Lisa D. Theodore

Lisa's practice at LISA D. THEODORE is situated in the Stanley Park East, Centreville neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Market Square and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including Bus and ION Light Rail services. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

• 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 Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Personalized dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles (Shi Liao), considering the energetic properties of foods (e.g., warming/cooling, drying/moistening, Five Flavors) and their effects on specific organ systems to support your unique constitution, address health imbalances, and promote healing.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Recommending specific Qigong or Tai Chi forms tailored to an individual's health needs and constitution to support healing and maintain well-being.
• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• 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.

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

• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For that nagging back pain that just won't go away, Lisa crafts treatments to achieve a noticeable reduction in muscle tension, tightness, and related discomfort or stiffness, supporting a return to activities like participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back with comfort and confidence.
• Experiencing chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections can be draining. Lisa utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, so patients can re-engage with working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus feeling revitalized.
• The path to overcoming brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory and achieving effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy is often clearer with TCM. Lisa guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days with improved health.
• Struggling with my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems? Lisa develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, key to helping you get back to doing enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with improved well-being and energy.

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

Lisa's practice at LISA D. THEODORE is situated in the Stanley Park East, Centreville neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Market Square and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including Bus and ION Light Rail services. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner, such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner, directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a referral isn't legally required for treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on the body to influence the flow of Qi and Blood. It aims to restore balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. Many individuals experience relaxation and relief from various conditions, including headaches, musculoskeletal pain, and emotional stress, during and after treatment.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary therapy, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's vital energy (Qi), Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting long-term wellness.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many feel little to no discomfort upon insertion. Some may feel a slight pinch or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation. Practitioners are trained to use sterile, single-use needles and follow safe needling techniques. Many patients find the experience relaxing, and some even fall asleep during treatment. If any pain or discomfort occurs, patients should inform their practitioner immediately.

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, assess potential herb-drug interactions, and consider contraindications, especially during pregnancy. It is crucial to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions to ensure safe and appropriate herbal treatment. Self-prescribing or purchasing herbs from unreliable sources can carry risks, so always consult a licensed professional.

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

In Ontario, acupuncture and TCM services provided by registered practitioners like R.Ac or R.TCMP in private clinics are typically not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments performed by registered practitioners. Patients are encouraged to review their insurance policies to understand their coverage levels.

LISA D. THEODORE
87 Gay Cres.
Kitchener, ON, N2A 2C2

Phone: (519) 239-6551

Lisa D. Theodore 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=1eb2472f-c076-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.