Marie-Hélène Laflamme

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

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• 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.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Effective TCM management strategies for shooting, burning, or electric-shock like pain that follows nerve pathways, aiming to improve sensation and function.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.
• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Acupuncture and TCM diagnostic protocols to differentiate and treat various types of headaches and migraines by addressing root causes such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency or stasis, Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm obstruction, or external pathogenic factors.

Other Common

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.
• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Integrative TCM care focused on alleviating treatment-related discomfort, enhancing immune function, and supporting the patient's overall well-being throughout their cancer journey.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore 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. Marie-Hélène can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: A form of acupuncture where a small, gentle, and continuous electrical current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of acupoints and therapeutic effects, particularly effective for chronic pain, neurological conditions, and muscle spasm.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally, Marie-Hélène crafts treatments to achieve experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, supporting a return to activities like attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with comfort and confidence.
• Marie-Hélène frequently assists patients in overcoming uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue.
• Let Marie-Hélène help you navigate ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome with targeted TCM care. The goal is a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, so you can fully enjoy reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance) and other life pleasures once more.
• Many find that TCM with Marie-Hélène not only helps with stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work but also brings about gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.

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

Marie-Hélène practices at 'Marie-Hélène Laflamme, Ac.', situated within an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the heart of Sainte-Julie. The clinic is conveniently located in the central neighborhood, easily accessible via public transit routes. It is close to local community centers and parks, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into their daily routines. Our clinic offers a serene environment designed for healing, with metered and paid parking lots typically available nearby, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for every patient.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally consult a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, thanks to the province's direct access policies. However, it is important to note that some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to understand their coverage requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and restore balance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. It can help manage a variety of conditions including pain, stress, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

It is recommended to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours before your appointment and to wear loose, comfortable clothing that provides easy access to treatment areas. Avoid caffeine and alcohol prior to your session. After treatment, it is advisable to rest if needed, stay well-hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity for a few hours. Noticing how you feel post-treatment can help tailor future sessions.

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

Generally, services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private insurance plans offer partial or full reimbursement. It is recommended to verify your coverage with your insurance provider before your appointment.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health using TCM diagnosis methods and develops a personalized treatment plan aimed at restoring balance and promoting healing across physical, emotional, and energetic levels.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, sterile, and single-use. Most patients experience little to no pain during insertion, often feeling only a slight prick. Once in place, some may feel sensations such as warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs of Qi moving. Registered practitioners strictly adhere to safety protocols, ensuring the needles are sterile and disposable. Communicate any discomfort during your session to your practitioner.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body, supporting health and vitality. Meridians are pathways or channels that carry Qi and Blood, connecting organs and tissues. Disruptions or blockages in these pathways can lead to illness, and treatments like acupuncture aim to restore proper flow, promoting balance and healing.

Marie-Hélène Laflamme, Ac.
1791, Principale, local 2
Sainte-Julie, QC, J3E 1W7

Phone: (514) 355-9637

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

Registration Number: A-017-03

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.