About
Magdalena Jara is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Magdalena Jara in North Bay, 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.
Magdalena’s role is to offer skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her care approach focuses on utilizing 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 compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Magdalena completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2014). With over 10 years of dedicated practice since 2014, she remains committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest in areas such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, continually expanding her expertise to better serve her patients. 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 offers consultations in English and Spanish, ensuring accessible communication for a diverse community.
Magdalena Jara provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Digestive Gastrointestinal
- 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.
- 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
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Supportive TCM care to help restore a sense of safety, peace, and emotional resilience for those affected by trauma.
- Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
- Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.
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. Magdalena can assess your needs.
- Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
- 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): 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.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Magdalena, 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 Magdalena Jara, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Magdalena frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Acupuncture and TCM with Magdalena can be a turning point for those affected by irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms. The goal is achieving more regular, comfortable, and predictable bowel movements, paving the way for you to enjoy shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back and a more balanced, vibrant life.
- Magdalena frequently assists patients in overcoming chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
- Many individuals seek the expertise of Magdalena, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically 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 participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation.
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing? Magdalena works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Magdalena, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Magdalena's practice at 'Magdalena Jara' is situated in the Downtown North Bay, in the Central neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near the Chief Commanda II Dock and is easily accessible via North Bay Transit. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, and metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity, making it easy for clients to access and enjoy their treatment sessions in comfort.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete 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 cause of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. It can help with a wide array of conditions, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health.
- 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 provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer some coverage for treatments by registered practitioners, so patients are advised to check their individual policies, as coverage levels vary significantly.
- 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 ON can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered Acupuncturist, Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private/extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi along meridians. It can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. Many patients experience a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a sensation of energy movement, which indicates Qi is being influenced. Most find the experience relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.
Magdalena Jara
8-288 Worthington St W
North Bay, ON, P1B 3B4
Phone: (647) 405-0907
Magdalena Jara 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=9f7f3410-c676-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.