Acupuncture Services Edmonton2023-01-17T03:56:25+00:00

Edmonton Acupuncture

Therapist places acupuncture needles in patient's backRed Leaf Wellness offers a variety of acupuncture services in the Edmonton area. We provide whole health, functional, and alternative medicine strategies by blending the best of ancient Eastern healing with modern Western medicine.

For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used for evaluating, diagnosing, and effectively treating a wide variety of health conditions. Our registered Edmonton acupuncturists offer traditional acupuncture care as well as highly specialized treatment for stress management, female wellness, men’s health, weight loss, digestive issues, chronic and acute pain management, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Keep reading to learn more about the acupuncture services that Red Leaf Wellness offers clients in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient method of medicine that uses the body’s energy or Qi (chee) to treat conditions such as pain, dizziness, nausea, chronic conditions, post-stroke paralysis, and more.

Along with treating ailments and injuries, acupuncture is also used as an overall wellness technique to give you more energy, treat depression, and reduce stress.

Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles placed in specific locations around the body to manipulate that energy. The acupuncturist determines where to place the needles based on your symptoms and unique wellness needs.

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress by calming the nervous system. This not only lowers stress during the treatment but better prepares you to deal with stress in your daily life.

Acupuncture can also give you an energy boost in the hours, days, and even weeks following your treatment. Because acupuncture is a relaxing experience it can better prepare your body for sleep, helping those who suffer from insomnia and other sleep-related issues.

Here are some other amazing benefits you can experience from acupuncture treatment:

  • Immune System Boost: Acupuncture helps to strengthen your immune system and aids in preventing illness and healing injuries.
  • Headache Relief: Acupuncture is widely used as a treatment for migraines and tension headaches because it dilates the blood vessels to help increase blood flow around the body.
  • Improved Self-Awareness: Not all the benefits of acupuncture are physical! It can also broaden your awareness of the connection between your mind and your body.

Get the Most Out of Your Edmonton Acupuncture Treatment

Before beginning your acupuncture treatment regime, you will meet with one of our experienced acupuncturists for an initial assessment.  During the assessment they will assess your overall health and determine which specific acupuncture points and methods will best suit your unique needs.

To prepare for your treatment session, be sure to eat approximately two hours before your appointment. If you don’t eat, you risk feeling lightheaded during the appointment. You should also avoid caffeine at least two hours before your appointment to avoid stimulating your nervous system.

Following your appointment you should stay hydrated by drinking water.

Acupuncture Edmonton FAQs

What is Acupuncture? What Does it Treat?2021-08-12T17:28:44+00:00

Acupuncture is an ancient method of medicine that uses the body’s energy or Qi (chee) to treat conditions such as pain, dizziness, nausea, chronic conditions, post-stroke paralysis, etc. Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles placed in specific locations around the body to manipulate that energy. There are acupuncture points all over the body, including the face and scalp. Where you will have needles placed will depend on your signs and symptoms. Other modalities used in treatment can include electrostimulation, gua sha, cupping, and “7 Star” needling.

Do I Need a Referral From My Regular Doctor To See An Acupuncturist? Will My Insurance Cover Acupuncture?2021-08-04T23:12:33+00:00

An acupuncturist is considered a primary care provider and a referral may or may not be required for insurance purposes. Many insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatment.

As a value-add we offer web-based insurance claim processing on your behalf for participating insurers.  In addition to convenience, having a direct link between us and your insurer leads to faster claims processing and increased accuracy.

Please note that while many insurance policies do cover acupuncture care, this office makes no representation that yours does. Insurance policies vary greatly in terms of patient eligibility, provider eligibility and percentage of coverage for acupuncture care. Because of the variance from one insurance policy to another, we require that you, the patient, be personally responsible for confirming eligibility and for the payment of any product or service fees not eligible for coverage.  It is your responsibility to research possibilities of any further reimbursement from your insurance company for any services or amounts denied.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?2021-08-04T23:12:28+00:00

The acupuncture treatments themselves typically do not hurt. Occasionally you will feel a pinching sensation as the needles are inserted, but most people do not feel anything. With the needles in place, you may feel pressure, tingling, aching, or a heavy sensation. This is called “de Qi” and is a desired response; it means your body is responding to the treatment and energy is moving. It is not expected to be uncomfortable or painful. If you do experience any pain or discomfort, advise your practitioner immediately, as your needles may need to be adjusted or removed.

Are There Any Side Effects to Acupuncture?2021-08-04T23:12:23+00:00

After an acupuncture treatment you will be advised to rest and drink extra water. Most people feel very relaxed and energized after an acupuncture treatment. On occasion you may experience a small bruise where a needle was inserted. This may present as an itching sensation after the needle is removed, and can be helped by applying pressure or ice for a few minutes after the treatment. If you experience any pain, large bruises, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness after an acupuncture treatment, advise your practitioner or doctor immediately.

