Courtney Anne Cartmel

Courtney practices at the Peterborough Centre of Naturopathic Medicine, situated in the South End, Otonabee neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre and is easily accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.

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

• Patients struggling with dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects their balance and daily activities can find dedicated support from Courtney. The therapeutic focus is on achieving a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as being able to concentrate better on tasks requiring mental focus for longer periods.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Courtney assists patients with wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions in reaching improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, fostering a return to beloved activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably.
• When general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout the body are limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Courtney can help you work towards achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods.
• If feeling down, experiencing persistent low mood, or unpredictable mood swings are preventing you from fully enjoying daily life, Courtney offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on noticeable improvement in mood, energy, and overall mental clarity, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and vitality.

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

Courtney practices at the Peterborough Centre of Naturopathic Medicine, situated in the South End, Otonabee neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre and is easily accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete 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/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

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 provincial health plans like OHIP. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check with individual private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners, though coverage levels can vary significantly.

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 Qi flow. Based on TCM principles, it aims to restore balance, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote the body's natural healing processes. It can be helpful for conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more.

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 very thin, and sensations like a slight pinch, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness are common and usually indicate effective stimulation. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any pain or discomfort occurs, patients are advised to inform their practitioner immediately.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via pathways called meridians. These channels connect internal organs with the body's exterior, facilitating the circulation of Qi and Blood. Acupuncture points along these meridians are targeted to restore balance and promote health by influencing the flow of Qi.

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

No referral is generally required to see a Registered Acupuncturist in Ontario. Patients can access services directly (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your individual insurance provider for specific requirements.

Peterborough Centre of Naturopathic Medicine
386 Burnham St
Peterborough, ON, K9H1T6

Phone: (705) 761-6596

Courtney Anne Cartmel 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=6750c5ca-c02b-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.