Pain Management Edmonton: Acupuncture, Massage Therapy & Functional Medicine

Helping 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.

Michelle provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

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. 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.

Yoko provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education:

• Diploma of Acupuncture, Hanada College, Tokyo, Japan

Licensure:

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

Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English |  🇯🇵 – Japanese

Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor with nearly two decades of experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Since graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004, she has served the communities of Ottawa and Edmonton, offering comprehensive solutions to diverse health concerns. Her extensive background includes roles in the regulation of natural health products at Health Canada, serving as a health advisor and physiology instructor at the Guanacaste Waldorf School in Costa Rica, and administering advanced naturopathic care in clinical practice. Currently, Dr. McCarthy resides in Edmonton’s west-end community of Rio Terrace with her husband and three children.

Dr. McCarthy’s practice emphasizes empowering patients with natural, evidence-based solutions to achieve optimal health. She is particularly passionate about addressing hormone health, leveraging advanced Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) training through Worldlink Medical to provide individualized care plans for patients navigating menopause, perimenopause, and hormone imbalances. Her focus in this area complements her broader dedication to family health and holistic wellness.

As a mother, Dr. McCarthy understands the deep concerns parents have for their children’s well-being and the desire to find natural, effective remedies. She also recognizes the challenges of caring for aging parents, inspiring her commitment to complementary health practices that support seniors in achieving energy, vitality, and improved aging. Her clinical experience treating a wide range of patients and managing the health needs of her own family enables her to offer empathetic, practical guidance.

In addition to her focus on hormone health and family well-being, Dr. McCarthy’s areas of interest include:

• Supporting children with behavioral concerns through natural and integrative approaches
• Assisting seniors in achieving improved energy, vitality, and overall wellness
• Implementing biotherapeutic drainage to reduce toxic load and support detoxification
• Treating digestive health concerns to improve gut function and overall health
• Utilizing the Bowen Technique for pain relief and recovery from injuries, including concussions

At Red Leaf Wellness, Dr. McCarthy provides a comprehensive, individualized approach to care, ensuring her patients feel supported in their journey to better health. Her dedication to holistic wellness and advanced hormone health training ensures her patients receive the most current, integrative care.

Lorraine provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education: 

• Naturopathic Doctor, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
• Worldlink Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Coursework

Licensure: 

• Registered Naturopathic Doctor, College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta

Jennifer Steed is a highly experienced and empathetic Registered Massage Therapist passionate about supporting her clients’ journeys toward wellness. With over 30 years in the wellness industry, Jennifer brings a deep commitment to creating a healing environment that honors both body and mind. Trained at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Vancouver, she has practiced in a variety of settings, from clinics to gyms, offering specialized treatments in Manual Lymph Drainage (particularly for the upper body), pre and post-natal massage, and stress relief. Jennifer’s practice is rooted in a mindful approach, integrating guided breathwork and presence techniques to help clients unwind on a deeper level and reset their central nervous systems.

Jennifer’s dedication to holistic well-being extends beyond her clinical practice. She believes in the powerful connection between mental and physical health, a conviction shaped by her own journey through mental health challenges and significant personal losses. This path has strengthened her understanding of trauma, resilience, and the essential role of compassion in recovery. Jennifer’s unique blend of techniques, including Trager-inspired rocking movements, offers clients a deeply transformative experience that addresses the physical while nurturing the mental and emotional aspects of wellness.

Beyond her work at Red Leaf Wellness, Jennifer enjoys a life immersed in spiritual growth, yoga, and meditation. She is energized by nature, often taking long walks in Edmonton’s river valley, and has a keen interest in mindful living, travel, and the Spanish language.

Jennifer provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education:

• Registered Massage Therapist – West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Vancouver
• Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) – Over 20 years of experience, including organizing and facilitating yoga retreats
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T) – Completed in 2019
• Nutrition Certification – Institute of Integrative Nutrition

Licensure: 

• Natural Health Practitioner Canada / NHPC (RMT)

Dr. Jason Kossowan is a dedicated and licensed Doctor of Acupuncture with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta, and a distinguished graduate of the Acupuncture program at MacEwan University. Jason’s path to healthcare began with his passion for Chinese martial arts, especially tai chi, which he has practiced since 2005. His journey in martial arts led to a profound appreciation for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and a desire to integrate these classical techniques into solutions for modern health challenges.

Jason is particularly drawn to the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological conditions, as well as sports medicine, where he combines precision with a deep respect for the body’s natural healing processes. His approach is integrative and patient-centered, focusing on meaningful outcomes and a collaborative model of care that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives.

