Laura Allison Iler Kaufer is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Stouffville Natural Health Clinic in Stouffville, ON, she is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Laura Kaufer'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, with a compassionate and holistic approach.
Laura Allison Iler Kaufer completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2016). With over 8 years of dedicated practice since 2016, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest or further training in areas such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and integrative therapies.
Her practice philosophy emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. She adopts a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism). Laura offers consultations in English, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for her patients.
Laura Kaufer's practice is located at Stouffville Natural Health Clinic, situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood of Stouffville. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors. It can be reached via multiple public transit routes, providing easy access for those using local transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.
- 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.
- 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 Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
- 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.
- Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
- Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
- TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Laura Kaufer, 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 Stouffville Natural Health Clinic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Laura Kaufer frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Many individuals seek the expertise of Laura Kaufer, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like being able to concentrate better on tasks requiring mental focus for longer periods.
- Rediscover your ability to feeling more physically resilient and less prone to minor ailments or weather changes without the burden of feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings. Laura Kaufer focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
- Many find that TCM with Laura Kaufer not only helps with symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery but also brings about a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue.
- With Laura Kaufer, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable are guided towards significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation again with greater zest.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Laura Kaufer, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Laura Kaufer's practice is located at Stouffville Natural Health Clinic, situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood of Stouffville. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors. It can be reached via multiple public transit routes, providing easy access for those using local transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.
- 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 Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as coverage varies widely and many offer partial reimbursement for registered practitioners' services.
- 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 (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to verify their individual insurance requirements.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system rooted in ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance using tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments include acupuncture, herbal formulas (if qualified as an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary advice aimed at restoring balance and promoting natural healing.
- What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Stouffville Natural Health Clinic treat?
- Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset, sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall well-being. Treatments often involve Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy), and may also include Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis, cupping therapy, or herbal medicine depending on your unique diagnosis.
- 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. Disruption or imbalance in Qi flow can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore proper Qi flow within these meridians to promote health and well-being.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Most people find acupuncture to be comfortable or only slightly uncomfortable. The needles are very thin, and many feel little to no sensation when inserted. Some sensations that may occur include a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness, which are signs that the treatment is effective in stimulating Qi. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and only use sterile, single-use needles. If you feel any discomfort or pain during treatment, you should immediately inform your practitioner.
Stouffville Natural Health Clinic
37 Sandiford Dr., Suite 209
Stouffville, ON, L4A 3Z2
Phone: (905) 642-8555
Laura Allison Iler Kaufer 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=f5ba6589-c876-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.