Lisa Vecchi – Acupuncturist | Burlington, ON

Lisa Vecchi is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Dr. Lisa Vecchi, ND, RAc in Burlington, 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.

Lisa'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 care tailored to individual needs.

Lisa Vecchi completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2014). With over 10 years of dedicated practice since 2014, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest or further training in areas such as acupuncture. 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. 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.

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Effective TCM management strategies for shooting, burning, or electric-shock like pain that follows nerve pathways, aiming to improve sensation and function.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Managing arthritic symptoms by addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction due to Wind, Cold, Damp, or Heat), and nourishing Kidney essence to support bone and joint health.
• 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.

Other Common

• 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.
• 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.
• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and gentle herbal therapies to help manage common side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety, thereby improving quality of life and treatment tolerance. (Always in coordination with primary oncology care).
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Natural and comprehensive solutions for combating persistent, debilitating tiredness, improving energy production, and enhancing overall resilience and quality of life.

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Using specific acupuncture points and potent herbal formulas tailored to the stage and nature of the cold or flu (e.g., clearing Wind-Cold versus Wind-Heat invasions) to shorten duration and lessen severity.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a supportive and complementary approach to manage asthma and chronic bronchitis symptoms by strengthening Lung Qi and Wei Qi, resolving phlegm and dampness, descending rebellious Lung Qi to calm wheezing and cough, and tonifying Kidney Qi to grasp the Lung Qi.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM dietary advice to reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities, alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pain, and strengthen the body's defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to make it less reactive to allergens.

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. Lisa can assess your needs.

• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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: 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time, Lisa helps patients work towards improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, facilitating a return to cherished activities like traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• The journey to enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures when faced with skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives can be supported by Lisa's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Lisa, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• Many find that TCM with Lisa not only helps with uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes but also brings about improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.

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

Lisa practices at Dr. Lisa Vecchi, ND, RAc, situated in the Mountainside, Brant Hills neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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 strongly recommended to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some level of coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. Coverage can vary significantly depending on your specific plan.

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 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.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

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

Before your session, it is recommended to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior, avoiding 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. Avoid caffeine or alcohol just before treatment. After your session, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity for a few hours and drink plenty of water. Some people feel very relaxed or even tired, while others may feel energized. Pay attention to how you feel and report any changes to your acupuncturist at your next visit.

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, a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which indicates effective stimulation of your body's Qi. Many patients feel very relaxed and may even fall asleep during the treatment. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any notable pain, inform your acupuncturist immediately.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic system based on ancient principles that aim to restore balance and health. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory, including tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may involve acupuncture, herbal formulas (if registered as an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice to promote healing and well-being.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

Your initial appointment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and involves a detailed intake, where the practitioner discusses your health concerns, reviews your medical history, and assesses your lifestyle. A TCM diagnostic assessment, including tongue and pulse analysis, is performed to determine your pattern of imbalance. Based on this, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include acupuncture and other modalities. An initial treatment is often administered during this visit to begin addressing your concerns.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to stimulate the flow of Qi, according to TCM principles. It aims to restore balance and promote natural healing. It can help with various conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual concerns, and more by activating your body's healing mechanisms and improving overall health.

Dr. Lisa Vecchi, ND, RAc
4183 Millcroft Park Drive
Burlington, ON, L7M 3V3

Phone: (289) 427-0622

Lisa Vecchi 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=b9b96589-c876-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.