Julie Graton

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing emotional stagnation (especially Liver Qi Stagnation), clearing internal 'Heat' or 'Dampness' that can cloud the mind, and improving overall mental clarity and outlook with acupuncture and herbal support.
• 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.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• 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: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM dietary advice to reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities, alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pain, and strengthen the body's defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to make it less reactive to allergens.

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.

• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
• 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): A contemporary acupuncture technique involving the insertion of needles into specific therapeutic zones on the scalp that correspond to different body functions and brain areas (e.g., motor, sensory, balance zones), primarily used for neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional conditions.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.

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 Graton 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:

• With Julie, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) are guided towards reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy traveling more comfortably without being plagued by motion sickness, digestive upset, or travel-related anxiety again with greater zest.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome and achieved a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness under the care of Julie, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain with renewed vitality and ease.
• Many find that TCM with Julie not only helps with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory but also brings about for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Julie can be a turning point for those affected by general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically. The goal is achieving a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, paving the way for you to enjoy sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic and a more balanced, vibrant life.

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 practices at 'Julie Graton Ac.', situated within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the heart of Sainte-Thérèse. The clinic is conveniently located in the central neighborhood, close to local community centers and scenic parks, making it easy to access for residents and visitors alike. Public transit routes serve the area well, providing accessible options for those traveling by bus or train. Our clinic offers a serene environment designed to foster healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity, ensuring convenient parking options for clients.

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

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

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In general, services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are not covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these treatments. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. Patients are advised to check with their insurance provider to understand their specific coverage levels.

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

Patients in Quebec can usually see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral from a doctor (direct access). Nonetheless, some private or extended health plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy requirements beforehand.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians. This process helps reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, support bodily functions like digestion and hormonal balance, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not more painful than a gentle prick. Most patients experience little to no discomfort, with some feeling sensations like warmth, tingling, pressure, or a dull ache. Acupuncture is generally very relaxing. Registered practitioners strictly adhere to safety standards, using only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate any discomfort during treatment to your practitioner.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via pathways called meridians. These meridians connect internal organs with the exterior, including muscles and sensory organs. Acupuncture points along these meridians can be stimulated to restore balance, improve health, and promote the free flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body.

Julie Graton Ac.
6- A, Turgeon
Sainte-Thérèse, QC, J7E 3H3

Phone: (514) 758-0331

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

Registration Number: A-027-11

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.