Heather Michelle Meneses

Heather practices at 'BALANCED', an acupuncture and TCM clinic situated in the central Georgetown neighborhood of Georgetown, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is accessible via local public transit routes, providing a hassle-free experience for those seeking holistic health services. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, and metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity for added convenience.

• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Practical strategies for living in harmony with nature, managing daily stressors effectively, conserving vital energy (Qi), and cultivating healthy habits from a TCM perspective to support overall resilience and a vibrant life.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Guidance on or referral to Qigong or Tai Chi practices, which are gentle, mindful movement exercises combining breathwork and meditation to cultivate Qi, improve balance, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall physical and mental health.
• 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.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Using food as medicine according to traditional Chinese dietary wisdom to strengthen organ function (especially Spleen and Stomach), improve digestion, build Qi and Blood, clear pathogenic factors, and promote overall harmony and longevity.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Heather, 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 ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

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

• Struggling with curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach? Heather develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, key to helping you get back to doing feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days with improved well-being and energy.
• Heather frequently assists patients in overcoming frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Heather can be a turning point for those affected by heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals. The goal is achieving improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, paving the way for you to enjoy getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• With Heather, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches are guided towards a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow again with greater zest.

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

Heather practices at 'BALANCED', an acupuncture and TCM clinic situated in the central Georgetown neighborhood of Georgetown, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is accessible via local public transit routes, providing a hassle-free experience for those seeking holistic health services. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, and metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity for added convenience.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner or Registered Acupuncturist directly without a physician's referral, as the practice is accessible via 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 advisable to check with your individual insurance provider to understand their specific requirements.

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 in place, you might feel sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a feeling of heaviness, or energy moving, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most find acupuncture to be very relaxing. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Generally, services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or Registered TCM Practitioners in private clinics are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners, with varying levels of reimbursement.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Disruptions or blockages in these channels can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the smooth flow of Qi within these meridians to promote healing.

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

TCM is a holistic health system based on ancient principles that view the body as an interconnected system. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health through methods like tongue and pulse diagnosis, identifies patterns of imbalance, and offers treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and dietary advice to restore harmony and support natural healing processes.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner or Doctor of TCM, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, recognize herb-drug interactions, and consider contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. It is important to inform your practitioner of all medications and health issues, and avoid self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources due to potential risks of contamination or incorrect formulations.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to restore balance to the energy flow (Qi). It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestion, and address various health concerns by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Does BALANCED offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, our clinic typically offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists and Registered TCM Practitioners to many major private insurers. Patients are advised to bring their insurance details and confirm specific coverage and limits directly with their insurer, as coverage and reimbursement levels vary. The patient remains responsible for any non-covered portions or deductibles.

BALANCED
97 Main St. South
Georgetown, ON, L7G 3E5

Phone: (647) 891-1987

Heather Michelle Meneses is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=08b3472f-c076-e611-80c3-005056a97495

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.