Sylvie Desjardins

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

Other Common

• 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.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Natural and effective aid to assist individuals in their journey to overcome addictive behaviors and reduce reliance on harmful substances.
• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Restoring balance to the large and small intestines and related organ systems (like Spleen, Liver, Kidney) to promote normal stool consistency, frequency, and ease of passage.
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) - Supportive TCM Care: Holistic and integrative TCM care to help modulate the immune response, alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea, and support overall digestive health in individuals with Crohn's or colitis.
• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture and specific herbal formulas, to address symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, belching, and indigestion by strengthening Spleen Qi, ensuring the proper downward flow of rebellious Stomach Qi, and clearing any Stomach Heat or Food Stagnation.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: TCM strategies to identify and manage dietary and emotional triggers for digestive distress, improve nutrient absorption, and restore comfortable and regular bowel function.

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. Sylvie 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.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: A holistic diagnostic approach incorporating visual assessment and physical touch to complement tongue and pulse diagnosis for a complete TCM picture.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• 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.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Targeting specific motor points (areas where nerves enter muscles) or Ashi (tender) points with acupuncture needles to release muscle trigger points, alleviate myofascial pain, restore muscle function, and improve range of motion. (May be described as dry needling when performed by an acupuncturist within a TCM framework).
• 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.

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

• Rediscover your ability to keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match without pain limiting them without the burden of knee, hip, or other joint pain making movement difficult. Sylvie focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Sylvie, common concerns like seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, helping people to once again enjoy participating in activities like yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation.
• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time, Sylvie helps patients work towards noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, facilitating a return to cherished activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• The journey to a substantial increase in overall energy levels, vitality, and stamina throughout the day when faced with looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue can be supported by Sylvie's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain.

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

Sylvie's practice at Sylvie Desjardins, Ac., is situated in the Duvernay East neighborhood of Laval. The clinic is conveniently located near Gare Chomedey (future) and is accessible via Société de transport de Laval (STL). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, as direct access is permitted. However, it is important to note that some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to understand their coverage requirements.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to restore harmony and promote long-term health across a wide range of conditions.

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 may experience a slight pinch or a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which indicates effective stimulation of Qi. The needles are sterile and single-use, and practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques. If any discomfort or pain occurs, patients should inform their acupuncturist immediately to ensure safety.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that flows through the body via pathways called meridians. These channels connect organs and tissues, allowing the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. Disruptions or blockages in Qi flow can lead to pain and illness. Acupuncture aims to restore proper circulation of Qi within these meridians to promote health and balance.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance according to TCM principles. It can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, support digestion, and treat various other health issues by activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

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

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner in private clinics are generally not covered by the provincial health plan (RAMQ). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. Many private insurance plans may offer partial or full coverage for these services, so it is recommended to check with individual insurers to understand your benefits.

Sylvie Desjardins, Ac.
10 055, boul. Des Mille-Ïles
Laval, QC, H7A 4C2

Phone: (514) 817-9715

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

Registration Number: A-007-10

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.