Jennifer Lewis Mena

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.
• 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.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.

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. Jennifer can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.
• 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).
• 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).

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

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

• Many individuals seek the expertise of Jennifer, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions.
• When my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Jennifer can help you work towards effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For high blood pressure needing complementary support for management, Jennifer crafts treatments to achieve a stronger, more resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, supporting a return to activities like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing with comfort and confidence.
• The path to overcoming trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed and achieving noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain is often clearer with TCM. Jennifer guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely with improved health.

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

Jennifer's practice is located at Miller Health, situated in a central Orillia neighborhood of Orillia. The clinic is conveniently positioned within an acupuncture and TCM clinic close to local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. The location is well-served by local public transit routes, providing accessible options for those using public transportation. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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

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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is strongly recommended to check with private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for services provided by registered practitioners.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. It aims to restore balance to the body's energy flow and can be beneficial for conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, and menstrual problems, helping activate the body's natural healing mechanisms.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with external body parts. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore health and balance.

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, or tingling. Practitioners are trained to ensure safety, using sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting long-term well-being.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

Miller Health
126 Mississaga St E
Orillia, ON, L3V 1V7

Phone: (705) 242-5239

Jennifer Lewis Mena 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=3e4f05b7-5c67-e911-810c-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.