What Can I Expect from An Acupuncture Treatment?2021-08-04T23:12:18+00:00

You will meet with your practitioner for an in-depth conversation about your signs and symptoms and your comprehensive health history. You may be asked some questions about your diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Depending on your condition, your practitioner may ask you to lie down on a treatment table and any insertion sites will be cleaned with alcohol.  After inserting  the needles we leave you to rest for 15 to 30 minutes, but may return for occasional adjustment of the needles.  You may receive other treatments such as gua sha or moxibustion at the same time as acupuncture. Undressing is seldom necessary for acupuncture treatments but you should wear loose, comfortable clothes that provide easy access to your knees and elbows.

If you are receiving an herbal formula, your practitioner will explain the formula to you, ask you questions about food and medication allergies, and explain the different pricing options.

At the end of the treatment, your practioner will discuss your treatment plan, which includes any herbal formulas you may receive, nutritional advice, and the plan for your continuing acupuncture treatments.

Are There Any Reasons Why I Should Not Be Treated with Acupuncture?2021-08-04T23:12:13+00:00

While there are no contraindications to receiving acupuncture or other TCM treatment modalities, there may be certain conditions or circumstances that may prevent you from receiving a treatment today. Some conditions may mean that certain acupuncture points or treatments are cautioned or contraindicated, and your treatment plan will be adjusted accordingly. It is important to eat a small meal prior to your acupuncture treatment. If you have not eaten, your practitioner may require you to eat a snack prior to treatment.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please notify your practitioner immediately. Most acupuncture points are safe to use during pregnancy, but there are a few points that are avoided as a precaution.

Are Acupuncture results guaranteed?2022-01-05T23:29:22+00:00

The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it helpful as a means to control a variety of painful conditions. Though the concept of holistic healing methods is difficult for some to explain or comprehend, a growing body of evidence is documenting empirical results from the medical practice. Recent research has reinforced acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating sports injuries, pain management, insomnia, anxiety, depression, migraines, arthritis and infertility.

While acupuncture has been used effectively for thousands of years, its effectiveness is often patient specific, and may be influenced by several factors including whether the care was provided by a registered and experienced acupuncturist, the quality of the treatment plan, the number of treatments, and compliance with any additional lifestyle, herbal, and/or dietary recommendations from your acupuncturist. At Red Leaf Wellness we prefer to work closely with your primary care physician, or other medical specialists, to ensure your treatment plan fully considers the recommendations and advice of the rest of your personal healthcare team.

You understand that results are never guaranteed, but that your chances of successful treatment may be increased by providing a fulsome medical history and also by taking an active part in your health journey.

Specialists on our Team:

Tammy Lalonde, CEO and Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Tammy Lalonde

Position: CEO, Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Categories: Acupuncture, Addictions, Administration, Allergies, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Anxiety, Auto-Immune Health, Back Pain, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), 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, Herbal Medicine, HIV and AIDS, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Lupus, Men's Health, Menopause, Migraines, 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, Transgender and Non-Binary Health, Vasculitis, Whiplash, Women's Health

Caring for people is my passion and one of the greatest callings life has to offer.  I am a seasoned Paramedic and Acupuncturist with extensive experience assisting patients as they cope with obvious and invisible injuries. I have been there for those in desperate medical, psychological or traumatic situations, delivered beautiful babies in vehicles parked along the side of the road, and administered care in such odd locations as on a domestic airliner at 30,000 feet or when flying emergency medevacs over Arabian desertscapes. I know full well how to care for those in true crisis but have also witnessed so many more whose illnesses and injuries could be traced back to their treatment of the body as a whole, whether through their diet, fitness levels, or neglect. As my career has evolved, so has my focus, which has shifted to helping a greater number of people early on to prevent minor issues from evolving into larger and costlier illnesses.  In my practice I have found a niche offering by pairing these strengths in emergency care and women’s health with the respected skills and techniques from top practitioners in oriental medicine. All care is focused on returning the body, mind, and spirit to a whole.

My academic preparation closely incorporates oriental medicine with Western healthcare. My passions build on natural strengths in highly stressful complex interactions, care management, and treatment of anxiety, depression and PTSD – particularly amongst Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. Within North America and the Middle East I have enjoyed a long standing career as a respected clinician, clinical educator, fire and emergency medical dispatcher.  I hold active licensure/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).  I am a past Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and a present 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
CEO, Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Dr. Tammy Lalonde

Caring for people is my passion and one of the...

Dr. Seyed Abtahi, Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Seyed Abtahi

Position: Acupuncturist
Categories: Acupuncture, Allergies, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Anxiety, Back Pain, Bells Palsy, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Inflammatory Disease, Chronic Pain, Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), Cupping, Dementia, Diabetes, Electrostimulation, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Gua Sha, Guillain-Barre, HIV and AIDS, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Lupus, Men's Health, Migraines, Moxibustion, Multiple Sclerosis, Musculoskeletal, Myasthenia Gravis, Neurological Health, Pain Management, Parkinsons, Post-Covid Syndrome, Prostatitis, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Seniors Health, Sensory Disorders, Sexual Dysfunction, Shingles, Soft Tissue Injury, Speech Disorders, Sports Injury, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thyroid Disorders, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Vasculitis, Whiplash

Dr. Abtahi is a well-respected and sought-after clinician who firmly believes that the greatest personal wealth an individual can have is good health. In his clinical practice, Seyed is known for addressing highly complex medical conditions with a gentle, empathetic, soft touch, and also for taking the time to translate into simple terms what may be going within each body system. His focus is on helping patients not only understand why discomfort and disease manifest in convoluted ways, but also in helping them develop balanced and holistic treatment plans to better guide their health journey.

