Description
About Benjamin
Benjamin Pimentel is a dedicated Acupuncteur (Ac.). Practicing at Benjamin Pimentel, Ac., in Terrebonne, 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.
Benjamin's role centers on providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. His care approach emphasizes stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and restoring energetic balance according to TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring compassionate and tailored treatment for each individual.
Benjamin completed his training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, gaining clinical experience and a deep understanding of holistic health. He is dedicated to ongoing professional development and upholds the highest standards of practice within TCM. He has particular interest and further training in acupuncture, integrating time-tested therapies like herbal medicine and moxibustion into his practice. His philosophy revolves around utilizing individualized treatment plans based on precise pattern differentiation, emphasizing preventative care and patient education. He offers consultations in French to better serve his community.
Common Health Concerns Benjamin Pimentel Addresses with TCM
Benjamin Pimentel provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Digestive Gastrointestinal
- 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.
- Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.
- Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: TCM strategies aimed at strengthening the Spleen, resolving Dampness and Heat, invigorating Blood, and regulating immune function to support gut healing and reduce flare-ups in IBD.
Other Common
- Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Natural relief from sensations of spinning, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness by addressing the root energetic imbalance.
- 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.
- 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.
Mental Emotional Sleep
- 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.
- 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.
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. Benjamin can assess your needs.
Benjamin Pimentel's Acupuncture & TCM Services
- TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
- 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.
- TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
- Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
- Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
- 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.
- Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Benjamin, 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.
Achieving Your Health Goals with Acupuncture & TCM
At Benjamin Pimentel, Ac., Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Benjamin frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- It's rewarding for Benjamin to witness patients find relief from managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably and experience a more positive outlook and improved mood stability through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain again.
- The path to overcoming high blood pressure needing complementary support for management and achieving improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities is often clearer with TCM. Benjamin guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus with improved health.
- Patients struggling with fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy can find dedicated support from Benjamin. The therapeutic focus is on achieving reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.
- When ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Benjamin can help you work towards reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy playing with children or grandchildren more comfortably and with sustained energy.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Benjamin, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Benjamin's practice at Benjamin Pimentel, Ac., is situated in the Terrebonne Central/South neighborhood of Terrebonne. The clinic is conveniently located near the National Historic Site and is easily accessible via exo (Secteur Terrebonne-Mascouche). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture & TCM in Terrebonne
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in QC?
- Patients in Quebec can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without needing a physician's referral, thanks to direct access regulations. 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 understand their specific requirements.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting extremely fine, sterile needles at precise points on the body to restore the flow of Qi. This modality can help alleviate conditions such as pain (including back pain and headaches), stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more, by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms and promoting balance.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, **Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body’s channels called **meridians**. These meridians form a network that distributes Qi and Blood to various organs and tissues. When Qi flow is blocked, deficient, or excessive, illness or pain can occur. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians to maintain health and harmony.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. During treatment, some people may feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. The procedure is generally very relaxing and safe when performed by a licensed professional. Always communicate any discomfort with your practitioner.
- 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 advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and supporting long-term wellness.
- What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Benjamin Pimentel, Ac. treat?
- Our practitioners treat a wide range of conditions, including pregnancy and postpartum care, chronic pain like back pain or arthritis, sleep disorders, women’s health concerns such as PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall vitality. Treatments often involve tongue diagnosis, pulse assessment, and may include cupping, herbal therapy, or moxibustion tailored to your specific pattern.
- Does Benjamin Pimentel, Ac. offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?
- Yes, the clinic typically offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists and Registered TCM Practitioners to major private insurers. Patients should bring their insurance details and confirm specific coverage, including any limits or requirements such as referrals. Patients are responsible for non-covered expenses.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- No, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to check with your private insurance plan as many offer some coverage for these services, but levels vary.
Clinic Contact & Licensing Information
Benjamin Pimentel, Ac.
555, Montée Masson
Terrebonne, QC, J6W 2Z4
Phone: (514) 924-0312
Benjamin Pimentel is regulated by the Professional Code (Quebec) in QC and is a registered member of The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.
Registration Number: A-079-94
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.