Marilyn Sutherland

Marilyn Sutherland 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.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).

Respiratory Allergy & Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: TCM strategies, including regular acupuncture, moxibustion, and constitutional herbal tonics, to strengthen the body's overall defensive energy (Wei Qi) and address underlying deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang that may lead to a weakened immune system and frequent infections (e.g., colds, sinus infections, UTIs).
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis & Cough (Supportive TCM Care): Acupuncture and herbal medicine as a supportive and complementary approach to manage asthma and chronic bronchitis symptoms by strengthening Lung Qi and Wei Qi, resolving phlegm and dampness, descending rebellious Lung Qi to calm wheezing and cough, and tonifying Kidney Qi to grasp the Lung Qi.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Natural and effective strategies for managing acute allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of chronic allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.

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. Marilyn can assess your needs.

• 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.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): A contemporary acupuncture technique involving the insertion of needles into specific therapeutic zones on the scalp that correspond to different body functions and brain areas (e.g., motor, sensory, balance zones), primarily used for neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional conditions.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• 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.

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

• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing, Marilyn crafts treatments to achieve a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically, supporting a return to activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails with comfort and confidence.
• Patients struggling with circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet can find dedicated support from Marilyn. The therapeutic focus is on achieving a significant reduction in allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) and less reliance on allergy medications, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions and achieved reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers under the care of Marilyn, 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.
• Rediscover your ability to cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort without the burden of general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically. Marilyn focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to significant and lasting reduction in acute or chronic pain levels, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

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

Marilyn practices at Okenite acupuncture, situated in the heart of Magog within a dedicated TCM and acupuncture clinic located in the central Magog neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community centers and public parks, making it easy to access for residents and visitors alike. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach her practice with ease. The serene environment of the clinic provides a peaceful setting for healing and relaxation, and parking options are typically accessible for those arriving by car, making your visit both convenient and comfortable.

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 the provincial health insurance plan, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans may offer partial or full coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage, as levels of reimbursement vary considerably.

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 immune defense. Meridians are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with external body parts such as muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to influence the flow of Qi to restore balance and health.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist employs these tools to address root causes of health issues by balancing the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. TCM aims to restore harmony within the body, helping to treat a wide range of conditions and promoting long-term wellness.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally consult a Registered Acupuncteur or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, as part of the public healthcare access. Nevertheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy for specific requirements before scheduling your appointment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints along meridians to stimulate the flow of Qi. This process helps to alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, and support the body's natural healing process. Many patients experience a sense of relaxation and well-being during and after treatment.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most people find acupuncture to be comfortable, with the needles causing little to no pain. The needles used are extremely thin, and many patients report feeling only a slight prick or sensation of warmth or tingling. Practitioners are trained to use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict safety protocols, ensuring that treatments are safe and hygienic. If any discomfort or pain occurs, it should be communicated immediately to your practitioner.

Okenite acupuncture
293-A, chemin Southière
Magog, QC, J1X 5W3

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

Registration Number: A-005-18

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.