Mary Dawn Jackson

Mary Dawn Jackson 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: Addressing underlying energetic imbalances like Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, and Blood Stasis, and improving overall vitality in individuals with these chronic pain conditions.
• 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.
• 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.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM dietary advice to reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities, alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus pain, and strengthen the body's defensive Qi (Wei Qi) to make it less reactive to allergens.
• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Natural support for strengthening your immunity, reducing susceptibility to common infections, and helping you recover more quickly and completely when you do get sick.
• 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.

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. Mary can assess your needs.

• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• 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): 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.
• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mary, 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 ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At Orillia Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Mary frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Let Mary help you navigate TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches 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 engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with clear focus and other life pleasures once more.
• Experiencing fertility challenges, trying to conceive, or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy can be draining. Mary utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, so patients can re-engage with being able to concentrate better on tasks requiring mental focus for longer periods feeling revitalized.
• Patients struggling with general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body can find dedicated support from Mary. The therapeutic focus is on achieving improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as experiencing clearer sinuses and easier breathing during daily activities and exercise.
• When knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Mary can help you work towards experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue.

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

Mary practices at Orillia Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, situated within a welcoming acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood of Orillia. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (a practice known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm coverage requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system 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 practicing TCM principles) works to address the root causes of health issues by identifying and correcting imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to restore harmony and promote long-term well-being.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most individuals, acupuncture is not painful. The needles are very thin, and many people feel little to no sensation when they are inserted. Common sensations include a slight pinch, dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicate effective stimulation of Qi. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If any discomfort or pain occurs, patients should inform their acupuncturist immediately.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Services provided by Registered Acupuncturists or Registered TCM Practitioners in private clinics are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these treatments. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for services from registered practitioners, so it is recommended to check your individual policy for specific benefits and reimbursement options.

Orillia Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
8000 Hwy 12, Unit A3
Orillia, ON, L3V 7W7

Phone: (705) 325-2200

Mary Dawn Jackson is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=6c1e9df5-c3fc-ec11-811b-005056a97495

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.