Marie Berthold

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Holistic TCM approaches, including acupuncture, gentle cupping, moxibustion, and carefully selected herbal support, to manage the complex symptoms of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, such as widespread pain, tender points, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and 'fibro fog'.
• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Natural and effective relief for persistent or sudden onset pain located in the lumbar or cervical spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and other joints or soft tissues.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): TCM approaches, including acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine, to reduce joint inflammation, alleviate pain, decrease stiffness, and improve function in individuals with various forms of arthritis.
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Addressing neuropathic pain by invigorating Qi and Blood flow along affected meridians, nourishing Yin and Blood to repair damaged nerves, and resolving blockages or stagnation.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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: Natural and effective approaches to promote profound relaxation, improve resilience to stressors, foster a sense of inner peace and emotional stability, and manage symptoms of overwhelm.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Auricular (ear) and body acupuncture protocols, such as the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, insomnia), and calm the nervous system during smoking cessation or recovery from other substance dependencies.

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. Marie can assess your needs.

• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• 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.
• 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 Marie, 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 Saint-Pascal, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Marie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Marie, common concerns like stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, helping people to once again enjoy feeling more energetic, focused, and productive throughout the workday without energy slumps.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally and achieved a more positive outlook and improved mood stability under the care of Marie, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity with renewed vitality and ease.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to feeling down, having persistent low mood, or experiencing unpredictable mood swings, Marie helps patients work towards reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, facilitating a return to cherished activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort.
• Many find that TCM with Marie not only helps with looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue but also brings about a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in sleeping soundly through the night and waking refreshed and energetic.

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

Marie’s practice at Clinique Saint-Pascal is situated in the heart of the central Saint-Pascal neighborhood, within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic that offers a calm and welcoming environment for healing. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access from various parts of Saint-Pascal. Public transit routes serve the area well, providing convenient options for patients traveling from different parts of the city. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

Approximately how many Acupuncture/TCM sessions will I need and how often?

This is very individual. Some acute problems might resolve in just a few closely spaced sessions, while chronic conditions often require a series of treatments, perhaps once or twice a week initially, then tapering off as your condition improves over several weeks or months. Your Registered Acupuncturist will be able to give you a better estimate after your first visit and will reassess your progress regularly to adjust the treatment frequency. The goal is to achieve stable improvement and then maintain it with less frequent visits if necessary.

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.

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 (R.Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as some plans do offer partial coverage for registered practitioners, though coverage levels can vary widely.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick—much less uncomfortable than an injection. Once in place, you might feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a sense of heaviness, which are indicators that Qi is being influenced. Acupuncture is generally very relaxing, and safety is a top priority: practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always inform your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during the session.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these therapies to identify and correct imbalances in the body's vital energy (Qi), Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues. TCM aims to restore harmony within the body, promoting long-term health and well-being.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to influence the flow of Qi. This technique can help relieve pain, reduce stress, improve digestion, support women's health, and address many other conditions by activating the body's natural healing response. Many patients find it to be a relaxing and effective therapy.

What types of conditions do Registered Acupuncturists at Clinique Saint-Pascal treat?

Our Registered Acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This includes, but is not limited to, depression, low mood & mood swings (supportive TCM care), insomnia & sleep disorders (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep), digestive issues, women’s health issues like PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support for overall wellness. Treatments often involve Tui Na massage, acupuncture, moxibustion, and dietary advice based on your specific TCM diagnosis.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or 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 recommended to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

Clinique Saint-Pascal
604, Taché
Saint-Pascal, QC, G0L 3Y0

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

Registration Number: A-025-19

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.