Ana Gabriela Poinsard De Melo

Ana Gabriela Poinsard De Melo provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Other Common

• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Early and consistent TCM intervention to maximize functional recovery and minimize residual facial weakness or asymmetry.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): A holistic and integrative TCM approach to help modulate the immune response, alleviate autoimmune-related fatigue and pain, and support the body’s innate healing capacities.
• 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.

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): Natural support for strengthening your immunity, reducing susceptibility to common infections, and helping you recover more quickly and completely when you do get sick.
• 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.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• 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): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.

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. Ana can assess your needs.

• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.
• 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.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).

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

• If ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome is preventing you from fully enjoying taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it, Ana offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• When general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Ana can help you work towards clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience.
• Ana frequently assists patients in overcoming dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow.
• Let Ana help you navigate wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions with targeted TCM care. The goal is reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), so you can fully enjoy enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue and other life pleasures once more.

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

Practicing at Physiothérapie Universelle Saint-Hyacinthe, Ana's clinic is situated in the heart of Saint-Hyacinthe, within an accessible acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood. The location is conveniently near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to incorporate their treatments into their daily routines. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring a seamless experience for those using public transportation. 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 consult a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. While a referral is not legally required to receive treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your individual insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

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 inserted, you might feel sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness—these are signs that the Qi is being influenced. Most patients find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Safety is a priority; registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to stimulate energy flow according to TCM principles. It aims to restore balance and promote the body's natural healing processes. It can be effective for managing pain, reducing stress, alleviating digestive issues, menstrual problems, and supporting overall wellness.

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

Generally, services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (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. It is recommended to check with your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some coverage for registered practitioners, though coverage levels vary.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these modalities to address root imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

Physiothérapie Universelle Saint-Hyacinthe
2035, av. Ste-Anne, bureau 202
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 5H3

Phone: (450) 778-2218

Ana Gabriela Poinsard De Melo is regulated by the Professional Code (Quebec) in QC and is a registered member of The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Registration Number: A-038-16

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.