Virginie Côté – Acupuncturist | Shawinigan, QC

Virginie Côté is a dedicated Acupuncteur (Ac.). Practicing at Virginie Côté, Ac. in Shawinigan, QC, she is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec. Virginie’s approach combines a thorough understanding of TCM principles with compassionate patient care, ensuring that each individual receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs and health goals.

Virginie’s role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She often works with patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, emphasizing gentle yet effective therapies to promote optimal health and vitality.

Virginie Côté completed her training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. With clinical training and experience, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest or further training in areas such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and integrative health approaches. Her practice philosophy centers on utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body’s innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). She offers consultations in French, ensuring clear communication and comfort for her French-speaking patients.

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

Other Common

• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
• Support for Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's, Lupus, MS - Adjunctive Care): A holistic and integrative TCM approach to help modulate the immune response, alleviate autoimmune-related fatigue and pain, and support the body’s innate healing capacities.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore balance.
• 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.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.

Respiratory Allergy Immune

• Weak Immune System & Recurrent Infections: A proactive and preventative TCM approach to enhance your body's natural defense mechanisms, reduce susceptibility to illness, and promote robust, long-term immunity.
• 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. Virginie can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
• 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.

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

• It's rewarding for Virginie to witness patients find relief from general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body and experience a more positive outlook and improved mood stability through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain again.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Virginie, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve improved mental focus, concentration, and cognitive clarity as overall health and energy improve, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• Virginie believes in a partnership with patients. When wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, enabling a more active lifestyle including being able to concentrate better on tasks requiring mental focus for longer periods.
• The path to overcoming looking for a holistic approach to managing a chronic health condition or autoimmune issue and achieving improved circulation, often described as a feeling of warmth or better flow in extremities is often clearer with TCM. Virginie guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings with improved health.

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

Virginie practices at Virginie Côté, Ac., situated in a serene acupuncture and TCM clinic located in the heart of Shawinigan. The clinic is nestled in the central neighborhood, conveniently close to local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into daily routines. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic offers a peaceful environment dedicated to healing and relaxation. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.

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.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Registered Acupuncteur (Ac.) or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician’s referral (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to understand coverage specifics.

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

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncteur (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are not covered by provincial health plans such as RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to review your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer varying degrees of coverage for treatments by registered practitioners.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi along meridians. This therapy can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage (Tui Na), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered Acupuncteur uses these modalities to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and supporting long-term wellness.

Virginie Côté, Ac.
35, 5e Avenue
Shawinigan, QC, G9T 0H5

Phone: (819) 944-7887

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

Registration Number: A-016-12

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.