Larissa Katrina Gurlesky

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Restoring balance to the large and small intestines and related organ systems (like Spleen, Liver, Kidney) to promote normal stool consistency, frequency, and ease of passage.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.

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. Larissa can assess your needs.

• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
• 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.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• 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).

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

• Larissa believes in a partnership with patients. When frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, enabling a more active lifestyle including managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience.
• Rediscover your ability to sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic without the burden of general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically. Larissa focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Patients struggling with my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems can find dedicated support from Larissa. The therapeutic focus is on achieving enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes with better flexibility and focus.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing? Larissa works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume walking, hiking, or cycling with less joint pain, improved endurance, and better recovery.

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

Larissa's practice at LARISSA GURLESKY is situated in the Downtown Whitby, Port Whitby neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently located near Thickson's Woods Land Trust and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). 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 plans like OHIP. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is strongly recommended to check with private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for services provided by registered practitioners.

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

In Ontario, patients can usually see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, thanks to the concept of direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to verify their individual insurance policies.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, the body remains healthy. **Meridians** are the channels through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting organs and tissues. Disruption or imbalance in Qi flow within these meridians can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi along these pathways to promote healing and balance.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

It is recommended to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours before your appointment, avoiding coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine and alcohol prior to treatment. After your session, it is best to rest and stay well-hydrated, and to monitor how you feel post-treatment, reporting any significant changes to your practitioner.

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

TCM is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years, including therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to identify and treat imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health. It can address a wide range of health issues by targeting root causes rather than just symptoms.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Needle insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. Some people may experience sensations such as warmth, tingling, heaviness, or energy movement, which indicate effective treatment. Registered practitioners prioritize safety, using only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate Qi flow along meridians. This process helps reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate organ functions, and support the body’s natural healing processes, contributing to overall well-being.

LARISSA GURLESKY
6 Fulwood Cres.
Whitby, ON, L1N 6K8

Phone: (905) 665-3293

Larissa Katrina Gurlesky 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=2bddf62b-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.