Acupuncture is a therapeutic approach that stimulates the body's natural recovery and self-healing mechanisms. It can help relieve many health problems, including musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, sports injuries, migraines, neck and back pain, sciatica, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, digestive problems, menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, fatigue, seasonal allergies, and recurring colds and flu. It can also support rehabilitation following an accident covered by the SAAQ (Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation) or an injury, depending on each individual's needs.

During your initial consultation, the acupuncturist will take the time to fully understand your health, symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. A comprehensive assessment is conducted based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to identify the imbalances underlying your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. The session then includes acupuncture treatment, which may be complemented, depending on your needs, by electroacupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, photobiomodulation (Celluma®), laser therapy, or other techniques. Personalized advice may also be offered to support your recovery and long-term health.

After your assessment, you will be comfortably positioned on a heated table in a calming environment with soothing music and, when appropriate, an essential oil diffuser. The acupuncture points will be disinfected, and then the needles will be inserted using a gentle technique to ensure maximum comfort during the treatment. Depending on your condition, other approaches may be incorporated, such as electroacupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, laser therapy, photobiomodulation (Celluma®), or infrared TDP therapy. You will then enjoy a period of rest during which your body activates its natural recovery and self-healing mechanisms.

Acupuncture is generally very painless. My approach is to never work through pain. The needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use. Thanks to a gentle and precise insertion technique, most patients feel very little, if anything, of the needles being inserted. Children, in particular, generally tolerate the treatments very well. Once the needles are in place, most people experience a profound sense of relaxation, sometimes accompanied by a pleasant sensation of warmth, heaviness, or increased circulation. Each treatment is tailored to your individual sensitivity to ensure a comfortable, safe, and soothing experience.

The duration of needle insertion varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient's age, and their energy level. In young children, the needles can be removed after only 5 to 10 minutes, sometimes even sooner. For treatments primarily aimed at relaxation and calming the nervous system, they often remain in place for up to 20 minutes. Other conditions may require a different duration. Each treatment is personalized to meet your body's needs and achieve the best possible results, comfortably and safely.

After an acupuncture treatment, you may experience deep relaxation, but also significant fatigue, mild muscle soreness, or a slight, temporary increase in symptoms. These reactions are generally normal and subside within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, it is recommended to stay well-hydrated and, when possible, to schedule some rest to allow your body to integrate the treatment, which continues to work even after the needles are removed. If you have any questions or concerns about a reaction after your session, please do not hesitate to contact Dominique promptly for appropriate advice.

The number of treatments varies depending on the nature of the problem, how long it has been present, its severity, your overall health, and your recovery capacity. Some people notice improvement after the first session, while others require more intensive follow-up. My goal is always to achieve maximum results with the minimum number of treatments necessary. However, healing is a team effort. Personalized advice regarding lifestyle habits, exercise, diet, or other recommendations may be offered to support your recovery, promote lasting healing, and optimize the benefits of the treatments.

It is recommended that you eat a light meal or snack in the hours leading up to your appointment and stay well hydrated. Avoid coming on an empty stomach, as this can increase the risk of discomfort, sometimes called "needle sickness," which may manifest as dizziness, sweating, or a feeling of weakness. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms and legs, or bring a change of clothes if needed. If you are taking medication, have received a new diagnosis, or have had recent tests, please bring any relevant test results, medical imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, etc.), or any other documents that may help in a better assessment of your condition.

After your treatment, it is recommended that you stay well hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise or intense physical activity for the next 24 hours. Active rest, such as a leisurely walk or light activities, is possible and even encouraged if you feel the need. Listen to your body and allow yourself a nap or a moment of rest if necessary. The first treatment can be particularly energy-intensive for some people while the body begins its recovery process. If you have been given exercises, dietary advice, or other recommendations, following them will help optimize the results of your treatments.

No. You don't need to believe in acupuncture to consult an acupuncture practitioner. In fact, many people arrive with a degree of skepticism. They make an appointment because a friend, colleague, or family member has told them about the results they've experienced. Furthermore, infants and animals obviously don't come to consultations with expectations or preconceived beliefs about acupuncture, yet they also receive treatments. In Quebec, many veterinarians are integrating acupuncture into their practice. I firmly believe that the will to heal is a powerful driver of recovery. When combined with appropriate treatment and active patient involvement, it helps create the best possible conditions for healing.

Yes. Acupuncture is frequently used to relieve chronic pain, whether it has been present for a few months or several years. It can help reduce pain in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, sciatica, pain related to osteoarthritis, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and many other musculoskeletal conditions. Pain is often a symptom of an underlying imbalance. My goal is to understand the cause in order to treat the whole person rather than simply masking the symptoms. Each treatment is tailored to your condition, its duration, and your goals to promote lasting recovery, improve your mobility, and allow you to regain a better quality of life.

Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used to help reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraines, as well as several types of headaches, including tension headaches and certain headaches associated with muscle tension or stress. Migraines are rarely random occurrences. Lack of sleep, stress, muscle tension, hormonal fluctuations, diet, or other factors can contribute to their onset. Identifying these triggers is an integral part of my clinical approach. The goal is always to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of attacks. In some people, migraines become very infrequent or even disappear completely. However, each case is unique and depends on several factors. Personalized advice can also be offered to promote lasting results and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Yes. Acupuncture is frequently used to relieve neck, back, and lower back pain, as well as sciatica and other pain radiating to the arms or legs. Whether related to poor posture, work, a sudden movement, a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, pregnancy, or muscle tension, each situation is assessed individually. It is also important to identify the factors that perpetuate the pain, such as certain lifestyle habits, repetitive movements, stress, or workplace ergonomics. Addressing these factors often leads to more lasting results. My goal is to reduce pain, improve your mobility, and allow you to resume your activities comfortably and sustainably.

Yes. Acupuncture can be integrated into a rehabilitation plan to promote recovery after an injury or surgery. Depending on your condition and the recommendations of your medical team, it can help relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, promote better inflammation management, and facilitate a gradual return to activities. It is frequently used following sprains, fractures, orthopedic surgeries, sports injuries, or persistent pain. Acupuncture does not replace physiotherapy, occupational therapy, osteopathy, or medical follow-up when indicated. On the contrary, it integrates very well into a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results. My goal is to work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to optimize your recovery and support you toward a safe return to your activities.

Yes. Chronic stress, anxiety, and exhaustion can disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system and affect sleep, digestion, recovery, concentration, energy, and even pain perception. Acupuncture aims to promote better regulation of the nervous system to support the body's natural self-regulation and self-healing mechanisms. Depending on your needs, treatments can be calming to promote relaxation and more restful sleep, or invigorating, particularly through moxibustion, a technique that involves applying gentle heat to specific acupuncture points to support the body's energy when indicated. Many patients gradually experience faster sleep onset, fewer nighttime awakenings, deeper and more restorative sleep, greater energy upon waking, and a reduction in daily stress and anxiety.

Yes. Acupuncture can help people suffering from digestive issues such as slow digestion, bloating, gas, reflux, constipation, loose stools, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue after meals, and loss of appetite or appetite. The digestive system is influenced by many factors, including stress, diet, sleep, and lifestyle. My goal is to understand what contributes to your symptoms in order to promote better digestive function and support your body's natural self-regulating mechanisms. Personalized recommendations can also be offered to promote lasting results.

Yes. Acupuncture can help people who suffer from seasonal allergies, especially when these cause sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, nose, or throat, and sensitive sinuses. The treatment aims to reduce the intensity of symptoms and improve quality of life during allergy season. For some people, symptoms decrease significantly, and in some cases, they even disappear completely. By regaining easier breathing, many patients also experience increased energy, a clearer mind, and an improved quality of life. Ideally, treatments begin a few weeks before the start of the season to prepare the body, but it is also possible to consult an acupuncture practitioner when symptoms are already present. Each treatment plan is tailored to your individual situation and can be combined with medical treatments when necessary.

Yes. Acupuncture can support women experiencing perimenopause or menopause who are experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, low energy, or vaginal dryness. Every woman experiences this transition differently. My goal is to assess your overall situation in order to offer a treatment tailored to your symptoms and needs. By restoring a better balance, many women find an improvement in their quality of life and daily well-being.

Yes. Pediatric acupuncture is a gentle approach adapted to the child's age. Depending on their tolerance and needs, treatments can be performed with very fine needles, but also with needle-free techniques such as therapeutic laser therapy, acupressure, or moxibustion. Acupuncture can help with various issues, including colic, reflux, constipation, recurrent ear infections, seasonal allergies, sleep disturbances, night terrors, anxiety, enuresis (bedwetting), certain types of pain, and headaches. Each treatment is tailored to the child's pace, age, and condition. My goal is to make the experience reassuring and positive for both the child and their parents by offering a personalized, gentle, and respectful approach.

Aesthetic acupuncture is a natural approach that aims to improve the quality and appearance of the skin while promoting overall well-being. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin firmness and elasticity, brighten the complexion, diminish puffiness and dark circles, and stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin. Unlike treatments that focus solely on external appearance, aesthetic acupuncture also addresses factors that can influence skin health, such as stress, sleep, diet, and the body's overall balance. Depending on your needs, I can also incorporate Celluma LED photobiomodulation to optimize results. A personalized treatment plan will be developed based on your goals and individual needs.

Yes. Acupuncture can help women experiencing menstrual pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular or heavy cycles, cramps, headaches, bloating, irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, or fatigue related to their menstrual cycle. Every woman experiences her cycle differently. My goal is to understand the imbalances contributing to your symptoms in order to offer a treatment tailored to your specific situation. Many women notice a reduction in the intensity of their symptoms and an improvement in their comfort and quality of life over the course of treatments.