Tammy Kate Stunden

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

Other Common

• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): Focusing on harmonizing Yin and Yang, clearing pathogenic factors (like Heat or Damp), nourishing deficient substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang), and resolving stagnation to support overall systemic balance.
• 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.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Restoring vitality and improving overall stamina by addressing underlying deficiencies and energetic blockages from a TCM perspective, often focusing on adrenal and mitochondrial support through TCM principles.

Mental Emotional Sleep

• 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): Addressing emotional stagnation (especially Liver Qi Stagnation), clearing internal 'Heat' or 'Dampness' that can cloud the mind, and improving overall mental clarity and outlook with acupuncture and herbal support.
• 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.
• Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• 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.
• 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.

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. Tammy can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
• 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.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): The therapeutic application of heat from burning processed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This warms meridians, stimulates Qi and Blood flow, dispels Cold and Dampness, strengthens Yang energy, and can alleviate conditions associated with cold, stagnation, or deficiency.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.

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

• Acupuncture and TCM with Tammy can be a turning point for those affected by wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally. The goal is achieving noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, paving the way for you to enjoy having the consistent energy and motivation to pursue creative outlets, learning, or personal passions and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• It's rewarding for Tammy to witness patients find relief from general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body and experience a holistic sense of feeling more 'in balance' and harmonized physically, mentally, and energetically through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails again.
• If symptoms of Bell's Palsy or facial paralysis needing support for recovery is affecting your ability to participate in taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it, Tammy's TCM approach aims for improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, helping you to regain your stride.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Tammy, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.

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

Tammy practices at Dalhousie Health and Wellness, situated in the Lakeport area of St. Catharines, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near Pen Centre Shopping Mall and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). The serene environment and welcoming atmosphere provide an ideal setting for healing and relaxation. Street parking is often available nearby, ensuring a hassle-free visit for clients seeking holistic care.

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 is 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.

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 provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket. It is advisable to check private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying levels of coverage for these services.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see 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. Patients should verify their individual insurance policies.

Does Dalhousie Health and Wellness offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, the clinic *typically* offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and/or Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) to major private insurers. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance details and confirm specific coverage (e.g., for acupuncture, herbal consultations, herbs, annual maximums, per-visit limits, referral requirements) directly with their insurer. The patient is responsible for any non-covered portions.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to restore the flow of Qi and balance Yin-Yang. It can help with numerous conditions including pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Most individuals find acupuncture to be comfortable or only minimally uncomfortable. The needles are very thin, and sensations such as a slight pinch, warmth, or tingling may occur but are generally well tolerated. Practitioners are trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to prevent infection. If you experience any pain or discomfort, notify your practitioner immediately.

Dalhousie Health and Wellness
581 Ontario Street
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 4N8

Phone: (289) 668-5433

Tammy Kate Stunden 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=f8510592-c519-ee11-8140-005056a97495

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.