France Raymond

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Addressing TCM patterns often associated with trauma, such as Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Qi Stagnation, or Kidney Jing depletion.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and related therapies to relieve radiating nerve pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness associated with conditions like sciatica or peripheral neuropathy by improving microcirculation, reducing nerve inflammation, and promoting nerve regeneration.
• 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.

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. France can assess your needs.

• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.

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

• Rediscover your ability to planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being without the burden of brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory. France focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• If looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue is affecting their ability to participate in managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain, France's TCM approach aims for enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, helping you to regain your stride.
• Patients struggling with uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes can find dedicated support from France. The therapeutic focus is on achieving enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus.
• France frequently assists patients in overcoming digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes.

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

France's practice at France Raymond Ac. is situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Saint-Sauveur neighborhood of Saint-Sauveur. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Public transit routes serve the area well, allowing patients to reach their appointments comfortably. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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.

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

Generally, Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are not covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer some reimbursement for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage levels.

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

During your first visit, the Registered Acupuncturist will conduct a comprehensive consultation, asking detailed questions about your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. She will examine your tongue and pulse as part of traditional diagnostic methods. After assessing your condition and identifying your TCM pattern, she will explain her findings and outline a personalized treatment plan. The session typically includes acupuncture, and may involve herbal recommendations, dietary advice, or other therapies suited to your needs.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is considered the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via specific pathways called meridians. These pathways connect internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles and skin. Acupuncture points along the meridians are targeted to influence Qi flow, restore balance, and promote health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not thicker than a human hair. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. Most patients experience a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a sensation of energy movement, which indicates Qi is being affected. Safety is a priority; practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always inform your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

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

In QC, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at France Raymond Ac. treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, depression, low mood and mood swings (supportive TCM care), chronic pain conditions like back pain or arthritis, digestive issues such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall well-being. Treatments often involve acupuncture and may also include cupping therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, or dietary advice based on your specific diagnosis.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist employs these tools to address root imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, promoting long-term health and harmony.

France Raymond Ac.
100, rue Cyr
Saint-Sauveur, QC, J0R 1R4

Phone: (450) 821-3400

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

Registration Number: A-081-95

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.