Alexandre Lalanne

Alexandre practices at Centre Tao Santé, situated in the Lafontaine Sector, Rural Areas neighborhood of Saint-Jérôme. The clinic is conveniently located near Gare Saint-Jérôme, accessible by train and bus, and is well-served by exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus). Our clinic provides an accessible and peaceful environment for healing, with street parking often available nearby.

• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): A contemporary acupuncture technique involving the insertion of needles into specific therapeutic zones on the scalp that correspond to different body functions and brain areas (e.g., motor, sensory, balance zones), primarily used for neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional conditions.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
• 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 Alexandre, 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 Centre Tao Santé, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Alexandre frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Alexandre believes in a partnership with patients. When feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, enabling a more active lifestyle including reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance).
• Many patients have found lasting relief from trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed and achieved achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements under the care of Alexandre, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise with renewed vitality and ease.
• Many find that TCM with Alexandre not only helps with frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness but also brings about a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• For those whose digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) has made participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation seem difficult, Alexandre's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation with greater comfort.

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

Alexandre's practice at Centre Tao Santé is situated in the Lafontaine Sector, in the Rural Areas neighborhood of Saint-Jérôme. The clinic is conveniently located near Gare Saint-Jérôme, which provides easy access via train and bus, and is well-connected through exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus). The environment is serene and welcoming, designed to support your healing journey. Street parking is often available nearby, making your visit as convenient as possible.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered Acupuncturist if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

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

Typically, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are not covered by the provincial health plan (RAMQ). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these treatments. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer some coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits and coverage levels, as they can vary significantly.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally see a Registered Acupuncteur or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without needing a physician's referral, thanks to direct access. Nonetheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy details to ensure coverage for your treatments.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained; when it becomes blocked or deficient, illness can occur. **Meridians** are channels or pathways that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians, promoting balance and healing.

What are Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Tui Na?

These are adjunctive therapies used in TCM. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, helping to relieve muscle tension and promote circulation. Moxibustion involves burning moxa (dried mugwort) near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate Qi and Blood. Gua Sha involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation and reduce pain. Tui Na is a therapeutic massage technique that manipulates the muscles and meridians to restore balance and alleviate pain. Your practitioner will determine which therapies are suitable for your condition.

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

TCM is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and supporting long-term wellness.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your session, it's advisable to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior, wear loose clothing for easy access, and avoid caffeine or alcohol. After treatment, it is recommended to rest if needed, stay well-hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity for a few hours. Pay attention to how your body responds and communicate any concerns to your practitioner.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance within the meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall health by encouraging natural healing processes.

Centre Tao Santé
872, Montée Ste-Thérèse, bureau 201
Saint-Jérôme, QC, J5L 2L1

Phone: (450) 304-4304

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

Registration Number: A-015-07

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.