Mara Alice Wingrove

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Natural and effective relief for jaw discomfort, helping to restore normal jaw function and reduce parafunctional habits like clenching or grinding.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Addressing pain by unblocking Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation in the meridians, promoting circulation to nourish tissues, and relaxing tense muscles and tendons.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Managing arthritic symptoms by addressing underlying TCM patterns such as Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction due to Wind, Cold, Damp, or Heat), and nourishing Kidney essence to support bone and joint health.

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.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).
• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, to address symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, belching, and indigestion by strengthening Spleen Qi, ensuring the proper downward flow of rebellious Stomach Qi, and clearing any Stomach Heat or Food Stagnation.

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. Mara can assess your needs.

• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• 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.
• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• Electroacupuncture: Utilizing precisely controlled electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to provide stronger or more sustained activation of Qi and Blood flow in the meridians.

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

• Many individuals seek the expertise of Mara, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time.
• Mara frequently assists patients in overcoming stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• It's rewarding for Mara to witness patients find relief from that nagging back pain that just won't go away and experience clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation again.
• With Mara, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with their children having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems are guided towards a stronger, more resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days again with greater zest.

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

Mara practices at Orillia Synergy Healthcare Group, situated within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood of Orillia. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of patients. Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing and relaxation. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available in the vicinity for those arriving by car.

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’s provincial health plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies, as coverage levels and requirements vary significantly.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians. According to TCM, this helps to restore balance, reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and support overall well-being by harnessing the body’s natural healing capacity.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is the vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body, responsible for physiological processes, movement, warmth, and defense against illness. **Meridians** are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to influence Qi flow to restore balance and health.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less than an injection. You may experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of heaviness, which indicate that Qi is being influenced. Most people find acupuncture relaxing. All needles are sterile and disposable, and practitioners prioritize safety. Communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in ON?

In Ontario, patients can generally consult 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. It is advisable to check your insurance policy to confirm specific requirements before your appointment.

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

TCM is a comprehensive medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root cause of health issues to promote long-term wellness and harmony.

Orillia Synergy Healthcare Group
129 Front Street South
Orillia, ON, L3V 4S6

Phone: (705) 329-1090

Mara Alice Wingrove 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=783e0dfc-6c9f-ea11-8116-005056a97495

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.