Marianne Elizabeth Pedretti

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing emotional stagnation (especially Liver Qi Stagnation), clearing internal 'Heat' or 'Dampness' that can cloud the mind, and improving overall mental clarity and outlook with acupuncture and herbal support.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Natural and effective relief for jaw discomfort, helping to restore normal jaw function and reduce parafunctional habits like clenching or grinding.
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na massage, and topical herbal applications to accelerate recovery from acute sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, and contusions, as well as chronic overuse conditions like tendinitis (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinitis).
• 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).
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain sensitivity, improving energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and restoring a better quality of life for those with fibromyalgia or widespread myofascial pain.

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. Marianne can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.

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

• If frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness is affecting your ability to participate in playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain, Marianne's TCM approach aims for gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, helping you to regain your stride.
• Let Marianne help you navigate pain, numbness, or tingling running down my leg (like sciatica) with targeted TCM care. The goal is enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, so you can fully enjoy attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout and other life pleasures once more.
• Marianne believes in a partnership with patients. When asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, enabling a more active lifestyle including attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory, Marianne crafts treatments to achieve reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, supporting a return to activities like sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic with comfort and confidence.

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

Marianne practices at Barefoot Acupuncture Peterborough, situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood of the city. The clinic is conveniently located near Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and is easily accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic provides a serene environment for healing, and street parking is often available nearby, making it convenient for patients to access gentle holistic care.

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.

Approximately how many Acupuncture/TCM sessions will I need and how often?

This varies based on individual needs. Some acute issues resolve after a few sessions, while chronic conditions may require ongoing treatments once or twice weekly initially, then gradually less often. Your Registered Acupuncturist will assess your progress and tailor the treatment plan accordingly to achieve optimal results.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Barefoot Acupuncture Peterborough treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, support for autoimmune conditions (like Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS as adjunctive care), chronic and acute pain (such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sciatica), sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and overall well-being. Treatments often involve acupuncture and may incorporate scalp acupuncture, herbal medicine, or other TCM therapies based on your diagnosis.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many feel little to no sensation during insertion. Some may experience a slight pinch or tingling, and many patients feel deeply relaxed or even fall asleep. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If any discomfort occurs, inform your practitioner immediately.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in ON?

In Ontario, patients typically do not require a referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner. You can book an appointment directly. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement, so it’s advisable to check your individual policy.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance within the body. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing response.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by registered practitioners are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. Some extended health plans may offer coverage, so it’s recommended to verify with your insurance provider.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to treat various health issues and promote long-term health and harmony.

Barefoot Acupuncture Peterborough
483 George St. South
Peterborough, ON, K9J 3E6

Phone: (705) 740-7945

Marianne Elizabeth Pedretti 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=b9ba6589-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.