Marie-Claude Bélanger

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Addressing TCM patterns often associated with trauma, such as Heart Shen disturbance, Liver Qi Stagnation, or Kidney Jing depletion.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Natural and effective solutions for managing debilitating headaches and migraines, aiming to reduce their frequency, intensity, and duration without heavy reliance on medication.
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na massage, and topical herbal applications to accelerate recovery from acute sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, and contusions, as well as chronic overuse conditions like tendinitis (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinitis).

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-Claude can assess your needs.

• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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: 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.
• 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.
• 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 Marie-Claude, 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 Marie-Claude Bélanger, Ac, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Marie-Claude frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Marie-Claude believes in a partnership with patients. When feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, enabling a more active lifestyle including maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Let Marie-Claude help you navigate digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) with targeted TCM care. The goal is accelerated recovery from sports injuries or repetitive strains, and a quicker, safer return to activity, so you can fully enjoy cooking and eating a wider variety of healthy foods comfortably and with enjoyment and other life pleasures once more.
• The path to overcoming circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet and achieving feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient is often clearer with TCM. Marie-Claude guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days with improved health.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life and achieved significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels under the care of Marie-Claude, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with renewed vitality and ease.

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

Marie-Claude practices at 'Marie-Claude Bélanger, Ac', situated within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to incorporate your visits into your daily routine. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic offers a serene environment dedicated to healing and relaxation. Our facility is accessible to all, and metered and paid parking lots are usually available nearby, ensuring a stress-free experience for every patient.

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.

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.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance to your body's energy flow. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management (like back pain or headaches), stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and much more, by helping to activate your body's own healing mechanisms.

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

Patients in Québec can typically consult a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) directly without needing a physician's referral, thanks to direct access regulations. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm coverage requirements before your appointment.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner (RTCM) in a private clinic are generally not covered by the provincial health plan (RAMQ). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these treatments. Many private health insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for licensed practitioners, so it's recommended to review your insurance policy to understand your benefits.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

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

Marie-Claude Bélanger, Ac
5215, Berri, bureau 104
Montréal, QC, H2J 2W3

Phone: (514) 519-8326

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

Registration Number: A-031-08

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.