Amy Lipsett

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

Dermatological Skin

• Psoriasis (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage psoriasis flare-ups by clearing Blood Heat, invigorating Blood circulation, resolving Dampness, and nourishing Yin to address skin scaling, redness, and itching. (As an adjunct to dermatological care).
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Addressing internal imbalances that manifest as skin irritation and inflammation, aiming for long-term relief and healthier skin.
• Rosacea (Supportive TCM Care): TCM strategies involving acupuncture, cooling herbal formulas, and dietary recommendations to help manage rosacea symptoms like facial redness, flushing, papules, and pustules by clearing Stomach and Lung Heat, and cooling the Blood.

Other Common

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.
• 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).
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Acupuncture (often including electroacupuncture) and herbal medicine to help stimulate nerve regeneration, improve muscle tone, and accelerate recovery from Bell's Palsy or other forms of facial paralysis by expelling Wind, invigorating Qi and Blood flow to the facial meridians.

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. Amy can assess your needs.

• 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): 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.
• 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.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.

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

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At Chinese Medicine Peterborough, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Amy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease without the burden of my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems. Amy focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Let Amy help you navigate knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult with targeted TCM care. The goal is enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, so you can fully enjoy keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting you and other life pleasures once more.
• Many find that TCM with Amy not only helps with symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery but also brings about visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days.
• Understanding that facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture as a natural anti-aging approach can be frustrating, Amy applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, making it possible to rediscover the joy in standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort.

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

Chinese Medicine Peterborough is situated in the South End of Peterborough, in the Otonabee neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Peterborough and is easily accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, ensuring a peaceful experience. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity, making it easy to visit for your wellness needs.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and registered TCM practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM) with extensive herbal pharmacology training, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify quality herbs, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. It is essential to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions to ensure safe and appropriate herbal therapy. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs typically source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform rigorous quality testing.

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 than an injection. Once inserted, you may feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate that Qi is being influenced—these are positive signs. Most patients find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Safety is a priority; only sterile, disposable needles are used. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that sustains the body’s functions. When Qi flows freely and abundantly, health is maintained. Meridians are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excess within these meridians can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and TCM aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these channels to maintain health.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to restore balance to the body's energy flow. Based on TCM principles, it can help manage pain (such as back pain or headaches), reduce stress, improve digestion, support menstrual health, and promote overall well-being by activating the body's healing mechanisms.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these treatments. However, many private and extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for services by registered practitioners. Patients are encouraged to verify their individual insurance policies for reimbursement details.

Chinese Medicine Peterborough
438 Rogers Street
Peterborough, ON, K9H 1W9

Phone: (705) 808-3894

Amy Lipsett is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=ccb0472f-c076-e611-80c3-005056a97495

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.