Lisa Marie Baird – Acupuncturist | Guelph, ON

Lisa Marie Baird is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Guelph Community Acupuncture in Guelph, 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.

Lisa'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 tailored approaches for each individual’s needs.

Lisa Marie Baird completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest and further training in areas such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic health approaches.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. Lisa utilizes time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body’s innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She also emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. She offers consultations in English.

Lisa practices at Guelph Community Acupuncture, situated in the Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Sleeman Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Application of glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to the skin to create suction (often via heat/fire for glass cups, or a pump for others). This technique helps to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and Qi flow, reduce local inflammation, release toxins, open pores, and treat respiratory conditions or musculoskeletal pain.

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 Acupuncturists in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At Guelph Community Acupuncture, 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:

• Lisa frequently assists patients in overcoming knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue.
• The journey to reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers when faced with irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms can be supported by Lisa's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Lisa, common concerns like ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that’s bothersome are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), helping people to once again enjoy playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain.
• Struggling with wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions? Lisa develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, key to helping you get back to doing and maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions 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 practices at Guelph Community Acupuncture, situated in the Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Sleeman Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Guelph Transit. 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 Acupuncturist in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm coverage requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates effective stimulation of your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even falling asleep during treatments. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If you experience any notable pain, inform your practitioner immediately.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Guelph Community Acupuncture treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, chronic pain conditions like back pain or arthritis, women’s health issues such as PMS or menopausal symptoms, fertility support, digestive issues, stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Treatments often involve acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, and other modalities tailored to your individual pattern of imbalance.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

Your initial appointment will typically last 60 to 90 minutes. It involves a comprehensive intake where your practitioner discusses your health concerns, reviews your medical history, and examines your tongue and pulse as part of TCM diagnostic assessment. Based on this, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include acupuncture and other therapies such as herbal formulas, cupping, or lifestyle advice. An initial treatment is often administered during this visit to begin addressing your concerns.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. This stimulates the flow of Qi along meridians, helping to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, cupping, and dietary/lifestyle counseling. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony, address the root causes of health issues, and promote long-term wellness.

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

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, though some private or extended health plans may offer reimbursement. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider regarding coverage levels and requirements.

Guelph Community Acupuncture
85 Norfolk St
Guelph, ON, N1H4J4

Phone: (519) 829-3000

Lisa Marie Baird 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=d4adc82c-b176-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.