Kristin Greenacre – Acupuncturist | Ottawa, ON

Kristin Greenacre is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Refine Wellness in Ottawa, 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.

Kristin'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 compassionate treatment tailored to each individual's needs.

Kristin Greenacre 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 preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being; she adopts a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Kristin utilizes time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural Yin-Yang harmony. She offers consultations in English.

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney deficiencies that often contribute to chronic respiratory conditions and recurrent coughs, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.

Other Common

• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Early and consistent TCM intervention to maximize functional recovery and minimize residual facial weakness or asymmetry.
• 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.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore balance.

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. Kristin can assess your needs.

• 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).
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• 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.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• When that nagging back pain that just won't go away is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Kristin can help you work towards a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Kristin can be a turning point for those affected by feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings. The goal is achieving enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, paving the way for you to enjoy feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life? Kristin works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• Experiencing wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally can be draining. Kristin utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, so patients can re-engage with returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain feeling revitalized.

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

Kristin practices at Refine Wellness, situated in the vibrant neighborhood of The Glebe in Old Ottawa South. The clinic is conveniently located near Billings Bridge Shopping Centre and is easily accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and local bus routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment dedicated to healing and wellness. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity for your convenience.

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, as part of the legal scope of practice known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to understand the specific requirements for coverage.

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 and palpating your pulse at various wrist positions are essential. After assessing your condition and identifying your TCM pattern, she will explain her findings and propose a treatment plan. This generally includes an acupuncture session, with possible recommendations for Chinese herbal medicine, dietary changes, or other therapies tailored to your individual needs.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians. This helps to restore balance, reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be a comfortable experience. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no discomfort upon insertion. Some may experience a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling sensations, which indicate effective stimulation of Qi. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles exclusively. If you experience any significant pain, inform your acupuncturist immediately.

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

These are adjunct therapies frequently used alongside acupuncture in TCM. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, helping to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. Moxibustion involves burning mugwort near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate Qi and Blood. Gua Sha uses gentle scraping of the skin to promote circulation and reduce inflammation. Tui Na is a therapeutic massage technique that manipulates soft tissues and acupressure points to alleviate pain and restore harmony.

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

TCM is an ancient medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these modalities to diagnose and treat the root causes of health issues by balancing Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, promoting long-term health and harmony.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, essential for health. Meridians are channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or deficiencies in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain, and acupuncture aims to restore proper flow within these meridians.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner are not covered by OHIP, as they are considered private services. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans offer some reimbursement. It is recommended to review your individual insurance policy to determine coverage levels.

Refine Wellness
99 Fourth Avenue
Ottawa, ON, K1S 2L1

Phone: (613) 233-8852

Kristin Greenacre 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=1b7ac309-b976-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.