Holistic Approaches to Fibromyalgia: TCM, Naturopathy, Nutrition

Understanding Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition characterized by widespread body aches and pains, sleep disorders, constant fatigue, memory problems, and mood issues. Although researchers have made significant advances in understanding fibromyalgia, the exact causes remain elusive. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies what should be tolerable pain sensations by affecting how your brain processes pain signals. Holistic approaches to fibromyalgia, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopathy, and nutritional consulting, offer promising avenues for managing this complex condition.

The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association states that approximately 8% of adults 80 years of age and younger fit the criteria for fibromyalgia.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain throughout the body. This pain may be accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “fibro fog.”

Prevalence of Fibromyalgia

The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association estimates that about 8% of adults aged 80 years and younger meet the criteria for fibromyalgia. Despite its prevalence, treatment options often focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root causes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Fibromyalgia

The Role of Qi and Blood

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), two vital elements—Qi (life force) and blood—must flow freely through the body’s energy channels to maintain health and well-being. Disruptions in this flow can lead to pain and other health issues.

Obstruction and Pain

TCM considers obstruction of Qi or blood flow to be a primary cause of pain and chronic health conditions. Factors such as strong emotions, exposure to extreme temperatures, overwork, poor sleep, and poor nutrition can all contribute to these blockages.

The Impact of Strong Emotions and Other Factors

Strong emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, and frustration are believed to block the flow of Qi and blood. In TCM, addressing these emotional factors is crucial in treating fibromyalgia.

Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is a TCM technique that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to unblock and regulate the flow of Qi and blood. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help reduce pain levels in fibromyalgia patients.

Benefits of Acupuncture

A study from the University of Michigan found that acupuncture can affect the brain’s long-term ability to interpret and regulate pain. In the study, fibromyalgia patients experienced reduced pain levels after receiving acupuncture treatments.

Herbal Medicine and Nutrition in TCM

Customized Herbal Prescriptions

TCM practitioners often use functional medicine and prescribe customized herbal mixtures to help restore the flow of Qi and blood. These herbs may be consumed as teas, capsules, or powders.

The Balance of Warm and Cool Foods

In TCM, foods are associated with either warm or cool energy. Overconsumption of warm foods can overstimulate the body’s pain centers, contributing to fibromyalgia pain. Balancing warm and cool foods is essential for managing symptoms.

Naturopathic Medicine and Fibromyalgia

Natural Treatment Approaches

Naturopathic medicine offers natural treatments for fibromyalgia, including dietary changes, supplements, stress reduction techniques, and more. These treatments aim to address the root causes of the condition.

The Role of Nutritional Consulting

Nutritional consulting can play a crucial role in managing fibromyalgia. A tailored nutritional plan can help reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, and address other factors that contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms.

Conclusion

Managing fibromyalgia can be more effective with holistic approaches such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopathy, and nutritional consulting, which provide promising options for tackling this multifaceted disorder.By addressing the root causes and considering the whole person, these approaches provide a more comprehensive treatment strategy.

Specialists on our Team:

Tammy Lalonde, CEO and Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧

Position: CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism
Categories: Acupuncture, Addictions, Administration, Allergies, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Auto-Immune Health, Back Pain, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), BHRT, Cardiovascular Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Inflammatory Disease, Chronic Pain, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Depression, Diabetes, Digestive Health, Electrostimulation, Emotional Health, Fertility, Fibromyalgia, Functional Medicine, Gender Reassignment, Guillain-Barre, Headaches & Migraines, Herbal Medicine, HIV and AIDS, Hormone Health, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Lupus, Men's Health, Menopause, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Myasthenia Gravis, Neurological Health, Oncology, Pain Management, Post-Covid Syndrome, Pregnancy, Prostatitis, Psoriasis, PTSD, Respiratory Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Seniors Health, Service, Sexual Dysfunction, Soft Tissue Injury, Specialization, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thyroid Disorders, Vasculitis, Whiplash, Women's Health
Location: Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

