Danielle Andrea Dickson – Acupuncturist | Guelph, ON

Danielle Andrea Dickson is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Danielle Dickson Wellness in Guelph, 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.

Danielle's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Danielle Andrea Dickson completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2014). With over 10 years of dedicated practice since 2014, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest or further training in areas such as acupuncture. Key aspects of her practice philosophy include identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health; a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). She offers consultations in English.

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: TCM strategies aimed at strengthening the Spleen, resolving Dampness and Heat, invigorating Blood, and regulating immune function to support gut healing and reduce flare-ups in IBD.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
• 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.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.

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. Danielle can assess your needs.

• 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).
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Danielle, common concerns like that nagging back pain that just won't go away are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, helping people to once again enjoy handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease.
• If ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome is affecting your ability to participate in resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely, Danielle's TCM approach aims for accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, helping you to regain your stride.
• For those whose heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals has made enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time seem difficult, Danielle's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time with greater comfort.
• When fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Danielle can help you work towards experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.

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

Danielle practices at Danielle Dickson Wellness, situated in the Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near the Sleeman Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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

During your first visit, the Registered Acupuncturist will conduct a detailed consultation to understand your health concerns from a TCM perspective. This involves asking in-depth questions about your symptoms, overall health, daily routines, and emotional well-being. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as examining your tongue for its color, coating, and shape, and palpating your pulse at various positions on your wrists, are essential components. After assessing your condition and identifying your TCM pattern, she will explain her findings and propose a treatment strategy. This typically includes an acupuncture session during the first visit, and may also involve recommendations for Chinese herbal medicine (if within their scope), dietary adjustments, or other TCM therapies based on your individual needs.

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 ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (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. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncturist will assess your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal formulas (if registered as R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary recommendations to restore 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 may experience a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling. Many patients feel deeply relaxed and may even fall asleep. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, it should be communicated immediately to the practitioner.

What are Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Tui Na?

These are adjunct therapies often used in TCM. Cupping involves placing suction cups on the skin to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension. Moxibustion involves warming specific points with mugwort to stimulate flow. Gua Sha uses a smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin, promoting circulation and reducing pain. Tui Na is a Chinese therapeutic massage focusing on acupressure points and meridians to relieve pain and promote balance. Your practitioner will determine if these therapies are suitable for your condition.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance. It can help with pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. Many private insurance plans may offer partial or full coverage, so it is advisable to check your individual policy for details.

Danielle Dickson Wellness
115 Woolwich St
Guelph, ON, N1H 3V1

Phone: (519) 827-6350

Danielle Andrea Dickson 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=a5b96589-c876-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.