Connie Siedule

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• 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.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.

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.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Holistic approach to calming an irritable gut and improving overall digestive health and comfort using personalized TCM treatments.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na massage, and topical herbal applications to accelerate recovery from acute sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, and contusions, as well as chronic overuse conditions like tendinitis (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinitis).
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Holistic TCM approaches, including acupuncture, gentle cupping, moxibustion, and carefully selected herbal support, to manage the complex symptoms of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, such as widespread pain, tender points, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and 'fibro fog.'
• 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.

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. Connie can assess your needs.

• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): A contemporary acupuncture technique involving the insertion of needles into specific therapeutic zones on the scalp that correspond to different body functions and brain areas (e.g., motor, sensory, balance zones), primarily used for neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional conditions.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• 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.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Connie, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

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

• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Connie assists patients with general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body in reaching enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, fostering a return to beloved activities like sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic.
• Struggling with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory? Connie develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), key to helping you get back to doing cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment with improved well-being and energy.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Connie, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when that nagging back pain that just won't go away impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity.
• Patients struggling with feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings can find dedicated support from Connie. The therapeutic focus is on achieving experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.

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

Connie practices at AI FAMILY HEALTH TEAM, conveniently situated in the Vanier East, Rockcliffe Park South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is located near the Canadian War Museum and is easily accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with street parking often available nearby.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.

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 TCM Practitioner immediately.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources can pose serious health risks, including incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers who perform quality testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to stimulate the flow of Qi, aiming to restore balance within the body's energy system. It can help with pain management, stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and overall wellness by activating the body's self-healing mechanisms.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner or Registered Acupuncturist directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

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

Generally, Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist in a private clinic are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health plans offer coverage for these services. It is recommended to verify your insurance benefits.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that circulates throughout the body via channels called meridians. When Qi flows freely and in balance, health is maintained. Disruptions or blockages in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians to promote health and healing.

AI FAMILY HEALTH TEAM
300-24 Selkirk St.
Ottawa, ON, K1L 0A4

Phone: (613) 740-0999

Connie Siedule 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=d2b0472f-c076-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.