Sylvie Robitaille

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

Digestive Gastrointestinal

• Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Reducing symptoms of GERD and dyspepsia by harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive center) and addressing underlying imbalances without relying on long-term acid suppression.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bloating, Gas & Functional Digestive Upset: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate digestive function, alleviate common IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation, by harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach, soothing Liver Qi (which often attacks the Spleen in TCM), and resolving Dampness.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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.
• 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.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Common Cold, Flu & Viral Infections (Prevention & Accelerated Recovery): Using specific acupuncture points and potent herbal formulas tailored to the stage and nature of the cold or flu (e.g., clearing Wind-Cold versus Wind-Heat invasions) to shorten duration and lessen severity.
• Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental, e.g., Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis) & Sinusitis: Natural and effective strategies for managing acute allergy symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of chronic allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.

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.

• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
• 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.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): Utilizing cupping techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain (back, shoulder, neck), clear stagnation, support detoxification, and relieve symptoms of common colds or asthma.

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 Robitaille 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:

• If skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives is preventing you from fully enjoying cycling longer distances with their cycling club without discomfort, Sylvie offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
• The journey to reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers when faced with feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time can be supported by Sylvie's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
• Sylvie frequently assists patients in overcoming TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches using TCM principles. A carefully designed treatment plan, targeting reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation), supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease.
• Many find that TCM with Sylvie not only helps with uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes but also brings about an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.

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 Robitaille Ac. is situated within a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic located in the heart of Boucherville. The clinic is conveniently positioned in the central Boucherville neighborhood, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is located near local community centers and public parks, providing a peaceful environment for healing and relaxation. The clinic can be reached via several public transit routes, ensuring easy access for those using local transportation. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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

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

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

These are all adjunctive therapies often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and draw out toxins. Moxibustion is the therapeutic burning of an herb (mugwort) near or on acupuncture points to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi and Blood, often used for pain, 'cold' conditions, or to boost energy. Gua Sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation, release muscle tightness, and reduce pain or inflammation. Tui Na is a form of Chinese therapeutic massage that uses various hand techniques on acupressure points and meridians to relieve pain and harmonize Qi. Your Registered Acupuncturist will determine if any of these are appropriate and beneficial for your specific condition.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically consult a Registered Acupuncteur or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements.

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 inserted, you might experience sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which are signs that Qi is being influenced. Most patients find acupuncture to be relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.

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 a private clinic are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying degrees of coverage for these services, especially if provided by registered practitioners.

Does Sylvie Robitaille Ac. offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Many private insurance plans allow direct billing for services performed by Registered Acupuncturists and/or Registered TCM Practitioners. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance details and verify coverage specifics, including possible limits, per-visit caps, and whether a referral is needed. The patient remains responsible for any non-covered amounts.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. This practice stimulates the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians, helping to restore balance. Acupuncture can alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Sylvie Robitaille Ac.
158, de Cournoyer
Boucherville, QC, J4B 7N6

Phone: (450) 641-0953

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

Registration Number: A-066-96

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.