Kathleen Luecke

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: TCM strategies aimed at strengthening the Spleen, resolving Dampness and Heat, invigorating Blood, and regulating immune function to support gut healing and reduce flare-ups in IBD.
• 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.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.

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. Kathleen can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kathleen, 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 ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At Kathleen Luecke, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Kathleen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients struggling with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory can find dedicated support from Kathleen. The therapeutic focus is on achieving accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow.
• For those whose looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue has made cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort seem difficult, Kathleen's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort with greater comfort.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Kathleen assists patients with circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet in reaching clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, fostering a return to beloved activities like enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering.
• Kathleen frequently assists patients in overcoming sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort.

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

Kathleen's practice at 'Kathleen Luecke' is situated in the Hamilton Mountain West (Gourley, Rolston) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Mohawk College (Fennell Campus) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

Does Kathleen Luecke offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, the clinic *typically* offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and/or Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) to major private insurers. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance details and confirm their specific coverage, including any limits or requirements such as referral needs. It is important to note that patients are responsible for any non-covered portions of the treatment.

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 encompasses therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting overall harmony and wellness.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket; however, many private or extended health insurance plans may offer coverage for these services. It's advisable to check with your insurer regarding specific benefits, limits, and requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less than an injection. Once in place, you might feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, pressure, or heaviness, which are signs of Qi being influenced. Most find the experience very relaxing. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Please communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your individual policy requirements before your appointment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to restore balance within the energy flow based on TCM principles. It can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestive health, and address various other health concerns by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. **Meridians** are channels through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting organs and tissues. Blockages or deficiencies in Qi flow within these meridians can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore the smooth flow of Qi within these pathways to promote health and balance.

Kathleen Luecke
54 Pleasant Ave
Hamilton, ON, L9C 4M7

Phone: (613) 875-9642

Kathleen Luecke 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=85032e77-fbf6-ec11-811b-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.