Bonnie Adam – Acupuncturist | Guelph, ON

Bonnie Adam is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Pathways Healing 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.

Bonnie'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. Her 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, ensuring personalized and holistic care tailored to individual needs.

Bonnie Adam completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest and further training in areas such as acupuncture. Her practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), adopting a holistic approach viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). She offers consultations in English.

Bonnie Adam 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.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Acupuncture and TCM diagnostic protocols to differentiate and treat various types of headaches and migraines by addressing root causes such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency or stasis, Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm obstruction, or external pathogenic factors.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Holistic support to improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic joint pain, swelling, and stiffness due to osteoarthritic degeneration or autoimmune joint conditions (as an adjunct to conventional care).
• 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.

Other Common

• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Integrative TCM care focused on alleviating treatment-related discomfort, enhancing immune function, and supporting the patient's overall well-being throughout their cancer journey.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): Focusing on harmonizing Yin and Yang, clearing pathogenic factors (like Heat or Damp), nourishing deficient substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang), and resolving stagnation to support overall systemic balance.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a complementary therapy to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. (Used alongside conventional medical management).
• 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.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.

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. Bonnie can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body’s vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.

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

• Experiencing heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals can be draining. Bonnie utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, so patients can re-engage with walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue feeling revitalized.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Bonnie, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Bonnie can be a turning point for those affected by general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body. The goal is achieving experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, paving the way for you to enjoy cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems and achieved improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles under the care of Bonnie, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance) with renewed vitality and ease.

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

Bonnie practices at Pathways Healing, situated in the Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near Stone Road Mall and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.

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.

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 (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies 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 Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans offer coverage for these services, depending on the plan. Patients should review their insurance policies for details.

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, which usually indicates effective stimulation of your body's Qi. Many patients feel very relaxed and may even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any discomfort, inform your practitioner immediately.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection. **Meridians** are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians, where the flow of Qi can be accessed and adjusted to restore health and balance.

Pathways Healing
350 Speedvale Ave. W, Unit 11
Guelph, ON, N1H 7M7

Phone: (519) 400-1037

Bonnie Adam 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=30b2283f-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.