Catherine Couture

Catherine Couture 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): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice to address different types of sleep disturbances by harmonizing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, anchoring the Shen, and resolving underlying TCM patterns such as Heart Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation disturbing the Hun, Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to overthinking, or Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.

Other Common

• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Acupuncture and herbal formulas to address various types of dizziness and vertigo by treating underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Qi and Blood deficiency.
• 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.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM dietary advice to reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities, alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pain, and strengthen the body's defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to make it less reactive to allergens.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a supportive and complementary approach to manage asthma and chronic bronchitis symptoms by strengthening Lung Qi and Wei Qi, resolving phlegm and dampness, descending rebellious Lung Qi to calm wheezing and cough, and tonifying Kidney Qi to grasp the Lung Qi.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including preventative acupuncture and immune-boosting herbs, to help strengthen the body's resistance to colds and flu. For active infections, TCM aims to accelerate recovery by expelling pathogens (Wind, Cold, Heat, Damp), relieving symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue.

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. Catherine 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• 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).
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.

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

• When feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Catherine can help you work towards gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Catherine, common concerns like wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, helping people to once again enjoy long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue and achieved improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles under the care of Catherine, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain with renewed vitality and ease.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Catherine assists patients with general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body in reaching better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, fostering a return to beloved activities like engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow.

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

Located in the heart of Sainte-Thérèse, Acupuncture Catherine Couture is situated within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood. The practice is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for clients to access restorative treatments. Public transit routes serve the area well, providing an accessible option for all patients. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and metered or paid parking lots are typically available in the vicinity, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free visit.

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.

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 a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician’s referral, under a system known as direct access. 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 individual insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow according to TCM principles. This therapy can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall health by activating the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach based on ancient principles that include acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary advice, and other modalities. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health, identifies patterns of imbalance, and creates a personalized treatment plan aimed at restoring harmony and promoting natural healing.

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

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 for these therapies. However, many private insurance plans offer partial or full coverage, so it is recommended to check with your insurer to understand your benefits.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be very tolerable, with many experiencing little to no discomfort. The needles used are extremely thin, and practitioners are trained to insert them safely using sterile, single-use needles. Some sensations like a slight prick, warmth, or tingling may occur, but these are normal and indicate effective stimulation. If any pain or discomfort occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately to ensure safety.

Acupuncture Catherine Couture
22, Boulevard Desjardins E, local 101
Sainte-Thérèse, QC, J7E 1C1

Phone: (514) 924-3489

Catherine Couture is regulated by the Professional Code (Quebec) in QC and is a registered member of The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Registration Number: A-001-23

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.