DAO ACUPUNCTURE
3021 Dundas St West, Kingsway Chiropractic
Erik Pasquino has been practising acupuncture under the Dao Acupuncture name since 2017. After a few years living in the mountains of BC, Erik eventually settled into the Junction’s Kingsway Chiropractic office in 2023 to be closer to friends and family.
Erik’s acupuncture journey began while completing his religious studies at York University. Through this exposure to different ideologies, theories, and philosophies, he first stumbled upon acupuncture. Although initially it seemed strange that needles could provide health benefits, he was curious to learn more.
As an avid skier and snowmobiler, Erik had experienced several injuries and was always keenly aware of what was happening in his body. He decided to try acupuncture to see whether the practice could improve his well-being and enhance his athletic performance. After experiencing the positive effects of treatment for himself, Erik was inspired to delve deeper into the theory and philosophy behind acupuncture. This began a journey that would take many years and involve travelling throughout East and Southeast Asia, including a two-month hospital residency in Nanjing, China.
During his travels, Erik learned that acupuncture is a core component of traditional Chinese medicine. Based on thousands of years of observation and evidence, practitioners of Chinese Medicine have developed a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and physiological factors that maintain health, well-being, and balance in one’s body.
The practice of acupuncture is based on aligning the body’s meridians, which are flows of energy that connect and move through the body like a river. Just as a beaver damn can stop the flow of a river, a misalignment of meridians can disrupt an individual’s well-being. An acupuncturist can facilitate the flow of meridians using precise needle placements that return the body to a balanced state. This process can help with a wide range of health issues, from chronic pain to stress and anxiety, and can also enhance athletic performance and overall well-being.
His study of acupuncture also introduced Erik to the Chinese philosophy of Daoism. Dao, meaning ‘way’ or ‘path’, focuses on the past, present, and future interconnectedness. Inspired by this idea, Erik named his practice Dao Acupuncture, reflecting his deep commitment to the community and his mission to help others connect with their best selves. This commitment fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among his patients and the community.
In addition to acupuncture, Erik uses cupping and ear seeds, which are tiny seeds with a sticky backing placed on acupoints on the ear. Erik is passionate about providing his patients with the best care possible and dedicates a lot of time to understanding their diet, energy, and past injuries. He is committed to creating personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs and concerns.
Now that he is based in Toronto’s Junction, where skiing and snowmobiling are in short supply, Erik satisfies his need for adrenaline by motorcycling. He loves being just a block away from Studio Cycle, where he can always check out the latest bikes, gear, and equipment. Erik also enjoys dining at Isaan Der, as the authentic flavours bring back fond memories of months spent abroad in Thailand. He is deeply rooted in the local community and is committed to supporting its health and well-being.
With his diverse interests and deep passion for helping others feel better, Erik is excited to continue his work in the Junction, supporting the health and well-being of the community for years to come. At Dao Acupuncture, operating out of Kingsway Chiropractic in the Junction, the goal is to guide people on their path to healthier living, and Erik hopes that his path will cross with yours soon!
Written by: James Watson
Member of the Month
Our Member of the Month features will shine a light on the businesses within the Junction and allow customers to get to know their neighbours who run the shops in our community. If you are a Junction BIA business interested in sharing your story with us and being featured by The Junction BIA, contact Carol Jolly, Executive Director.
