Karen Isabelle Watson

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

Other Common

• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and gentle herbal therapies to help manage common side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety, thereby improving quality of life and treatment tolerance. (Always in coordination with primary oncology care).
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Natural relief from sensations of spinning, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness by addressing the root energetic imbalance.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Early and consistent TCM intervention to maximize functional recovery and minimize residual facial weakness or asymmetry.

Womens Health Gynecological

• Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts (Supportive TCM Management): TCM strategies, often involving acupuncture and herbal medicine, aimed at managing symptoms associated with uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, such as heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure, by promoting circulation, resolving Blood stasis and Phlegm accumulation. (As an adjunct to gynecological monitoring).
• Pregnancy, Labor Preparation & Postpartum Care (TCM): Natural, supportive care to enhance well-being, manage common discomforts, and promote a positive experience during pregnancy, childbirth, and new motherhood from a TCM perspective.

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. Karen can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.
• 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.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Personalized dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (Shi Liao), considering the energetic properties of foods (e.g., warming/cooling, drying/moistening, Five Flavors) and their effects on specific organ systems to support your unique constitution, address health imbalances, and promote healing.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Karen, common concerns like frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), helping people to once again enjoy getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Karen can be a turning point for those affected by dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities. The goal is achieving reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, paving the way for you to enjoy dressing myself independently and without difficulty and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• If circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet is preventing you from fully enjoying running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain, Karen offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• Struggling with asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care? Karen develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, key to helping you get back to having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions with improved well-being and energy.

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

Karen practices at Circle of Life Bridge to Wellness Center, situated in the South End, Otonabee neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near the Peterborough Memorial Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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 Ontario's provincial health plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans do offer some reimbursement for treatments by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly, so patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance through methods such as 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 support healing.

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 fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates effective stimulation of the body's Qi. Patients often report feeling very relaxed and may even fall asleep during treatment. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If any pain or discomfort occurs, inform your practitioner immediately.

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

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM) with extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify high-quality herbs, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for certain health conditions. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions. Do not self-prescribe or purchase herbs from unreliable sources to avoid risks such as incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. Reputable R.TCMPs source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and supports its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages, deficiencies, or excesses in Qi flow can lead to illness or pain. TCM therapies like acupuncture aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically access a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is recommended to check 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 along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and enhance overall health by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Circle of Life Bridge to Wellness Center
64 Hunter Street West
Peterborough, ON, K9H 2K4

Phone: (705) 743-1639

Karen Isabelle Watson 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=511c1929-e7ae-e911-810f-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.