Elizabeth Segura – Acupuncturist | Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC

Elizabeth Segura is a dedicated Acupuncteur (Ac.). Practicing at Spinal Mouvements Rive-Sud in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC, she is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Elizabeth's role involves offering 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, with compassion and professionalism.

Elizabeth Segura completed her training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. With clinical training and experience, 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 embraces a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). She 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 French.

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a complementary therapy to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. (Used alongside conventional medical management).

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Natural and effective solutions for managing debilitating headaches and migraines, aiming to reduce their frequency, intensity, and duration without heavy reliance on medication.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• 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.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: Building resilience against pathogens by fortifying the Zang-Fu organs responsible for immune function, particularly the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys according to TCM theory.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.

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. Elizabeth can assess your needs.

• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Elizabeth, 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 QC and the standards set by The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

At Spinal Mouvements Rive-Sud, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Elizabeth frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Elizabeth, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes are guided towards for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy having more regular and comfortable menstrual cycles, allowing for uninterrupted daily life and activities again with greater zest.
• If skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives is affecting your ability to participate in dressing myself independently and without difficulty, Elizabeth's TCM approach aims for visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, helping you to regain your stride.
• The journey to a more positive outlook and improved mood stability when faced with managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably can be supported by Elizabeth's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Elizabeth assists patients with wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions in reaching feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, fostering a return to beloved activities like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.

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

Elizabeth practices at Spinal Mouvements Rive-Sud, situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the heart of the Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville neighborhood of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for all patients. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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

The number and frequency of sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature of your condition (whether it's acute or chronic), its severity, how long you've had the issue, your overall health, and your individual response to treatment. For acute conditions, a few sessions (e.g., 1-3 times per week for 1-2 weeks) may bring significant relief. For chronic or more complex issues, a longer course of treatment (e.g., 6-12 weekly or bi-weekly sessions) is often necessary to achieve lasting results, followed by maintenance sessions as needed. Your Registered Acupuncturist will discuss a proposed treatment plan, including frequency and estimated duration, after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Spinal Mouvements Rive-Sud treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care, rosacea (supportive TCM care), sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall well-being. Treatments often involve TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis, and may also include Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping), moxibustion, or dietary advice based on your specific TCM diagnosis.

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.

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.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete 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 (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in QC?

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist without a physician's referral (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 for specific requirements.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Generally, services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to verify with your private insurance provider, as many plans do offer partial or full coverage for services by registered practitioners, but coverage levels vary.

Spinal Mouvements Rive-Sud
1443, de Montarville
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC, J3V 3T6

Phone: (450) 482-6106

Elizabeth Segura is regulated by the Professional Code (Quebec) in QC and is a registered member of The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Registration Number: A-032-03

Registration can typically be verified with The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

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.