Cherina Stephanie Sparks – Acupuncturist | Ottawa, ON

Cherina Stephanie Sparks is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at ADVANCED WELLNESS CENTRE in Ottawa, ON, she is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Cherina specializes in 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. Her approach focuses on utilizing acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs.

Having completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2014), Cherina has accumulated over 10 years of dedicated practice since then. She is committed to ongoing professional development and upholds the highest standards of TCM practice. Her further training and interest extend to areas such as acupuncture, integrating modern techniques with traditional methods. Cherina emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. She prioritizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn) rather than just alleviating symptoms, ensuring long-lasting health improvements. She offers consultations in English.

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

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.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.

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).
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney deficiencies that often contribute to chronic respiratory conditions and recurrent coughs, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.

Other Common

• 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).
• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Supporting the body's strength (Zheng Qi), protecting healthy cells, reducing toxic side effects, and promoting recovery and vitality during and after chemotherapy or radiation therapy from a TCM perspective.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Cherina can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• 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): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.

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

• With Cherina, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed are guided towards a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time again with greater zest.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome, Cherina crafts treatments to achieve achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, supporting a return to activities like easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain with comfort and confidence.
• Struggling with feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings? Cherina develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, key to helping you get back to doing engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus with improved well-being and energy.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably and achieved a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically under the care of Cherina, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise with renewed vitality and ease.

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

Cherina practices at ADVANCED WELLNESS CENTRE, situated in the Centretown South (Golden Triangle) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the National Arts Centre (Southam Hall entrance) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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, as direct access is permitted. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policy details to confirm coverage requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary and lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to restore harmony and promote long-term health across a wide range of conditions.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. Performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, it can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestive health, and address many other health concerns by activating the body's self-healing mechanisms.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is considered the vital energy that flows through the body's meridians—specific pathways that connect organs and tissues. These meridians facilitate the circulation of Qi and Blood, and acupuncture points along these channels are used to influence and restore balance within the body, promoting health and harmony.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or Registered TCM Practitioners in private clinics are not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, though many private insurance plans offer varying degrees of reimbursement for these services. It is recommended that patients verify their individual insurance policies for coverage details.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less than an injection. Most people experience a soothing sensation such as warmth, tingling, or heaviness during treatment, which indicates Qi is being influenced. Registered practitioners prioritize safety, using only sterile needles, and it is important to communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

ADVANCED WELLNESS CENTRE
Suite 100 200 Metcalfe Street
Ottawa, ON, K2P 1P7

Phone: (613) 237-5252

Cherina Stephanie Sparks 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=cddff62b-c376-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.