About
Deb Dubravka Milovanovic is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Hands of Care in Kitchener, 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.
Deb's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Her approach focuses 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 that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
Deb Dubravka Milovanovic 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, which enhances her ability to address a broad spectrum of health concerns effectively.
Her practice philosophy emphasizes a commitment to individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, ensuring care is tailored to each person's unique constitution and condition. Deb focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. She also emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. She offers consultations in English.
Deb practices at Hands of Care, situated in the Downtown Kitchener, Cedar Hill neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Laurentian Power Centre and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus routes and the ION Light Rail. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with accessible facilities and typically available parking options for patients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
- 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.
- Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Deb, 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 Hands of Care, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture focus on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Deb often assists patients in reaching goals such as:
- Support for those experiencing stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or prolonged computer use, aiming for visible improvement and relief. She also helps enhance skin health for conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, promoting a healthier appearance and comfort.
- Helping individuals with dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo regain balance and confidence, enabling active participation in family outings and vacations with greater ease and resilience.
- Addressing digestive concerns such as heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion, with the goal of achieving more regular and comfortable bowel movements, allowing for comfortable gardening and daily activities.
- Reducing the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines, leading to more pain-free days and active participation in social and community events.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Deb, will be tailored to help you achieve your specific health and wellness objectives through a holistic, time-tested approach.
Deb practices at Hands of Care, situated in the Downtown Kitchener, Cedar Hill neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Laurentian Power Centre and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus routes and the ION Light Rail. The clinic offers a tranquil environment for healing, with accessible parking options typically available for patients.
- 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 insurance plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for treatments by registered practitioners, so it's advisable to check with your insurance provider about your specific plan.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on your body. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, it aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow (Qi). It can help manage conditions such as pain (e.g., back pain, headaches), stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more, by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.
- 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 (a process known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy's requirements prior to treatment.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less than an injection. Once inserted, you may feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate that Qi is being influenced. Most find acupuncture relaxing. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. If any discomfort occurs during treatment, communicate with your practitioner promptly.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, essential for health and vitality. **Meridians** are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles and skin. Acupuncture points along these meridians are targeted to restore balance and promote wellness.
- 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, including therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, and moxibustion. A Registered Acupuncturist employs these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. TCM aims to treat the root cause of health issues, promote harmony, and support long-term health and vitality.
Hands of. Care
800 King St 1
Kitchener, ON, N2G 1E8
Phone: (519) 741-5692
Deb Dubravka Milovanovic 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=f3bae7de-b776-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.