Guylaine Parent – Acupuncturist | Shawinigan, QC

Guylaine Parent is a dedicated Acupuncteur (Ac.). Practicing at Guylaine Parent, Ac. in Shawinigan, QC, she 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 respect for the holistic approach of TCM, Guylaine strives to create a welcoming environment where her patients feel heard, supported, and empowered on their journey to health. Her focus is on fostering a trusting practitioner-patient relationship that encourages open communication and personalized treatment plans.

Guylaine's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, tailoring her approach to suit individual needs and life stages, ensuring everyone receives compassionate and effective care.

She completed her training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture with a strong emphasis on clinical practice, continuously updating her skills through professional development. Committed to upholding the highest standards, Guylaine has a particular interest and further training in areas such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and diagnostic techniques. She offers consultations in French, helping her patients experience care in their preferred language. Her practice philosophy centers on identifying and treating the root cause of health issues, emphasizing a holistic view that considers physical, mental, and emotional well-being as interconnected components of health.

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Natural and effective relief for persistent or sudden onset pain located in the lumbar or cervical spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and other joints or soft tissues.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: Building resilience against pathogens by fortifying the Zang-Fu organs responsible for immune function, particularly the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys according to TCM theory.
• 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: Natural and effective strategies for managing acute allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of chronic allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.

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. Guylaine can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Guylaine, common concerns like my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, helping people to once again enjoy reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Guylaine assists patients with feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time in reaching improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, fostering a return to beloved activities like dressing myself independently and without difficulty.
• Guylaine frequently assists patients in overcoming TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches 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 participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Guylaine can be a turning point for those affected by general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically. The goal is achieving better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, paving the way for you to enjoy managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain and a more balanced, vibrant life.

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

Guylaine's practice at Guylaine Parent, Ac. is situated in a well-appointed acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood of Shawinigan. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into their daily routines. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic offers a welcoming and tranquil environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby, providing additional convenience for those driving to their appointments. Our clinic is committed to providing accessible and serene care for all patients seeking natural health solutions.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans may offer some coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage levels, as they can vary significantly.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Common sensations include a slight pinch, dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates that the treatment is stimulating your body's Qi effectively. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and may even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you feel any notable pain, inform your practitioner immediately.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally consult a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral due to direct access. Nevertheless, some private health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify your insurance policy's requirements beforehand to ensure coverage.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system with thousands of years of history. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's vital energy (Qi), Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony and support long-term health. TCM can address a wide range of health issues, promoting overall wellness and vitality.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, essential for health and vitality. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting different organs and tissues. When Qi flows smoothly within these pathways, health is maintained. Blockages or deficiencies can cause pain, illness, or imbalance. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies work to restore the proper flow of Qi within the meridians, promoting healing.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians. This stimulates the body's natural energy flow, helping to reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, and regulate bodily functions. Many patients experience a sense of relaxation and well-being during and after treatments, with improvements in various health conditions.

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

During your initial visit, the practitioner will conduct a detailed consultation, asking about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, and emotional state. They will examine your tongue and pulse as part of traditional diagnostic methods. Based on this assessment, they will explain their findings and suggest a personalized treatment plan, which typically includes acupuncture. Additional therapies such as herbal medicine or dietary advice may also be recommended to support your health goals.

Guylaine Parent, Ac.
160, Léo Paul Trudel, Secteur Saint-Jean-Des-Piles
Shawinigan, QC, G0X 2V0

Phone: (819) 852-6342

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

Registration Number: A-046-21

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.