Kelsey Cunningham – Acupuncturist | Montréal, QC

Kelsey Cunningham is a dedicated Acupuncteur (Ac.). Practicing at Toro Holistic Health Center in Montréal, QC, she is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Kelsey's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Her care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized approaches for each individual.

Having completed her training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Kelsey brings clinical experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development. She emphasizes a holistic and individualized approach, ensuring her treatments are tailored to each patient's unique constitution and condition. Her practice philosophy centers around preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs), empowering individuals to maintain their well-being. She offers consultations in French, making her services accessible to a diverse community.

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Natural and effective relief for jaw discomfort, helping to restore normal jaw function and reduce parafunctional habits like clenching or grinding.
• 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.

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.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including preventative acupuncture and immune-boosting herbs, to help strengthen the body's resistance to colds and flu. For active infections, TCM aims to accelerate recovery by expelling pathogens (Wind, Cold, Heat, Damp), relieving symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue.

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. Kelsey can assess your needs.

• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.

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

• Acupuncture and TCM with Kelsey can be a turning point for those affected by frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness. The goal is achieving improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, paving the way for you to enjoy being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• The path to overcoming my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems and achieving improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities is often clearer with TCM. Kelsey guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease with improved health.
• Rediscover your ability to enjoy seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time without the burden of sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing. Kelsey focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• The journey to for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development when faced with symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery can be supported by Kelsey's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity.

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

Toro Holistic Health Center, where Kelsey practices, is situated in the heart of Montréal, within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood. The location is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. The clinic is well-connected via public transit routes, ensuring ease of reaching for those using buses and metro lines. 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ in QC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is highly recommended to check with private or extended health insurance providers, as many offer partial or full coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly depending on the insurance plan.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist 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 Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist using TCM principles) uses these tools to address the root causes of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. This holistic approach aims to restore harmony and promote long-term health across various conditions.

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

In Québec, patients can generally consult a Registered Acupuncturist (such as a Registered Acupuncteur or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without requiring a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advised to verify the specific requirements of your insurance policy beforehand to ensure coverage.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is considered the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, responsible for all physiological functions, movement, warmth, and immune defense. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the external body parts such as muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and serve as access points for influencing the flow of Qi to restore balance and health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are extremely thin, and many people feel little to no sensation during insertion. Some may experience a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which usually signifies effective stimulation of Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed, with some even falling asleep during treatment. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques, and only use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, patients are encouraged to notify their practitioner immediately.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. It is effective for managing pain, reducing stress, improving sleep, supporting digestion, and addressing various internal conditions. When performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, it can activate the body's healing mechanisms and promote overall well-being.

Toro Holistic Health Center
438, Sainte-Hélène, suite B1
Montréal, QC, H2Y 2K7

Phone: (514) 940-0240

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

Registration Number: A-007-21

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.