Marie-Pierre Verdon-Ricard

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic TCM care designed to improve breathing capacity, reduce reliance on inhalers (where appropriate and in consultation with an MD), clear persistent phlegm, and enhance overall respiratory health and resilience.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, as a supportive and complementary approach to manage symptoms of mild to moderate depression, persistent low mood, and emotional lability by regulating neurotransmitter balance indirectly, moving stagnant Qi, and nourishing deficient substances like Blood or Yin.
• 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.
• 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.

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-Pierre 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
• 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.
• 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-Pierre, 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 Atma, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Marie-Pierre frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Acupuncture and TCM with Marie-Pierre can be a turning point for those affected by frequent colds, feeling like my immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness. The goal is achieving feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, paving the way for you to enjoy engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• It's rewarding for Marie-Pierre to witness patients find relief from trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed and experience significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in working at a desk or computer with reduced neck, shoulder, or back tension and clearer mental focus again.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome, Marie-Pierre crafts treatments to achieve noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, supporting a return to activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain with comfort and confidence.
• Marie-Pierre believes in a partnership with patients. When skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, enabling a more active lifestyle including playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.

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

Marie-Pierre practices at Clinique Atma, situated in the Vieux-Longueuil Centre/West neighborhood of Longueuil. The clinic is conveniently located near Access to Jacques Cartier Bridge & Pont Victoria and is accessible via Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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.

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.

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 intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered Acupuncturist if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

During your first visit, the Registered Acupuncturist will conduct a detailed consultation to understand your health concerns from a TCM perspective. This involves asking in-depth questions about your symptoms, overall health, daily routines, and emotional well-being. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as examining your tongue for its color, coating, and shape, and palpating your pulse at various positions on your wrists, are essential components. After assessing your condition and identifying your TCM pattern, she will explain her findings and propose a treatment strategy. This typically includes an acupuncture session during the first visit, and may also involve recommendations for Chinese herbal medicine (if within their scope), dietary adjustments, or other TCM therapies based on your individual needs.

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 Acupuncturist (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. However, many private or extended health insurance plans may offer some coverage for treatments received from registered practitioners, so it is advisable to check with your provider. Coverage levels vary significantly depending on your individual policy.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally see 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 recommended to verify your insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

Clinique Atma
46, Le Moyne Ouest
Longueuil, QC, J4H 1V3

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

Registration Number: A-051-21

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.