Blake Waters

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Acupuncture and TCM diagnostic protocols to differentiate and treat various types of headaches and migraines by addressing root causes such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency or stasis, Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm obstruction, or external pathogenic factors.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Holistic support to improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic joint pain, swelling, and stiffness due to osteoarthritic degeneration or autoimmune joint conditions (as an adjunct to conventional care).

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. Blake can assess your needs.

• 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.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• 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.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Blake, 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 ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

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

• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing, Blake helps patients work towards improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, facilitating a return to cherished activities like enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Blake can be a turning point for those affected by feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality. The goal is achieving reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, paving the way for you to enjoy working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery and achieved feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice under the care of Blake, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as managing their personal care routines independently with renewed vitality and ease.
• Patients struggling with curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach can find dedicated support from Blake. The therapeutic focus is on achieving enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise.

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

Blake Waters's practice at Blake Waters is situated in the Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near the city’s core and is easily accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, thanks to direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

Your initial appointment will usually involve a comprehensive intake lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Blake will discuss your health concerns, review your medical history, and inquire about lifestyle, diet, sleep, and emotional well-being. A key diagnostic component includes examining your tongue and feeling your pulse on both wrists. Based on this assessment, a diagnosis will be determined, and a personalized treatment plan will be discussed. Often, your first session includes an acupuncture treatment to begin addressing your concerns.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is considered the vital energy or life force that flows through the body. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting organs and tissues. Acupuncture points along these meridians are used to influence Qi flow, helping restore balance and promote health.

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

These are adjunct therapies used in TCM. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, aiding in relieving muscle tension and promoting blood flow. Moxibustion involves burning mugwort near or on specific points to warm and stimulate Qi and Blood. Gua Sha involves scraping the skin to improve circulation, while Tui Na is a therapeutic massage technique that manipulates soft tissues and acupressure points to relieve pain and promote harmony of Qi.

Are Acupuncture and TCM services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for these services, depending on the plan. It is recommended to verify with your provider regarding specific coverage.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient principles, focusing on restoring balance within the body. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health and patterns of imbalance, then provides treatments such as acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, or dietary advice to promote natural healing and well-being.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be very comfortable; the needles are very thin, and insertion usually causes little to no pain. Some may feel a slight pinch or tingling. Many clients report feeling relaxed and may even fall asleep. Practitioners are trained to use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If you experience any discomfort, you should inform your practitioner immediately.

Blake Waters
241 Wellington St E
Barrie, ON, L4M 2E4

Phone: (705) 331-6367

Blake Waters 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=977d3410-c676-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.