Frédérique Ouellet-Boivin

Frédérique Ouellet-Boivin provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney deficiencies that often contribute to chronic respiratory conditions and recurrent coughs, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: TCM strategies, including regular acupuncture, moxibustion, and constitutional herbal tonics, to strengthen the body's overall defensive energy (Wei Qi) and address underlying deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang that may lead to a weakened immune system and frequent infections (e.g., colds, sinus infections, UTIs).

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.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Holistic approach to calming an irritable gut and improving overall digestive health and comfort using personalized TCM treatments.

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. Frédérique can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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).
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• 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: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).

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

• For those whose asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care has made being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably seem difficult, Frédérique's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably with greater comfort.
• The journey to experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days when faced with wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally can be supported by Frédérique's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being.
• Patients struggling with sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing can find dedicated support from Frédérique. The therapeutic focus is on achieving an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days.
• Frédérique believes in a partnership with patients. When fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, enabling a more active lifestyle including handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease.

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

Frédérique practices at Clinique Saint-Pascal, situated in the central neighborhood of Saint-Pascal within an accessible acupuncture and TCM clinic. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to incorporate your visits into your daily routine. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic offers a welcoming and serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby, providing added convenience for patients coming by car.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncturist will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.

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 or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are not covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket. It is advisable to check with your private or extended health insurance, as many plans offer varying levels of reimbursement for these services when provided by registered practitioners.

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

These are adjunctive therapies used in TCM. Cupping involves creating suction on the skin to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. Moxibustion involves burning mugwort near acupoints to warm and invigorate Qi and Blood. Gua Sha is the gentle scraping of the skin to release stagnation and promote healing. Tui Na is a Chinese therapeutic massage technique that stimulates acupoints and meridians to reduce pain and restore balance. Your practitioner will determine if these therapies are suitable for your condition.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist directly without a physician’s referral (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Common sensations include a slight pinch or tingling, and many patients report feeling relaxed or even asleep during the session. Practitioners use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If you experience any discomfort, inform your practitioner immediately.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points to stimulate the flow of Qi along meridians. It can help reduce pain, manage stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

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

The number and frequency depend on your condition's nature, severity, and duration. Acute issues may improve within 1-3 sessions, while chronic conditions may require a course of 6-12 weekly or bi-weekly treatments, with maintenance sessions as needed. Your practitioner will discuss a tailored plan after your initial assessment.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy that animates the body, and meridians are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body. Proper flow of Qi is essential for health; blockages or deficiencies can lead to illness or pain. TCM therapies aim to restore balance and flow within these meridians.

Clinique Saint-Pascal
604, Taché
Saint-Pascal, QC, G0L 3Y0

Frédérique Ouellet-Boivin is regulated by the Professional Code (Quebec) in QC and is a registered member of The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Registration Number: A-047-19

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.