“As a clinician and leader, I see myself not only as a caregiver but also as a teacher—empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health. By educating and guiding them, I can help transform their lives far beyond the treatment room, creating lasting wellness that they can carry with them. – Dr. Tammy Lalonde”

Caring for people is my true passion and one of life’s greatest callings. With years of experience as both a Paramedic and Acupuncturist, I’ve supported patients through obvious and invisible injuries alike. I’ve been there during moments of deep crisis—whether delivering babies in cars parked roadside, providing care at 30,000 feet aboard a domestic flight, or flying emergency medevacs over the Arabian desert. Through these experiences, I’ve learned not only how to care for those in urgent need but also how to recognize the long-term impact that lifestyle, diet, and fitness can have on overall health.

As my career has evolved, so has my focus. I now concentrate on helping more people earlier, preventing minor concerns from escalating into more complex and costly illnesses. A key part of this shift is my role in leading our Hormone Health program, which empowers patients to address hormonal imbalances that affect energy, mood, and overall well-being. This program has far-reaching impacts, not only improving individual lives but also strengthening the health of entire communities. By helping people regain balance, we’re preventing chronic diseases and fostering long-term wellness. Through a combination of my background in emergency medicine and women’s health, I offer a unique, integrative approach. I draw on the strengths of oriental medicine, along with the expertise of top practitioners, to deliver care that restores balance to the body, mind, and spirit.

My academic journey has allowed me to seamlessly blend oriental medicine with Western healthcare, creating a holistic approach to patient care. My expertise lies in navigating high-stress, complex situations, and I have a deep passion for managing care and treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD—especially among Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. In addition to my extensive background, I have advanced training in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) through Worldlink Medical, which enhances my ability to help patients achieve hormonal balance and long-term wellness. With a long-standing career spanning North America and the Middle East, I have been privileged to serve as a respected clinician, clinical educator, and fire and emergency medical dispatcher. I hold active licensure and registration with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the California Acupuncture Board, and the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA). Additionally, I have served as a Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and am a current member of the CAA Competence Committee.


Education:

  • Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Master of Science (MS) – Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Master of Science (MS) – Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, cum laude, South Baylo University
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) – Holistic Science, South Baylo University
  • Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University

Licensure

  • RAc – Registered Acupuncturist of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
  • RH – Registered Herbalist of the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA)
  • LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist of the California Acupuncture Board
  • Dipl.Ac – Diplomate of Acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Tammy Lalonde, CEO and Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧

CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism

“As a clinician and leader, I see myself not only...

Dr. Michell Winton, Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Michelle Winton 🇬🇧

Position: Acupuncture, Massage
Categories: Acupuncture, Back Pain, Cardiovascular Health, Chronic Pain, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Cupping, Cupping, Depression, Digestive Health, Electrostimulation, Gender Reassignment, Gua Sha, Headaches & Migraines, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Massage Therapy, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Pain Management, Pregnancy, PTSD, Relaxation Massage, Respiratory Health, Sciatica, Seniors Health, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Therapeutic Massage, Whiplash
Location: Alberta

Massage Therapy Pressure Scale 5-8Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Advanced Care Paramedic she is widely recognized for developing unique care plans which draw on her knowledge and therapeutic touch gained across each of these specialized disciplines. Having over twenty years of combined expertise in caring for her patients, Michelle has had a front row seat to observe how stress and emotion affect the mind and body. Complementing her acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness, Michelle offers a variety of therapeutic and relaxation massage therapies, including pregnancy massage, myofascial release and myofascial cupping.

Michelle began her health career as a massage therapist, graduating the 2200hr Massage Program at Macewan University in 2001. Being active in competitive sport in her youth, Michelle understood the benefits of massage on sport performance, recovery and injury prevention. She subsequently branched into emergency care and became an Advanced Care Paramedic where she was able to offer a calming presence in stressful, emergent situations. Michelle has always believed that soft skills, an extra moment spent with family, or a hand to hold on the way to the hospital, can be as healing as the specific medical interventions themselves. Working as a Paramedic Michelle saw, and began to question, how it is that people differ in disease and the aging process and why the same drug benefited one person, but not the other. Her lifelong learning journey had her begin to look for these answers in the time-tested practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, thus kicking off another quest for knowledge at MacEwan University’s Acupuncture Program.

