Francine Lajeunesse

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Addressing underlying energetic imbalances like Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, and Blood Stasis, and improving overall vitality in individuals with these chronic pain conditions.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice to address different types of sleep disturbances by harmonizing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, anchoring the Shen, and resolving underlying TCM patterns such as Heart Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation disturbing the Hun, Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to overthinking, or Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
• 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.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including preventative acupuncture and immune-boosting herbs, to help strengthen the body's resistance to colds and flu. For active infections, TCM aims to accelerate recovery by expelling pathogens (Wind, Cold, Heat, Damp), relieving symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Natural and effective strategies for managing acute allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of chronic allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.

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. Francine can assess your needs.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.

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

• The journey to a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically when faced with feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings can be supported by Francine's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Francine frequently assists patients in overcoming trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• If looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue is affecting your ability to participate in playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy, Francine's TCM approach aims for a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, helping you to regain your stride.
• Patients struggling with fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy can find dedicated support from Francine. The therapeutic focus is on achieving for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic.

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

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

In Quebec, patients can typically consult a Registered Acupuncteur (such as a Registered Acupuncteur or TCM Practitioner) directly without needing a physician's referral, thanks to the option of direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is strongly recommended to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements regarding referrals and coverage.

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

These are adjunctive therapies often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and draw out toxins. Moxibustion is the therapeutic burning of an herb (mugwort) near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi and Blood, often used for pain, 'cold' conditions, or to boost energy. Gua Sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation, release muscle tightness, and reduce pain or inflammation. Tui Na is a form of Chinese therapeutic massage that uses various hand techniques on acupressure points and meridians to relieve pain and promote harmony in Qi. Your Registered Acupuncturist will determine if any of these therapies are suitable for your condition.

Does Francine Lajeunesse, Ac. offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, the clinic typically offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac.) and/or Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP.) to major private insurers. It is advisable to bring your insurance details and verify with your provider about coverage specifics, including limits, per-visit maximums, and whether a referral is needed. Patients are responsible for any non-covered amounts.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, maintaining health when unobstructed and abundant. **Meridians** are pathways or channels through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting organs and tissues. Disruptions, blockages, or deficiencies in Qi flow within these meridians can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi and balance within the meridians to promote health and well-being.

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

In Quebec, services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for treatments. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer coverage for these services. It is important to verify with your insurer regarding the extent of coverage, reimbursement levels, and any requirements such as referrals.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and enhance overall health by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, sterile, and single-use. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, significantly less than an injection. Most people experience a comfortable sensation such as warmth, tingling, or heaviness during treatment, which indicates Qi is being influenced. Registered practitioners prioritize safety and use only sterile, disposable needles. Communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort.

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. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health, identifies patterns of imbalance through tongue and pulse diagnosis, and provides treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to restore harmony and promote healing.

Francine Lajeunesse, Ac.
2836, Duquette
Magog, QC, J1X 6E6

Phone: (819) 843-1632

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

Registration Number: A-032-97

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.