Karine Valin

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: Building resilience against pathogens by fortifying the Zang-Fu organs responsible for immune function, particularly the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys according to TCM theory.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to head pain (e.g., temporal, occipital, vertex headaches) and providing personalized treatments, including acupuncture and herbal formulas, for lasting relief and prevention.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Acupuncture and other TCM therapies to effectively manage various types of musculoskeletal pain, reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and accelerate healing, whether the pain is a recent injury or a long-standing issue.
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Comprehensive TCM strategies to manage pain, improve healing, and address underlying imbalances that may contribute to recurrent sports injuries or repetitive strain conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
• 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.

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. Karine can assess your needs.

• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.
• 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 Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• 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).
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.

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

• Karine believes in a partnership with patients. When frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, enabling a more active lifestyle including standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort.
• Experiencing chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections can be draining. Karine utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, so patients can re-engage with enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time feeling revitalized.
• When sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Karine can help you work towards experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus.
• Karine frequently assists patients in overcoming curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery.

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

Karine practices at Karine Valin, Ac., situated in an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Blainville neighborhood of Blainville. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to access for patients. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, allowing easy reach for those using public transportation. Our clinic offers a serene environment designed to promote healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity for patients arriving by car.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

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

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

In Quebec, patients can generally consult a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, thanks to direct access regulations. 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 requirements before your appointment.

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 health, identify patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (including tongue and pulse diagnosis), and provide treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle recommendations to help restore balance and promote healing.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to review your private insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for these services.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often thinner than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. Most patients experience a sensation of dull ache, warmth, or tingling once the needles are in place, which indicates effective stimulation. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along meridians to stimulate the flow of Qi. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost the immune system, and promote overall wellness by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Karine Valin, Ac.
43, 84e Avenue Est
Blainville, QC, J7C 3R4

Phone: (514) 995-5115

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

Registration Number: A-026-16

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.