how they helped Sarah regain her vitality:

1. Alleviate her fatigue and brain fog while reducing stress—a known trigger for autoimmune flare-ups
2. Calm her nervous system and improve her overall well-being
3. Holistic approach to healing, focusing on treating the whole person—not just the symptoms of Hashimoto’s, creating a treatment plan that aligned with both modern medicine and ancient healing practices.

The Results: A New Lease on Life

After three months of consistent care at TLC Medicine, Sarah noticed significant improvements:

• Her energy levels increased, allowing her to keep up with her children without feeling drained.
• Brain fog lifted, helping her focus better at work.
• She felt more balanced emotionally and physically.
• Her sleep improved dramatically, leaving her feeling refreshed each morning.

“TLC Medicine didn’t just treat my condition—they treated me,” Sarah shares. “The combination of acupuncture and holistic care made all the difference in helping me feel like myself again.”

Takeaway: Thriving with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Sarah’s journey highlights the importance of combining conventional treatments with complementary therapies like acupuncture for managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. With the help of TLC Medicine, she found relief from persistent symptoms and rediscovered her vitality.

If you’re living with Hashimoto’s or another chronic condition and are seeking a holistic approach to healing, consider visiting TLC Medicine. Like Sarah, you too can find balance—and relief—in your life.

For a limited time, new patients can book a complimentary consultation (usually $240) to start their journey. Call (416) 461-0581 to speak to a friendly team member and get your questions answered. 

By TLC Medicine • October 20, 2024

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is the thick, fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone. Common areas affected by tendonitis include the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. The condition can cause pain and tenderness near the affected area, making it difficult to move the joint.

Causes of Tendonitis

Tendonitis can be caused by repetitive movements, overuse of a particular muscle or group of muscles, or sudden injury. Sports activities, such as tennis, golf, and baseball, can increase the risk of developing tendonitis. Age and poor posture can also contribute to the development of the condition.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

The symptoms of tendonitis can vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness near the affected area, especially when moving the joint.

• Swelling or redness at the site of injury.

• Aching or throbbing pain that may worsen with activity.

Conventional Treatment Options

When it comes to tendonitis, conventional treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications play a role in managing the symptoms. However, they may not always address the root causes of the condition or provide complete relief. In some cases, these treatments can focus solely on symptom management without addressing underlying imbalances that could be contributing to the tendonitis. This approach may lead to temporary relief but may not prevent future recurrences or promote long-term healing.

Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Treatment of Tendonitis

Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, offers a holistic approach to treating tendonitis. In TCM, conditions like tendonitis are often attributed to disruptions in the circulation of blood and Qi (vital energy), which can be caused by physical injury but also environmental exposure to cold and damp conditions. In fact, most TCM doctors will advise against using ice for treating tendonitis, or any type of pain in general. While cold can reduce swelling and numb the pain in the short term, over the long term, it impedes circulation and slows down the healing process.

Acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, has been found clinically to reduce pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Chinese herbal medicine can complement acupuncture by addressing the internal imbalances that may be contributing to the development of tendonitis. Herbs such as turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that can support the body’s healing process.

In TCM, the focus is not only on treating the symptoms but also on addressing the underlying causes of tendonitis. By promoting the body’s innate ability to heal and rebalance itself, TCM aims to provide long-term relief from tendonitis and prevent future recurrences.

In conclusion, Traditional Chinese Medicine, with its emphasis on holistic healing and addressing the root causes of health conditions, offers a valuable alternative or complement to the conventional treatments of tendonitis. If you’re seeking a natural approach to healing and are open to exploring new avenues for relieving tendonitis, reach out to us for a consultation.

By TLC Medicine • October 6, 2024

Do you suffer from the sharp, shooting pain that radiates from your lower back to your legs? You might be experiencing sciatica. Let’s delve into the causes of this condition and explore how the ancient practices of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can provide relief where conventional treatments may fall short.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a condition in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem, such as a herniated disc, bone spurs on the spine, or spinal stenosis, that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs, and when it is compressed or irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, and tingling.

Causes of Sciatica

• A herniated disc, where the soft inner gel leaks out and irritates the nearby nerve.

• Injury or trauma to the spine.

• Spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal.

• Pressure on the sciatic nerve due to conditions like pregnancy.

Conventional Treatment Options

While conventional treatments for sciatica, such as pain medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and surgery, can help manage symptoms for some individuals, they may not always address the root cause of the issue. These treatments often focus on alleviating pain rather than promoting true healing from within. Additionally, some people may experience side effects from medication or find that the relief is temporary, leading to a cycle of recurring discomfort.

Benefits of TCM for Treatment for Sciatica

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture and herbal medicine, approaches sciatica from a different perspective. The goal is to restore balance and harmony within the body, allowing it to heal itself.

Acupuncture, the practice of inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, aims to unblock any disruptions in the flow of energy, or Qi, and promote natural healing. Many individuals find that acupuncture not only reduces the intensity and frequency of their sciatic pain but also improves their overall well-being. Chinese herbal medicine can also be used in conjunction with acupuncture to address the root cause of the problem, reducing inflammation and nourishing the body’s natural healing abilities.

In conclusion, for those seeking alternatives to conventional treatments for sciatica, exploring the time-tested therapies of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine could provide a path to relief and recovery. These practices respect the body’s innate ability to heal itself, offering hope for those whose journey with sciatica has been filled with frustration and discomfort.

At TLC Medicine, we believe that our bodies have remarkable healing capabilities, and with the right support, we can find relief from even the most persistent conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with sciatica, consider exploring the gentle yet powerful solutions that TCM has to offer.