Paul Gordon Stearns

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

Other Common

• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and gentle herbal therapies to help manage common side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety, thereby improving quality of life and treatment tolerance. (Always in coordination with primary oncology 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.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Natural and comprehensive solutions for combating persistent, debilitating tiredness, improving energy production, and enhancing overall resilience and quality of life.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Acupuncture (especially point Pericardium-6) and gentle herbal remedies to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with various causes, including morning sickness during pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or medications, or motion sickness.
• 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).

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. Paul can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
• 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.
• 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.
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: A specialized microsystem technique focusing on the ear's numerous reflexology points to influence overall health, manage cravings, and support emotional well-being, often used as a standalone or adjunctive therapy.
• 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.

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

• Paul believes in a partnership with patients. When TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, enabling a more active lifestyle including walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue.
• Patients struggling with wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions can find dedicated support from Paul. The therapeutic focus is on achieving clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience.
• Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Paul assists patients with digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) in reaching a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day, fostering a return to beloved activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Rediscover your ability to resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely without the burden of wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes. Paul focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.

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

Paul’s practice at 'Paul Stearns - Acupuncturist' is situated in the Drouillard Road Area within the South Walkerville neighborhood of Windsor. The clinic is conveniently located near the Sandwich Town Heritage Area (West end) and is accessible via Transit Windsor. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

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 Ontario's provincial health plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is highly recommended to check with individual private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for services rendered by registered practitioners.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. **Meridians** are channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues. Disruptions or blockages in these channels can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture and TCM aim to restore the smooth flow of Qi within these meridians to promote health and healing.

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 utilized for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle recommendations. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting harmony and long-term wellness.

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

These are adjunct therapies commonly used in TCM. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, helping to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. Moxibustion entails burning mugwort near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate Qi and Blood. Gua Sha involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to promote circulation and reduce pain. Tui Na is Chinese therapeutic massage that manipulates acupressure points and meridians to harmonize Qi and alleviate pain. Your practitioner will determine if these therapies are suitable for your condition.

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

In Ontario, patients can generally consult a Registered Acupuncturist or 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. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm their requirements.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, sterile, and single-use, often less thick than a human hair. Insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick. You may experience sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which indicate Qi movement and are considered normal. Most people find acupuncture to be relaxing. Registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles, ensuring safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific points to restore the flow of energy (Qi) within the body. Performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, it can help manage pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and address various health conditions by activating your body's natural healing response and promoting balance.

Paul Stearns - Acupuncturist
1243 Edward Ave
Windsor, ON, N8S 3A3

Phone: (519) 819-1016

Paul Gordon Stearns 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=1be0f62b-c376-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.