Michel Duhaime

Michel's practice is located at Evolve Energetics in Courtenay, situated within the Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently near Lewis Park and easily accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, and street parking is often available nearby.

• TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Holistic guidance on lifestyle adjustments based on TCM principles of Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), including recommendations for appropriate exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong), sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, breathwork), emotional cultivation, and attunement to natural and seasonal rhythms to promote optimal health, prevent illness, and enhance longevity.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
• 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.
• TCM Dietary Therapy & Nutritional Counseling (Shi Liao): Guidance on incorporating specific therapeutic foods and avoiding detrimental ones to align with your TCM pattern diagnosis, enhance treatment outcomes, and support seasonal well-being.
• Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Recommending specific Qigong or Tai Chi forms tailored to an individual's health needs and constitution to support healing and maintain well-being.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Michel, 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 BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

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

• It's rewarding for Michel to witness patients find relief from their child's frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems and experience improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in enjoying intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering again.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Michel assists patients with sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing in reaching a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, fostering a return to beloved activities like cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives, Michel crafts treatments to achieve visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, supporting a return to activities like participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back with comfort and confidence.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Michel, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when feeling tired all the time, experiencing chronic fatigue, or lacking vitality impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions.

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

Michel's practice is located at Evolve Energetics in Courtenay, situated within the Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently near Lewis Park and easily accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic offers a serene environment conducive to healing, and street parking is often available nearby.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered TCM Practitioner immediately.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. Meridians are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners, though coverage varies significantly.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), who has extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It's important to inform your practitioner about all medications you're taking and your health history. Avoid self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources to prevent risks such as incorrect diagnosis, improper formulation, contamination, or adverse interactions. Reputable practitioners source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing.

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

Patients in BC can typically see 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 check your individual insurance policy to understand their requirements.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to help restore balance within the body's energy system. It can effectively treat a variety of conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual discomfort, and more, by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic health system rooted in ancient principles, focusing on restoring balance and harmony within the body. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health through various diagnostic techniques, such as tongue and pulse diagnosis, then provides tailored treatments including acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle recommendations to facilitate healing and maintain well-being.

Evolve Energetics
951 17th St
Courtenay, BC, V9N 7P8

Phone: (250) 218-2618

Michel Duhaime is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a registered member of The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

Registration can typically be verified with The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

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.