Marianne Poulin

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing emotional stagnation (especially Liver Qi Stagnation), clearing internal 'Heat' or 'Dampness' that can cloud the mind, and improving overall mental clarity and outlook with acupuncture and herbal support.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Restoring healthy, restorative sleep patterns and improving overall sleep quality naturally through TCM interventions, without the side effects of sleep medications.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: TCM strategies aimed at strengthening the Spleen, resolving Dampness and Heat, invigorating Blood, and regulating immune function to support gut healing and reduce flare-ups in IBD.
• 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.

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. Marianne can assess your needs.

• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Traditional East Asian healing technique, often used for musculoskeletal pain, common cold, fever, or heatstroke, to address pain by moving stagnant Qi and Blood, clear heat, and promote tissue recovery.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.

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

• Marianne frequently assists patients in overcoming feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches? Marianne works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Marianne believes in a partnership with patients. When feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, enabling a more active lifestyle including keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them.
• Rediscover your ability to enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time without the burden of sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing. Marianne focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

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

Marianne practices at Clinique Denyse Lessard, situated in the heart of Sainte-Marie within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for clients to access. It is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring a smooth journey for those using public transportation. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It's considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect the internal organs with the exterior parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are specific locations along these meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and influenced to restore balance and health.

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 the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered Acupuncturist immediately.

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

Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some level of coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners, though coverage varies significantly.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncteur, involves inserting very fine needles at specific points on your body based on TCM principles. It aims to restore the flow of Qi and balance in the body, which can help alleviate conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, and more. Many patients experience relief from chronic pain, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically consult a Registered Acupuncteur or TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy to understand their specific requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system with a history spanning thousands of years. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncteur uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, promoting harmony and long-term health. TCM aims to treat the root cause of health issues, not just symptoms.

Clinique Denyse Lessard
450, Boulevard Vachon N
Sainte-Marie, QC, G6E 1M1

Phone: (418) 387-3932

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

Registration Number: A-034-23

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.