Julie Choquette

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain sensitivity, improving energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and restoring a better quality of life for those with fibromyalgia or widespread myofascial pain.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Natural and effective solutions for managing debilitating headaches and migraines, aiming to reduce their frequency, intensity, and duration without heavy reliance on medication.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a complementary therapy to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. (Used alongside conventional medical management).
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).

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. Julie can assess your needs.

• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.

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

• Struggling with symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery? Julie develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, key to helping you get back to doing taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it with improved well-being and energy.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome, Julie crafts treatments to achieve significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, supporting a return to activities like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain with comfort and confidence.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Julie, common concerns like knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy, helping people to once again enjoy attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus.
• Julie frequently assists patients in overcoming chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.

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

Julie’s practice at Julie Choquette, Ac., is situated in a central acupuncture and TCM clinic in the heart of Joliette's vibrant neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for clients to access. It is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring a smooth and accessible journey for all patients. Our clinic offers a serene environment designed to promote healing and relaxation, with metered and paid parking lots typically available nearby for added convenience.

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 Acupuncteur (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 and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy, as coverage levels and requirements vary significantly.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your acupuncture session, it’s recommended to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours beforehand; avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine or alcohol just prior to treatment. After your session, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity for a few hours and drink plenty of water. Some people may feel very relaxed or slightly tired, while others might feel energized. Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms or well-being and share these with your Registered Acupuncturist during your next visit.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on your body to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy). Based on TCM principles, it aims to restore balance within the body, which can help manage pain (such as back pain or headaches), reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestion, and address various other health concerns by activating your body's innate healing mechanisms.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a fundamental concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that flows through the body. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are network channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in these pathways can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies work to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians, promoting health and balance.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally consult a Registered Acupuncteur (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy's requirements before your appointment.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues to restore harmony and promote long-term wellness.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most individuals experience little to no discomfort during acupuncture. The needles are very thin, and insertion typically produces a slight pinch or tingling sensation. Many patients find the treatment very relaxing and may even fall asleep. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any pain or discomfort during the session, notify your practitioner immediately.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Julie Choquette, Ac. treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, Menstrual Irregularities (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Metrorrhagia) & PMS/PMDD, depression, low mood & mood swings (supportive TCM care), sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall well-being. Treatments often involve Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM context), and may also include Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping), moxibustion, or dietary advice based on your specific TCM diagnosis.

Julie Choquette, Ac.
626, Fontaine
Joliette, QC, J6E 4E6

Phone: (450) 898-1228

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

Registration Number: A-002-06

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.