Éric Chabot – Acupuncturist | Shawinigan, QC

Éric Chabot is a dedicated Acupuncteur (Ac.). Practicing at Clinique Chiropratique Bellerive in Shawinigan, QC, he 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. With a deep understanding of TCM principles, Éric focuses on tailoring treatments to meet each patient's unique needs, ensuring a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Éric's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. His care is centered on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and to restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, emphasizing gentle and effective therapies suitable for diverse populations.

Having completed his training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Éric combines clinical experience with a commitment to ongoing professional development. He is particularly interested in areas such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other TCM modalities, continually enhancing his skills to provide the highest standard of care. His practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). Éric is dedicated to individualized treatment plans based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, emphasizing preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs). He offers consultations in French.

Éric Chabot 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.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.

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. Éric 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• 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): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.

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

• The path to overcoming managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably and achieving enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum is often clearer with TCM. Éric guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days with improved health.
• Understanding that brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory can be frustrating, Éric applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, making it possible to rediscover the joy in traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• Éric believes in a partnership with patients. When circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), enabling a more active lifestyle including shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• It's rewarding for Éric to witness patients find relief from my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems and experience improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain again.

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

Éric practices at Clinique Chiropratique Bellerive, situated in the heart of Shawinigan within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic. The clinic is conveniently located in the central neighborhood of Shawinigan, close to local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents. The clinic can be reached via multiple public transit routes, ensuring convenient options for patients commuting from various parts of the city. 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Patients are typically responsible for paying out-of-pocket. It is strongly advised to check with your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for treatments from registered practitioners. Coverage levels can vary significantly depending on your insurance provider and plan details.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a fundamental concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that flows through the body. When Qi flows smoothly and in sufficient amounts, health is maintained. **Meridians** are network channels through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or deficiencies in these pathways can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians to promote healing and balance.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system based on ancient principles that include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary recommendations. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health through tongue and pulse diagnosis, identifies patterns of imbalance, and creates a personalized treatment plan. This approach aims to restore harmony within the body, support healing, and promote overall well-being.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints on the body. According to TCM principles, this stimulates the flow of Qi along meridians, helping to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and strengthen the immune system. Many patients experience a calming sensation during treatment and find it beneficial for various health concerns.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be a comfortable experience. The needles used are extremely thin, and insertion typically causes little to no pain—some feel a slight pinch or warmth. The sensation of deqi (a dull ache or tingling) indicates effective stimulation. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If you feel any discomfort or pain, you should inform your practitioner immediately.

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

In QC, patients can generally see a Registered Acupuncturist directly without a referral, as part of direct access. However, some private health insurance plans do require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider beforehand to confirm coverage requirements.

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

The number of sessions varies based on your condition’s nature, severity, duration, and your individual response. Acute issues may improve within 1-3 sessions, while chronic conditions might require 6-12 sessions or more, spaced weekly or bi-weekly. Your practitioner will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and will reassess progress regularly.

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

These are adjunctive therapies used in TCM to enhance treatment outcomes. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, relieving muscle tension and promoting circulation. Moxibustion uses heat from burning mugwort to warm acupuncture points and invigorate Qi. Gua Sha involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to release stagnation. Tui Na is a therapeutic massage technique that combines various manual methods to relieve pain and restore balance. Your practitioner will determine if these therapies are suitable for your condition.

Clinique Chiropratique Bellerive
1197, ave de Grand-Mère
Shawinigan, QC, G9T 2J4

Phone: (819) 538-1761

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

Registration Number: A-036-05

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.