Acupuncture in Leslieville, Toronto

Acupuncture with Dr. Negin Sayar, ND, a naturopathic doctor in Leslieville, Toronto, focused on gut health, hormones, and metabolic health.

In short: Acupuncture is a gentle treatment that uses very fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body. Research shows it can help with chronic muscle tension and pain, anxiety, sleep, and digestive symptoms like bloating and fullness. It can also support symptoms of hormonal change in perimenopause and menopause as part of a broader care plan. I offer acupuncture as part of whole-person naturopathic care.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment where very fine, single-use, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body to influence how the nervous system, muscles, and organs function. It comes from traditional Chinese medicine, and today it's widely studied in modern clinical research.

Most people feel a small pinch or a dull, heavy sensation when the needle goes in, and then not much at all. Many patients find the session deeply relaxing, and some fall asleep on the table.

From a modern point of view, acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This sends signals to the brain and nervous system that can influence pain, stress responses, and how the gut and other organs function.

What can acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture for digestion and bloating

Acupuncture can help with digestive symptoms like bloating, early fullness, and upper abdominal discomfort. A 2026 meta-analysis of randomized trials found it probably improves symptoms and quality of life in functional dyspepsia (ongoing indigestion without a structural cause) compared with sham acupuncture, usual care, and some digestive medications. It's thought to help by supporting the gut-brain connection.

Acupuncture for stress and anxiety

Acupuncture can meaningfully reduce anxiety symptoms. A 2026 systematic review found a moderate reduction in anxiety compared with sham treatment, with the best results when acupuncture was used alongside other care rather than on its own.

Acupuncture for nervous system regulation

When your body is stuck in "fight or flight," everything from sleep to digestion to mood can feel off. Acupuncture is a quiet, restful treatment that can help shift your body toward a calmer, "rest and digest" state, which is why many people notice they feel calmer after a session.

Acupuncture for sleep

Acupuncture can improve sleep quality. A meta-analysis that used objective sleep measurements found acupuncture increased total sleep time and reduced night wakings compared with sham acupuncture or no treatment, especially when people completed a full course of sessions.

Acupuncture for muscle tension and pain

This is where acupuncture has some of its strongest evidence. A large analysis of nearly 21,000 patients across 39 trials found acupuncture worked better than both sham acupuncture and no acupuncture for chronic neck and back pain, shoulder pain, chronic headaches, and joint pain, and the benefits lasted over time.

Acupuncture for hormonal symptoms in perimenopause and menopause

Acupuncture can be a supportive part of care for symptoms that come with hormonal change, such as hot flashes, poor sleep, stress, and tension. Research on hot flashes shows improvement compared with no treatment, though not consistently compared with sham acupuncture, so I use it alongside care that looks at your hormones directly rather than as a stand-alone fix.

What to expect at your acupuncture appointment

Your first visit starts with a conversation about your health history, your main concerns, and your goals. From there, I'll explain the treatment plan and make sure you're comfortable before we begin.

A typical session lasts about 45 minutes, with the needles in for around 20 to 30 minutes while you rest. Many people notice a difference after a few sessions, and a short series of weekly treatments usually works better than a single visit. We'll check in on how you're feeling and adjust as we go.

Acupuncture as part of whole-person naturopathic care

As a naturopathic doctor with a focus on gut health, hormones, and metabolic health, I don't see acupuncture as a stand-alone fix. It works best alongside the rest of your care, whether that's supporting your digestion, balancing your hormones through perimenopause and menopause, or helping you sleep and manage stress better.

Book an acupuncture session in Toronto

Acupuncture sessions are offered in person at the clinic. If you'd like to see whether acupuncture is a good fit for you, you can book a FREE Clarity call below.

Acupuncture FAQ

Does acupuncture hurt? Most people find acupuncture much more comfortable than they expect. The needles are very thin, much thinner than a needle used for a blood test, so you may feel a quick pinch or a dull, heavy feeling, and then very little once they're in place.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need? It depends on what you're treating, but most people do best with a short series of weekly sessions rather than a single visit. We'll reassess after the first few treatments and adjust the plan to how you're responding.

Is acupuncture safe? Yes, acupuncture is very safe when done by a trained, regulated practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Mild side effects can include a small bruise, brief soreness, or feeling a little tired or relaxed afterward.

Can a naturopathic doctor do acupuncture in Ontario? Yes. Naturopathic doctors regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario are authorized to perform acupuncture once they've met the College's standards and qualifications for it.

Can acupuncture help with anxiety? Research suggests acupuncture can reduce anxiety symptoms, and it tends to work best alongside other support, like lifestyle changes, therapy, or other treatment, rather than as the only approach.

Can acupuncture help with bloating and digestion? Acupuncture can help ease symptoms like bloating, fullness after meals, and upper abdominal discomfort, especially when there's no structural cause found. As a gut-health-focused naturopathic doctor, I usually combine it with a look at diet, stress, and gut health for longer-lasting results.

Does acupuncture help with perimenopause and menopause symptoms? Acupuncture can support symptoms like hot flashes, poor sleep, and stress during perimenopause and menopause. The evidence is mixed for hot flashes specifically, so I use it as one part of a broader plan that addresses your hormones directly.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance? Acupuncture provided by a naturopathic doctor is often covered under naturopathic benefits in extended health plans. Coverage varies, so check your plan for details before booking.

This page is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for individualized medical advice.

Dr. Negin Sayar, ND, is a naturopathic doctor in Leslieville, Toronto, with a background in emergency and general medicine and a clinical focus on gut health, hormones, and metabolic health. She's regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.