Education:

  • Diploma – Acupuncture, Macewan University
  • Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
    • Honors standings
  • Certificate – Massage Therapy Grant MacEwan College

Licensure:

  • RAc, College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
  • RMT, National Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
  • ACP, Alberta College of Paramedics
Dr. Michell Winton, Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Michelle Winton 🇬🇧

Acupuncture, Massage

Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled...

Yoko Masuda, Acupuncturist

Dr. Yoko Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵

Position: Acupuncture
Categories: Acupuncture, Addictions, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Back Pain, Cardiovascular Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Depression, Electrostimulation, Emotional Health, Gender Reassignment, Headaches & Migraines, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Menopause, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Pediatric Acupuncture, Post-Covid Syndrome, PTSD, Sciatica, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thermie (Tiger), Whiplash
Location: Alberta

Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in the rare craft of Japanese style acupuncture – where she incorporates and tailors gentle needling, moxibustion (specific deep heat), therme (heat massage) and cupping into her acupuncture treatment plans. These skills, as well as her reputation for delivering tangible results, make her a sought-after provider, especially in the areas of pain management, sports injuries, orthopaedic injuries and emotional health. Yoko firmly believes that the mind and the body are intertwined in healing and she continually advocates for a healthy lifestyle alongside of the care she provides.

Yoko received her acupuncture degree in Japan and, after working at several clinics in Tokyo, she accepted a staff acupuncturist position with the world renowned Cirque du Soleil touring show. For nearly twenty years, she went on to travel the far reaches of the globe, working on several other productions, and earning the respect of an international group of artists, staff and athletes before eventually selecting Edmonton for her permanent clinical practice. As a former high school physical education teacher, and also as an alumnus of the Japanese national rhythmic gymnastics team (where she competed internationally on numerous occasions), she has amassed an impressive background in sports therapy and physical education, uniquely positioning her to address all manner of orthopedic and performance related concerns.

Outside of work, Yoko enjoys travelling, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two elementary-aged daughters.

Education:

  • Diploma of Acupuncture, Hanada College, Tokyo, Japan

Licensure:

  • RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)

Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English |  🇯🇵 – Japanese

Yoko Masuda, Acupuncturist

Dr. Yoko Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵

Acupuncture

Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in...

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy 🇬🇧

Position: Naturopathic Medicine
Categories: Adolescent Well Being, Adrenal Function Testing, Allergies, Anxiety, Auto-Immune Health, Back Pain, Bells Palsy, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), BHRT, Botanical Medicine, Bowen Technique, Cardio-Metabolic Health, Cardiovascular Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity Testing, Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), Children's Health, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Inflammatory Disease, Chronic Pain, Comprehensive Hormone Testing, Comprehensive Stool Analysis/Testing, Concusssion, Dementia, Detoxification Therapies, Diabetes, Digestive Health, Emotional Health, Environmental Medicine, Environmental Toxin Testing, Epilepsy, Female Hormone Testing, Fibromyalgia, Food Sensitivity Testing, Functional Medicine, Gender Reassignment, Headaches & Migraines, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Health, Hormone Health, Hydrotherapy, Inclusive Health, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Intestinal Permeability Testing, Lifestyle, Male Hormone Testing, Multiple Sclerosis, Musculoskeletal, Naturopathic Medicine, Neurological Health, Organic Acid Testing (OAT), Pain Management, Parkinsons, Post-Covid Syndrome, Prostatitis, Psoriasis, Respiratory Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Salivary Hormone Testing/Dutch Testing, Sciatica, Shingles, Sinuses, Sleep Disorders, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stool Analysis, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thyroid Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, Travel Health, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Vitamin D Testing, Weight Management, Whiplash
Location: Alberta, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Yukon

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor who has been serving the communities of Ottawa and Edmonton since her graduation from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004. Her extensive background in Naturopathic Medicine has paved the way for diverse opportunities, including her involvement in the regulation of natural health products at Health Canada and her roles as a health advisor and physiology instructor at the Guanacaste Waldorf School in Costa Rica. Her current residence is in Rio Terrace, situated in the west end of Edmonton, where she lives with her husband and three children.

