It all began at age fifteen in Vietnam, when Tuyet Nga Tô discovered acupuncture. She knew it was the path she wanted to follow. But the war changed her plans. She had to leave her country and found herself in France, then in Canada, where she studied science. She thought her journey in acupuncture was over, until the day her father suggested she return to this path.
“Why don’t you go back to acupuncture? You already have good training,” he told her. This simple suggestion rekindled her passion. Nga (pronounced nee-ah) then enrolled at the École Supérieure de Médecine Chinoise in Quebec, thus launching a career dedicated to this practice.
Her journey includes internships abroad, notably in China, and numerous continuing education courses. She also organized an international congress with a team, inviting European specialists to speak about their research, particularly in oncology. Today, after forty-one years of experience, Nga continues to practise in Montreal and at her clinic in Saint-Lambert.
“The more I practise, the more my passion grows,” she says. “Acupuncture is a holistic medicine, both preventive and curative.”
Nga is particularly interested in oncology. “Cancer patients are very vulnerable. If I can quickly bring them relief and comfort, that’s what I want to do.”
NADA for people with cancer
Her connection with Hope & Cope was forged thanks to her niece, who is also an acupuncturist.
“My niece told me about Hope & Cope, and asked if I would be interested in contributing. From my first visit to the Wellness Centre, I knew it was a place where I wanted to bring my help,” says Nga.
She uses the NADA protocol with people affected by cancer, which consists of applying five small needles to each ear. These needles target specific points linked to the nervous system, helping to calm anxiety, reduce pain, and improve sleep quality and digestion.
“This protocol is very gentle, very safe and brings immediate relief,” she says.
“Cancer patients are very vulnerable. If I can quickly bring them relief and comfort, that’s what I want to do.”
When explaining a first NADA session, Nga describes a calm and welcoming atmosphere. “We begin with a short explanation. People can sit or lie down comfortably. We put on soft music to promote relaxation. The treatment lasts about 30 minutes, but patients decide for themselves when they’ve had enough,” she says. “It’s also worth noting that the Ordre des Acupuncteurs regulates the practice of group acupuncture.”
Nga also emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of acupuncture. “There are no side effects, no need to undress, and it’s very quick,” she says. “I want acupuncture to be within everyone’s reach.”
An ongoing commitment
Her commitment doesn’t stop there. For two years, she volunteered at a community centre, where she helped people in difficulty, often facing addiction or mental health problems. “Even a small gesture can bring great change to someone’s life,” she says.
Nga shares the moving story of a patient who suffered from severe anger problems related to her drug addiction. “This woman would wake up every night at three o’clock, filled with anger to the point of hitting walls. After just one NADA acupuncture session, she stopped feeling this uncontrollable anger. She told me she had never felt such calm in years.”
Before each session, Nga likes to take a few minutes to clearly explain the treatment. “I want people to understand what’s happening in their body. It’s important to me that they feel comfortable,” she explains.
After all these years, she continues to train and seeks to help even more. For her, there’s always more to learn and more people to support.
“If you’d like to experience a soothing, complementary approach with no side effects, come and give it a try! You’ll be amazed at how relaxing it can be,” she concludes.
