Alexis Schmidt – Acupuncturist | Westmount, QC

Alexis Schmidt is a dedicated Acupuncteur (Ac.). Practicing at Clinique d'acupuncture Axion in Westmount, QC, he is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

As a skilled practitioner, Alexis offers acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. His approach centers on stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities and restoring energetic balance in accordance with TCM principles. He welcomes patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care for each individual.

Alexis Schmidt completed his training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. With clinical experience and ongoing professional development, he is dedicated to maintaining high standards of practice. He has further training and interest in areas such as acupuncture, ensuring his treatments are both effective and safe. His practice philosophy emphasizes a holistic, individualized approach, focusing on precise pattern differentiation, patient education, and preventative care. He offers consultations in French, ensuring clear communication and comfort for his French-speaking patients.

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Harmonizing the Stomach Qi and directing its rebellious upward flow downwards to alleviate feelings of queasiness and prevent vomiting.

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: TCM strategies, including regular acupuncture, moxibustion, and constitutional herbal tonics, to strengthen the body’s overall defensive energy (Wei Qi) and address underlying deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang that may lead to a weakened immune system and frequent infections (e.g., colds, sinus infections, UTIs).
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including preventative acupuncture and immune-boosting herbs, to help strengthen the body’s resistance to colds and flu. For active infections, TCM aims to accelerate recovery by expelling pathogens (Wind, Cold, Heat, Damp), relieving symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Natural and effective strategies for managing acute allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of chronic allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.

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.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Addressing TCM patterns often associated with trauma, such as Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Qi Stagnation, or Kidney Jing depletion.

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. Alexis can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Alexis, 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 Axion, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Alexis frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Let Alexis help you navigate looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue with targeted TCM care. The goal is better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, so you can fully enjoy managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience and other life pleasures once more.
• The path to overcoming wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions and achieving significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels is often clearer with TCM. Alexis guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being with improved health.
• If asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care is preventing you from fully enjoying simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity, Alexis offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Alexis believes in a partnership with patients. When sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, enabling a more active lifestyle including participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back.

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

Alexis practices at Clinique d'acupuncture Axion, situated within a central Westmount neighborhood that is easily accessible. The clinic is located in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM facility close to local community centers and public parks, making it convenient for patients to visit. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, it offers a serene environment conducive to healing. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically consult a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements.

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

In general, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur (R.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. It is recommended to review your private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners, though coverage levels vary.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once inserted, you may experience sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most patients find the experience relaxing. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate any discomfort during treatment with your practitioner.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along meridians to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi, or vital energy. According to TCM, this can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and enhance overall health by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via specific pathways called meridians. These channels connect internal organs with external parts of the body, facilitating the circulation of Qi and Blood. Acupuncture points along these meridians are accessed to restore balance and promote health.

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

TCM is a holistic health system based on ancient principles focusing on restoring balance within the body. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance through methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice tailored to your individual needs to support healing and well-being.

Clinique d'acupuncture Axion
245, av. Victoria, suite 430
Westmount, QC, H3Z 2M6

Phone: (514) 369-8445

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

Registration Number: A-001-08

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.