Dr. McCarthy’s utmost dedication lies in fostering the health and well-being of families. As a mother herself, she deeply understands the profound concern parents hold for the health of their children, and she shares the common desire of many parents to seek natural remedies and approaches. Dr. McCarthy also acknowledges the responsibility many individuals feel in providing care for their aging parents, which fuels her commitment to advocating for complementary health practices for seniors. Her extensive experience in administering Naturopathic Medicine to patients, as well as addressing the health issues of her own family, positions Dr. McCarthy to offer invaluable counsel and support.

Expanding beyond family health, Dr. McCarthy’s expertise extends to addressing a diverse range of health matters for individuals of all ages. Her particular areas of interest and proficiency encompass:

  • Offering solutions for behavioural concerns in children
  • Assisting seniors in achieving improved aging, increased energy, and overall well-being
  • Implementing biotherapeutic drainage to reduce individuals’ toxic load
  • Providing treatment for digestive ailments
  • Utilizing the Bowen Technique to facilitate healing for pain and various injuries, including concussions

Dr. McCarthy’s legacy as a dedicated advocate for holistic wellness and an accomplished Naturopathic Doctor ensures that her patients receive comprehensive support and guidance towards optimal health.

Education: 

Licensure: 

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy 🇬🇧

Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor who has been...

Headshot of a smiling woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing a rust-colored sweater and a heart-shaped pendant necklace.

Dr. Olivia Wiebe 🇬🇧

Position: Acupuncture, Herbalism
Categories: Acupuncture, Anxiety, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Electrostimulation, Emotional Health, Facial Cupping, Facial Rejuvenation, Gua Sha, Headaches & Migraines, Herbal Medicine, Hormonal Health, Hot Flashes, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Menopause, Moxibustion, Pain Management, Pregnancy, Stress, Women's Health
Location: Alberta

Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a compassionate and holistic approach to wellness. Graduating from MacEwan University in 2017 with a diploma in Acupuncture, Olivia’s journey into this ancient healing practice began during her high school years, where she first experienced its transformative effects. This initial exposure led her to a profound understanding of the body’s complex interplay with lifestyle and environment, shaping her therapeutic approach.

Equipped with deep knowledge in yin/yang theory, 5-element theory, meridian channels, and organ diagnosis, Olivia views health as a harmonious balance between physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Her commitment to expanding her expertise led her to pursue an additional 2.5 years of study in Chinese Herbology at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. This rigorous training, coupled with her experience in Western Herbology, has enabled her to integrate a rich tapestry of herbal wisdom into her practice.

Olivia’s therapeutic focus includes alleviating aches and pains, addressing insomnia, stress, and anxiety, and enhancing women’s health, among other areas. She is passionate about assisting her patients in every step of their healing journey, regardless of their familiarity with Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Olivia is an avid nature enthusiast, often found embracing the tranquility of the river valley or indulging in forest bathing with her beloved dog. She is also a skilled pianist, classically trained through the Royal Conservatory, and has shared her love for music by teaching piano lessons for over a decade.

At our clinic, Olivia Wiebe stands as a testament to the power of integrative care, combining her rich knowledge of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a deep-rooted passion for natural healing. Whether you are new to Acupuncture or seeking advanced care, Olivia welcomes all questions and looks forward to guiding you on your path to wellness.

Education

  • Diploma of Acupuncture, MacEwan University

Certifications/Licensure

  • Registered Acupuncturist – College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Headshot of a smiling woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing a rust-colored sweater and a heart-shaped pendant necklace.

Dr. Olivia Wiebe 🇬🇧

Acupuncture, Herbalism

Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional...

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