At Red Leaf Wellness, Jason is committed to creating a therapeutic experience that respects the body’s innate wisdom and adaptability. He actively engages patients through tailored treatment plans that address their unique needs, while also exploring the broader health benefits of TCM practices.

Outside the clinic, you can find Jason refining his tai chi practice or enjoying a board game—especially the cooperative ones that bring people together.

Jason provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education

• Diploma of Acupuncture, MacEwan University

Certifications/Licensure

• Registered Acupuncturist – College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)

Empowering individuals to achieve optimal health is at the heart of Dr. Amira Abdelaziz’s practice. As an Ontario-based Naturopathic Doctor, she combines evidence-informed care with a personalized approach to address each patient’s unique health journey. Her expertise spans women’s health, metabolic conditions, hormonal balance, and mental wellness, tailoring solutions that restore vitality, balance, and resilience.

Dr. Abdelaziz believes in integrating modern naturopathic principles with traditional modalities, including Chinese medicine, herbal therapies, and orthomolecular science. Whether supporting patients through fertility challenges, managing chronic health concerns, or enhancing mental resilience, her approach ensures care is as individualized as it is effective.

With an educational background that includes a Doctor of Naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, an MSc in Healthcare Management from the Arab Academy for Science, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Cairo University, Dr. Abdelaziz brings a well-rounded perspective to her practice. Her earlier experiences in dentistry and healthcare quality management enrich her holistic understanding of patient care.

Fluent in Arabic, English, and proficient in Turkish, she connects with patients from diverse backgrounds, offering culturally sensitive, patient-centered care. Dr. Abdelaziz is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor under the College of Naturopaths of Ontario and an active member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

In her personal time, she recharges by hiking, strength training, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography, practices that mirror her commitment to balance and well-being.

Amira provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Education:

• Doctor of Naturopathy, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 2022
• MSc in Healthcare Management and Logistics, Arab Academy for Science
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Cairo University

Licensure:

• Registered Naturopathic Doctor, College of Naturopaths of Ontario
• Member, Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
• Member, Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

Dan Jin, PhD, RAc is a skilled and compassionate Registered Acupuncturist who brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and holistic healing to her practice. Originally trained as a biomedical researcher, Dan holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Alberta, where her work focused on the genetic, chemical, and therapeutic potential of cannabis for neurological conditions.

Her journey to acupuncture began after experiencing its transformative effects firsthand. Inspired by its ability to relieve suffering and improve well-being, Dan made the courageous decision to change careers and pursue formal training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture. She is currently completing her final year of studies at MacEwan University, maintaining an outstanding academic record while gaining hands-on clinical experience treating pain, anxiety, insomnia, digestive concerns, and more.

Patients value Dan’s thoughtful, evidence-informed approach, as well as her deep respect for the body’s innate ability to heal. She is particularly passionate about helping people find relief from pain and stress-related conditions, drawing on both the ancient wisdom of TCM and her strong foundation in modern medical research.

At Red Leaf Wellness, Dan joins the team as an independent Registered Acupuncturist, offering treatments that align with our integrative, patient-centered philosophy. She looks forward to serving the community by helping patients achieve balance, reduce discomfort, and improve their quality of life through acupuncture and holistic care.

Dan provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.

Lee-Anne Cunanan is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from Makami College’s 3000 hour Advanced Massage Therapy program. Since beginning her practice, she has focused on delivering thoughtful, client centered care that supports pain relief, mobility, relaxation, and long term wellness.

Her clinical approach blends therapeutic massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to address common musculoskeletal concerns such as chronic tension, postural strain, and stress related discomfort. Lee-Anne believes the body functions as an interconnected system, which led her to further her education in Manual Osteopathy at the Manual Osteopathic College of Canada. This additional training allows her to incorporate a whole body perspective into her treatments, supporting structural balance and improved overall function.

Throughout her career, Lee-Anne has worked in collaborative environments alongside manual osteopaths, acupuncturists, Reiki practitioners, and counsellors. She values integrated care and understands the strong relationship between physical tension and mental well being. Her treatments are tailored, attentive, and grounded in open communication so clients feel heard, supported, and comfortable.

Outside of her practice, Lee-Anne is also a professional cook. She began her culinary career at the Fairmont Banff Springs as an apprentice cook and currently works at Braven restaurant, where she has trained across multiple stations including garde manger and grill. Her experience in high performance kitchens has strengthened her discipline, attention to detail, and ability to stay calm under pressure. She continues to expand her skills in butchery and handmade pasta, bringing the same dedication and craftsmanship to both her culinary and therapeutic work.

Lee-Anne is passionate about helping people feel their best and supporting them in reaching their wellness goals. She looks forward to welcoming both new and returning clients into her care.

Lee-Anne provides care at Red Leaf Wellness as an independent contractor.