Marylou Lombardi

Marylou Lombardi provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Harmonizing the Stomach Qi and directing its rebellious upward flow downwards to alleviate feelings of queasiness and prevent vomiting.
• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Acupuncture and tailored herbal formulas to regulate bowel movements by addressing the specific TCM pattern causing chronic constipation (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency with dryness, Heat accumulation) or persistent diarrhea (e.g., Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Damp-Heat in the intestines).

Dermatological Skin

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Addressing internal imbalances that manifest as skin irritation and inflammation, aiming for long-term relief and healthier skin.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Acupuncture and anti-allergic herbal formulas to reduce itching, redness, and welts associated with hives by expelling Wind, clearing Heat, and calming allergic responses in the skin.

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): TCM therapies, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, used as an adjunctive approach to help regulate immune system function, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for individuals with various autoimmune conditions. (Always in conjunction with specialist medical care).
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Acupuncture and herbal formulas to address various types of dizziness and vertigo by treating underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Qi and Blood deficiency.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.

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. Marylou can assess your needs.

• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Utilizing the synergistic therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese herbs, often in complex combinations, to restore organ function (Zang-Fu), balance Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and promote profound healing from within by addressing the root cause of illness.
• 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.
• 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.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.
• 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.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Marylou, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

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

• The path to overcoming skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives and achieving visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin is often clearer with TCM. Marylou guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with improved health.
• If asthma or breathing difficulties needing supportive, natural care is affecting your ability to participate in resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely, Marylou's TCM approach aims for experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, helping you to regain your stride.
• Marylou believes in a partnership with patients. When looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets better regulation of body temperature, feeling less prone to being overly cold or hot, enabling a more active lifestyle including playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder or elbow pain.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life, Marylou helps patients work towards a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, facilitating a return to cherished activities like feeling more energetic, focused, and productive throughout the workday without energy slumps.

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

Marylou's practice at Marylou Lombardi is situated in the Kortright Hills, Hanlon Creek neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near River Run Centre and is easily accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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.

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. It is advisable to check with your private or extended health insurance plan, as many offer varying levels of coverage for registered practitioners.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner will assess your overall health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory, often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment may include acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle or dietary recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and support healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less than an injection. Once inserted, you may feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate Qi movement and are positive signs. Acupuncture is generally very relaxing, and safety is a priority; practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically consult a 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's requirements prior to treatment.

Marylou Lombardi
61 Albert Street
Guelph, ON, N1G 1C7

Phone: (519) 824-0959

Marylou Lombardi 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=14b2472f-c076-e611-80c3-005056a97495

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.