Mary Lynn McBrien

Mary practices at Dowswell Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, situated in a convenient and accessible location within the central Orillia neighborhood. The clinic is part of a dedicated acupuncture and TCM facility that is easily reachable from various parts of the community. It is close to local community centers and public parks, making it an inviting environment for healing and relaxation. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, and parking options are typically available nearby, providing a stress-free experience for new and returning patients alike.

• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.
• 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.

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 Dowswell Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 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:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of general feeling of being 'off' or 'out of balance' energetically? Mary works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back.
• Mary frequently assists patients in overcoming chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• The path to overcoming that nagging back pain that just won't go away and achieving a stronger, more resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections is often clearer with TCM. Mary guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back with improved health.
• It's rewarding for Mary to witness patients find relief from brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or poor memory and experience gaining a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions again.

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 Dowswell Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, situated in a convenient and accessible location within the central Orillia neighborhood. The clinic is part of a dedicated acupuncture and TCM facility that is easily reachable from various parts of the community. It is close to local community centers and public parks, making it an inviting environment for healing and relaxation. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, and parking options are typically available nearby, providing a stress-free experience for new and returning patients alike.

What are Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Tui Na?

These are all adjunctive therapies often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and draw out toxins. Moxibustion is the therapeutic burning of an herb (mugwort) near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi and Blood, often used for pain, 'cold' conditions, or to boost energy. Gua Sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation, release muscle tightness, and reduce pain or inflammation. Tui Na is a form of Chinese therapeutic massage that uses various hand techniques on acupressure points and meridians to relieve pain and harmonize Qi. Your Registered Acupuncturist will determine if any of these are appropriate and beneficial for your specific condition.

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.

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 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.

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

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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer some coverage for treatments provided by registered practitioners, so it's advisable to check your specific policy for details on reimbursement and coverage levels.

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 (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.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist (e.g., Registered Acupuncturist, Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). While a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements before your appointment.

Dowswell Chiropractic & Wellness Centre
241 West Street, Unit #3
Orillia, ON, L3V5C9

Phone: (705) 325-0832

Mary Lynn McBrien 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=1cbf5403-9462-e811-810b-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.