Carolyn Marie Stirling

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Natural and effective solutions for managing debilitating headaches and migraines, aiming to reduce their frequency, intensity, and duration without heavy reliance on medication.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Natural and effective relief for persistent or sudden onset pain located in the lumbar or cervical spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and other joints or soft tissues.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Addressing neuropathic pain by invigorating Qi and Blood flow along affected meridians, nourishing Yin and Blood to repair damaged nerves, and resolving blockages or stagnation.

Other Common

• 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): 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.

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. Carolyn can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Struggling with pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica)? Carolyn develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, key to helping you get back to doing being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably with improved well-being and energy.
• If my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems is affecting your ability to participate in cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort, Carolyn's TCM approach aims for enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, helping you to regain your stride.
• It's rewarding for Carolyn to witness patients find relief from general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body and experience experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort again.
• If fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy is preventing you from fully enjoying maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails, Carolyn offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.

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

Carolyn practices at Mariposa Acupuncture, situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic located in the central Orillia neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected by local public transit routes, providing a straightforward way to reach her clinic. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

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

Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally not covered by Ontario's public health plans like OHIP. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans may offer coverage for treatments received from registered practitioners. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage levels, as they can vary significantly.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered Acupuncturist immediately.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician’s referral (known as direct access). However, it is important to note that some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should verify their insurance policy's requirements to ensure coverage.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root cause of health issues. TCM can help with a wide range of conditions, promoting harmony and long-term health.

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

Your initial appointment typically involves a thorough intake, including discussing your health concerns, reviewing your medical history, and assessing your lifestyle. A traditional TCM diagnostic assessment, including tongue and pulse diagnosis, will be performed. Based on this, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include acupuncture, herbal remedies, cupping, or lifestyle advice. The first session often includes an acupuncture treatment to begin addressing your concerns.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. This stimulates the flow of Qi along meridians, helping to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

It is recommended to have a light meal 1-2 hours before your appointment and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before treatment. After your session, it’s best to rest if needed, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity for a few hours. Pay attention to how you feel and report any changes or concerns to your practitioner at your next visit.

Mariposa Acupuncture
25 Mississaga St E., Upper Suite #1
Orillia, ON, L3V 1V4

Phone: (705) 558-6677

Carolyn Marie Stirling 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=839fef60-9c7c-e911-810c-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.