Gloria Barbetta

Gloria practices at WISHING WELLNESS, situated in the West Ferris, Lakeshore Drive Area neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Northgate Shopping Centre and is accessible via North Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.
• 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): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• 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.

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

• Acupuncture and TCM with Gloria can be a turning point for those affected by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed. The goal is achieving improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, paving the way for you to enjoy planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Gloria, common concerns like frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, helping people to once again enjoy attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus.
• Understanding that uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes can be frustrating, Gloria applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, making it possible to rediscover the joy in enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering.
• Gloria frequently assists patients in overcoming stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.

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

Gloria practices at WISHING WELLNESS, situated in the West Ferris, Lakeshore Drive Area neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Northgate Shopping Centre and is accessible via North Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered Acupuncturist immediately.

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 provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as coverage levels vary significantly and many plans offer partial reimbursement for treatments by registered practitioners.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It’s considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions like digestion and hormones, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

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

It is recommended to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours before your appointment and to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine or alcohol prior to treatment. After your session, it’s best to rest and stay well-hydrated. Some patients may feel relaxed or slightly tired afterward, while others might feel energized. Pay attention to how your body responds and communicate any changes to your practitioner.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive 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 massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to address root causes of health issues by correcting imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, promoting harmony and 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 directly without a physician’s referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advised to check your insurance policy to confirm whether a referral is necessary for coverage.

WISHING WELLNESS
114 Whitney Avenue
North Bay, ON, P1A 1Y6

Phone: (705) 476-6647

Gloria Barbetta 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=54b4472f-c076-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.