Ginette Claire Cloutier

Ginette Claire's practice is situated within an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Powell River neighborhood. The clinic's location is convenient, being close to local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Public transit routes serve the area, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. The clinic provides a serene environment designed for healing and relaxation, and parking options are typically available nearby to accommodate patients arriving by car.

• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Supporting patients in their herbal medicine journey with clear instructions, quality-sourced herbs, and ongoing monitoring of their response to treatment.
• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Convenient and effective classical herbal formulations, often derived from famous ancient prescriptions, to complement your acupuncture treatment or as a standalone therapy for various health concerns.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Ginette Claire, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

At Ginette Claire Cloutier's practice, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Ginette Claire frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Understanding that that nagging back pain that just won't go away can be frustrating, Ginette Claire applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, making it possible to rediscover the joy in traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety.
• Rediscover your ability to dressing myself independently and without difficulty without the burden of curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach. Ginette Claire focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• When feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Ginette Claire can help you work towards accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches? Ginette Claire works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment.

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

Ginette Claire's practice is situated within an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Powell River neighborhood. The clinic's location is convenient, being close to local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Public transit routes serve the area, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. The clinic provides a serene environment designed for healing and relaxation, and parking options are typically available nearby to accommodate patients arriving by car.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered TCM Practitioner if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner 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.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, 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 are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in BC?

Patients in BC can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (direct access). While a referral is not legally required, some private health or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your individual insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage, so it is recommended to review your policy details to understand your benefits and reimbursement options.

4585 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC, V8A 2K7

Phone: (604) 223-7100

Ginette Claire Cloutier is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a registered member of The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

Registration can typically be verified with The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

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.