Manda Sherman

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including preventative acupuncture and immune-boosting herbs, to help strengthen the body's resistance to colds and flu. For active infections, TCM aims to accelerate recovery by expelling pathogens (Wind, Cold, Heat, Damp), relieving symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue.

Other Common

• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Acupuncture (often including electroacupuncture) and herbal medicine to help stimulate nerve regeneration, improve muscle tone, and accelerate recovery from Bell's Palsy or other forms of facial paralysis by expelling Wind, invigorating Qi and Blood flow to the facial meridians.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Acupuncture and herbal formulas to address various types of dizziness and vertigo by treating underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Qi and Blood deficiency.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): Focusing on harmonizing Yin and Yang, clearing pathogenic factors (like Heat or Damp), nourishing deficient substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang), and resolving stagnation to support overall systemic balance.

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. Manda can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Customized acupuncture sessions designed to address your specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern diagnosis, encouraging the body's powerful self-healing mechanisms and promoting overall well-being.
• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
• 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 Manda, 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 QC and the standards set by The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

At Catalyst Santé, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Manda frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek the expertise of Manda, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting their life impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• For those whose heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals has made standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort seem difficult, Manda's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort with greater comfort.
• If irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms is preventing you from fully enjoying engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow, Manda offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• If stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work is affecting your ability to participate in returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain, Manda's TCM approach aims for gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, helping you to regain your stride.

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

Situated in the heart of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Catalyst Santé is conveniently located in a modern acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood of Dollard-des-Ormeaux. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit routes and is situated near community centers and public parks, making it a welcoming space for patients seeking holistic health care. 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.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Catalyst Santé treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions, Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care), sleep disorders, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall well-being. Treatments often involve Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture), and may also include Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis, moxibustion, or dietary advice based on your specific TCM diagnosis.

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

In QC, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage.

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 pinch, dull ache, warmth, tingling, or fullness, which generally indicate effective stimulation of Qi. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any discomfort or pain, inform your acupuncteur immediately.

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

Your initial appointment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and involves a detailed consultation. Your practitioner will review your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, diet, sleep, and emotional well-being. She will examine your tongue and pulse to assess your overall energetic balance. Based on this, a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan will be discussed, which may include acupuncture, herbal remedies, cupping, or lifestyle advice. An initial treatment may be administered during this visit to start addressing your concerns.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and support overall health by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur or TCM Practitioner in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private insurance plans offer some reimbursement. It is recommended to verify your insurance coverage.

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

TCM is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncteur uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and supporting long-term harmony and vitality.

Catalyst Santé
475, av. Westminister
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC, H9G 2S3

Phone: (514) 421-2324

Manda Sherman is regulated by the Professional Code (Quebec) in QC and is a registered member of The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Registration Number: A-002-11

Registration can typically be verified with The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

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.