Barbara Jacqueline Poczyniak

Barbara practices at AcuNiagara, situated in the Clifton Hill Tourist Area, within the Fallsview Area neighborhood of Niagara Falls. The clinic is conveniently located near Horseshoe Falls and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
• 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).
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• 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.

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

• If fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy is preventing you from fully enjoying handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease, Barbara offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care and achieved achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements under the care of Barbara, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes with renewed vitality and ease.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Barbara assists patients with wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions in reaching experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, fostering a return to beloved activities like enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Patients struggling with symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery can find dedicated support from Barbara. The therapeutic focus is on achieving reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.

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

Barbara practices at AcuNiagara, situated in the Clifton Hill Tourist Area, within the Fallsview Area neighborhood of Niagara Falls. The clinic is conveniently located near Horseshoe Falls and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is strongly recommended to check with private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. Coverage levels and requirements vary significantly depending on the insurer.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your acupuncture session, it's advisable to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior; avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, and abdomen. It's best to avoid caffeine or alcohol just before treatment. After your session, try to avoid strenuous activity for a few hours and drink plenty of water. Some people feel very relaxed or even a bit tired, while others feel energized. Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms or well-being and report them to your Registered Acupuncturist at your next visit.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root cause of health issues. TCM aims to restore harmony and promote long-term health and well-being.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow according to TCM principles. It can help with pain relief (such as back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more. By activating the body's self-healing mechanisms, acupuncture promotes balance and overall health.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans require a physician's referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm specific requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile, and single-use, often less thick than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. You may feel a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a sensation of heaviness once needles are in place, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most people find the experience relaxing. Registered practitioners strictly use sterile needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at AcuNiagara treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine. This includes, but is not limited to, support for conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and general wellness. Treatments often involve TCM Tongue Diagnosis, and may also include Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture), herbal therapy, or dietary advice based on individual patterns.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, sustaining health and vitality. **Meridians** are pathways or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. When Qi flow is blocked, deficient, or excessive, illness can result. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore balanced Qi flow within these meridians to promote health and healing.

AcuNiagara
6453 Morrison Street
Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 7H1

Phone: (289) 271-0711

Barbara Jacqueline Poczyniak 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=42b2283f-bd76-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.