Teresa Lynn Riley

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Chronic & Acute Pain (e.g., Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Sciatica): Acupuncture and other TCM therapies to effectively manage various types of musculoskeletal pain, reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and accelerate healing, whether the pain is a recent injury or a long-standing issue.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Addressing related symptoms like headaches, earaches, or neck pain that often accompany TMJ dysfunction from a TCM perspective.
• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): Holistic support to improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic joint pain, swelling, and stiffness due to osteoarthritic degeneration or autoimmune joint conditions (as an adjunct to conventional care).
• Neuropathic Pain & Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy Support, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): Effective TCM management strategies for shooting, burning, or electric-shock like pain that follows nerve pathways, aiming to improve sensation and function.

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.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Supporting emotional well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in organ systems (e.g., Liver Qi Stagnation leading to irritability, Heart Blood Deficiency causing anxiety) that contribute to mood disturbances, worry, or fear.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Terri can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Ear acupuncture or acupressure (using seeds for prolonged stimulation) to address issues like pain, addiction (e.g., smoking cessation, NADA protocol), stress, anxiety, and internal disorders by targeting corresponding reflex points on the ear.
• Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Acupuncture techniques focused on deactivating muscle knots and relieving musculoskeletal pain by stimulating specific reactive points in muscles and fascia.
• 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.
• 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 Terri, 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 Teresa Lynn Riley, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Terri frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Let Terri help you navigate irregular, painful, or heavy periods, or really difficult PMS symptoms with targeted TCM care. The goal is experiencing fewer and less intense headaches or migraines, leading to more pain-free days, so you can fully enjoy participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf and other life pleasures once more.
• Understanding that wanting to improve my overall energy, focus, and vitality naturally can be frustrating, Terri applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice, making it possible to rediscover the joy in being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For my child having frequent illnesses, digestive issues, or skin problems, Terri crafts treatments to achieve a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, supporting a return to activities like maintaining a positive mood and outlook more consistently, leading to better social interactions with comfort and confidence.
• It's rewarding for Terri to witness patients find relief from ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome and experience for children, experiencing fewer common ailments and demonstrating improved overall health and development through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in running their usual 5k route without knee or back pain again.

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

Terri practices at Teresa Lynn Riley, situated in an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Strathroy neighborhood of Strathroy. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, providing convenient transportation options. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral, as direct access is permitted under provincial regulations. However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

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 common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even falling asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered Acupuncturist immediately.

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 are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. These pathways connect internal organs with the body's exterior parts, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to access and influence Qi flow to restore balance and health.

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 promote the flow of Qi. It aims to restore balance within the body's energy systems and can help with conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more by supporting your body's natural healing mechanisms.

Is TCM and Acupuncture suitable for children or the elderly?

Yes, TCM offers gentle and effective treatments suitable for all ages. Pediatric treatments may involve techniques like Shonishin or acupressure, while elderly patients can benefit from acupuncture and herbal medicine to manage age-related conditions, pain, and improve quality of life. Your practitioner will tailor treatments to be appropriate and comfortable for each individual's age and health status.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In general, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for services from registered practitioners, so it is recommended to check your insurance policy for specific coverage details.

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

These are common adjunct therapies in TCM. Cupping involves creating suction on the skin to relieve muscle tension and promote blood flow. Moxibustion involves 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 improve circulation and reduce pain. Tui Na is a Chinese therapeutic massage technique that uses hand manipulations on acupressure points and meridians to promote healing and relieve pain. Your practitioner will determine if these therapies are suitable for your condition.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic system that seeks to balance the body's vital energy (Qi) and organ systems. A Registered Acupuncturist assesses your overall health through tongue and pulse diagnosis, then develops a personalized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice to promote natural healing and restore harmony.

Teresa Lynn Riley
45 Zimmerman Street South
Strathroy, ON, N7G 2H5

Phone: (902) 580-9080

Teresa Lynn Riley 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=aa8cd459-60e0-ed11-812f-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.