Katherine Lambraki

Katherine's practice, KATHERINE LAMBRAKI TCM ACUPUNCTURE, is situated in the Stanley Park East, Centreville neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Doon Heritage Village and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus routes and the ION Light Rail. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

• 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.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
• 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.
• 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 Katherine, 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 KATHERINE LAMBRAKI TCM ACUPUNCTURE, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Katherine frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Experiencing managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably can be draining. Katherine utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, so patients can re-engage with participating in community events and social gatherings more actively feeling revitalized.
• The journey to experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes when faced with general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body can be supported by Katherine's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work, Katherine helps patients work towards significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, facilitating a return to cherished activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• For those whose dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities has made enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again seem difficult, Katherine's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with greater comfort.

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

Katherine's practice, KATHERINE LAMBRAKI TCM ACUPUNCTURE, is situated in the Stanley Park East, Centreville neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Doon Heritage Village and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus routes and the ION Light Rail. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered TCM Practitioner immediately.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically consult a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician’s referral, as the profession is regulated and practitioners are licensed to provide care independently. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm whether a referral is necessary for coverage.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these tools to address the root cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.

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

No, acupuncture and TCM services provided by registered practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private insurance plans or extended health benefits do offer partial reimbursement. It is recommended to verify with your insurer regarding coverage.

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

When prescribed by a qualified and registered TCM practitioner or Doctor of TCM, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to select high-quality herbs, identify potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is essential to inform your practitioner of all medications and health conditions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Do not self-prescribe herbs or purchase from unreliable sources, as this can pose serious health risks.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via specific pathways called **meridians**. These pathways connect internal organs with the exterior, facilitating the circulation of Qi and Blood. Proper flow and balance of Qi are essential for health, and disruptions can lead to illness. Acupuncture points along these meridians can be stimulated to restore harmony and promote healing.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles at specific points on the body to restore the flow of Qi and balance internal energies. Performed by a qualified practitioner, it can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestion, and address various health conditions by activating your body's innate healing mechanisms.

KATHERINE LAMBRAKI TCM ACUPUNCTURE
273 Edgewater Cres.
Kitchener, ON, N2A 4M2

Phone: (226) 336-1648

Katherine Lambraki 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=a1dff62b-c376-e611-80c3-005056a97495

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.