Sarah Campeau Bedford

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

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Addressing underlying Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi deficiencies or external pathogenic factors like Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Dampness that contribute to allergic responses and chronic sinus inflammation.
• 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.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle advice to address different types of sleep disturbances by harmonizing Yin and Yang, calming the mind, anchoring the Shen, and resolving underlying TCM patterns such as Heart Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation disturbing the Hun, Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to overthinking, or Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Holistic care aimed at supporting emotional balance, uplifting mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing overall mental well-being as part of an integrative mental health strategy.

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. Sarah can assess your needs.

• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Application of firm but gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the body's meridians using fingers, thumbs, or elbows to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, reduce tension, and promote relaxation and balance, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sarah, 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 QC and the standards set by The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

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

• Many find that TCM with Sarah not only helps with TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches but also brings about reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in playing with children or grandchildren more comfortably and with sustained energy.
• When high blood pressure needing complementary support for management is limiting your lifestyle, acupuncture and TCM with Sarah can help you work towards enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, aiming to restore harmony and optimal function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy.
• It's rewarding for Sarah to witness patients find relief from chronic sinus congestion, pressure, or recurrent sinus infections and experience experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in participating in hobbies and social events without pain, anxiety, or fatigue holding them back again.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from circulatory problems, feeling cold often, or having cold hands and feet and achieved noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain under the care of Sarah, allowing them to re-engage with activities such as being able to concentrate better on tasks requiring mental focus for longer periods with renewed vitality and ease.

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

Sarah practices at Centre de Santé Renaissance, situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central neighborhood of Gaspé. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. Public transit routes serve the area, allowing for convenient transportation options. 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 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.

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.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It's advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer coverage for services from registered practitioners, though levels of coverage vary.

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

Patients in QC can typically see a Registered Acupuncteur or TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s recommended to verify your individual insurance policy requirements.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

Your initial appointment usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and involves a comprehensive intake. The practitioner will discuss your main health concerns, review your medical history, and inquire about your lifestyle, diet, sleep, and emotional health. Diagnostic assessment includes looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse on both wrists. Based on this, a TCM diagnosis is made, and a personalized treatment plan is discussed, which may include acupuncture, herbal remedies, cupping, moxibustion, or lifestyle advice. An initial treatment is often administered during this visit to begin addressing your concerns.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Centre de Santé Renaissance
176, Jacques-Cartier
Gaspé, QC, G4X 1M9

Phone: (418) 368-2022

Sarah Campeau Bedford is regulated by the Professional Code (Quebec) in QC and is a registered member of The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

Registration Number: A-039-19

Registration can typically be verified with The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.

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.