Alejandra Ibarra

Alejandra Ibarra provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Reducing inflammation and swelling, promoting efficient tissue repair, alleviating pain, and restoring optimal function to injured areas to facilitate a quicker and safer return to athletic activity or work.

Other Common

• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and gentle herbal therapies to help manage common side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety, thereby improving quality of life and treatment tolerance. (Always in coordination with primary oncology care).
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and tonifying herbal therapies to address the profound exhaustion and complex symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by strengthening Spleen Qi, nourishing Kidney Essence (Yin and Yang), resolving Dampness, and calming the Shen.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. TCM diagnosis is based on individual patterns, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Alejandra can assess your needs.

• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Alejandra, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered Acupuncturists in QC and the standards set by The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

At Clinique d'acupuncture du Vieux Longueuil, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Alejandra frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Alejandra, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach are guided towards for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes again with greater zest.
• It's rewarding for Alejandra to witness patients find relief from knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult and experience experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind again.
• The journey to enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum when faced with general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically can be supported by Alejandra's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like feeling more energetic, focused, and productive throughout the workday without energy slumps.
• Rediscover your ability to spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain without the burden of general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body. Alejandra focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Alejandra, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.

Situated in the Vieux-Longueuil Centre/West neighborhood of Longueuil, Alejandra practices at Clinique d'acupuncture du Vieux Longueuil, conveniently located near Cocathédrale Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue. The clinic is easily accessible via Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), making it simple for patients to reach. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in QC?

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, thanks to the practice of direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable for patients to check their individual insurance policies to confirm any requirements.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are not covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services, but many private insurance plans offer some coverage. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider regarding your specific plan, as coverage levels can vary significantly.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health approach rooted in ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncteur assesses your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance through techniques such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal formulas (if registered as an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice, all aimed at restoring your body's natural harmony and supporting healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many patients report feeling little to no discomfort upon insertion. Common sensations include a slight pinch, dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicate that the treatment is stimulating your Qi effectively. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and only use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety. If you experience any pain, notify your acupuncteur immediately.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Clinique d'acupuncture du Vieux Longueuil treat?

Our practitioners treat a wide range of health issues including support during and after cancer treatments, TMJ/TMD pain, digestive issues, stress-related symptoms, sleep disorders, women’s health concerns like PMS and menopause, and musculoskeletal pain such as back or joint pain. Treatments often involve TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis, Gua Sha, moxibustion, and herbal advice tailored to your pattern diagnosis.

Approximately how many sessions will I need and how often?

The required number and frequency depend on your condition's nature and severity. Acute issues may resolve after 1-3 sessions per week over 1-2 weeks, while chronic or complex cases often need 6-12 weekly or bi-weekly sessions, followed by maintenance. Your acupuncteur will develop a treatment plan during your initial consultation and adjust it based on your progress.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, maintaining health when in balance. Meridians are channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or imbalances in Qi flow can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore smooth and harmonious Qi flow within these meridians.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, based on TCM principles. It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall health by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

Clinique d'acupuncture du Vieux Longueuil
599, St-Jean
Longueuil, QC, J4H 2Y5

Phone: (514) 794-3744

Alejandra Ibarra is regulated by the Professional Code (Quebec) in QC and is a registered member of The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Registration Number: A-016-02

Registration can typically be verified with The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.