Seyed is an avid life-long learner and researcher, always striving to understand the evolving intersections of classical Eastern and modern Western medicine. There is no doubt he has deep expertise in the delivery of complex care – he was a distinguished faculty member for several Universities and academic institutions in Iran, where he leveraged his graduate anesthesia and pain management studies to develop and deliver course curriculums for future generations of clinicians. He lectured widely on topics such as the pathophysiology of medical diseases, intensive care, pediatric and gynecological disorders and medical surgical needs. It was during this tenure that Seyed also discovered a natural curiosity for complementary medicine, as he was able to see the profound impacts it would have on helping people reach better levels of physical, mental and spiritual fitness.

His professional interests tend towards a broad spectrum of ailments, including chronic pain management, musculoskeletal pain, general health, digestive disorders, stress management, functional disorders, insomnia, emotional and psychological disorders, gynecological issues and auto-immune disease, among others. Seyed likes to incorporate different modalities to help his patients including acupressure, tuina (Chinese massage), gua sha, moxibustion, electro-stimulation, cupping, scalp and ear acupuncture.

Seyed holds a Master of Science degree in Anesthesia, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. He is an honors graduate of the Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture program at Reeves College and is fully qualified with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA). He is also a certified Su Jok Acupuncturist from the International Su Jok Academy, which is a highly specialized style of Korean acupuncture with a unique focus on those treatment patterns involving the palm and foot.


Education:

  • Master of Science (MSc) in Anesthesia, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
  • Diploma of Acupuncture (Dipl.Ac), Reeves College
  • Certificate of Su Jok Acupuncture, International Su Jok Therapy Association, Su Jok Academy
  • Certificate CPR Level C – AED, HCP from Canadian Red Cross

Licensure:

  • RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of
    Alberta (CAAA)
Dr. Seyed Abtahi, Registered Acupuncturist
Acupuncturist

Dr. Seyed Abtahi

Dr. Abtahi is a well-respected and sought-after clinician who firmly...

Dr. Michell Winton, Registered Acupuncturist

Michelle Winton

Position: Acupuncturist & Massage Therapist
Categories: Acupuncture, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Back Pain, Cardiovascular Health, Chronic Pain, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Cupping, Cupping, Depression, Digestive Health, Electrostimulation, Gua Sha, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Lymphatic Drainage, Massage Therapy, Migraines, 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

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.

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
Acupuncturist & Massage Therapist

Michelle Winton

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

Yoko Masuda, Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Yoko Masuda

Position: Acupuncturist
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, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Menopause, Migraines, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Post-Covid Syndrome, PTSD, Sciatica, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), Thermie (Tiger), Whiplash

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 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)
Yoko Masuda, Registered Acupuncturist
Acupuncturist

Dr. Yoko Masuda

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

DR.CIARA BUCHAN

Dr. Ciara Moynihan

Position: Acupuncturist & Reiki
Categories: Acupuncture, Amputation (Phantom Limb), Anxiety, Back Pain, Cardiovascular Health, Chronic Pain, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Cupping, Cycle Health and PMS, Depression, Digestive Health, Electrostimulation, Facial Cupping, Facial Rejuvenation, Gua Sha, Insomnia and Sleep Health, Menopause, Migraines, Moxibustion, Musculoskeletal, Pain Management, Pediatric Acupuncture, PTSD, Reiki, Respiratory Health, Sciatica, Soft Tissue Injury, Sports Injury, Stress, Whiplash

In a world that is constantly moving, in which we continually push ourselves to achieve more, do more, and be more, Dr. Moynihan believes that a gentler approach with ourselves and our bodies will achieve an overall greater well-being, and that all else flows from there. Acupuncture is the modality she uses to help people explore and heal deeper issues within their bodies, opening up their capacity to truly thrive.

After working in the health and fitness industry as a Personal Fitness Trainer for many years, Dr. Moynihan bore witness to the many patterns of roadblocks that clients can face in their quest for wellness. Working closely with her clients’ bodies for years she observed the undeniable and powerful energy the body has. This insight, coupled with her innate desire to help others attain a deeper level of physical, emotional, and mental healing, led her to become a certified Reiki Practitioner, Crystal Healer and Doctor of Acupuncture.

Dr. Moynihan is widely known for her therapeutic touch, gentleness and compassionate approach. Her main treatment goal is to create an environment where all her clients feel comfortable, and have an understanding of what is occurring within their body and why. Accomplished in the art of traditional Chinese medicine, she is able to assist with a myriad of ailments and disease states such as pain management, digestion, insomnia, and anxiety. Dr. Moynihan has completed additional highly specialized, Cosmetic and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture training from leading Oriental Medicine practitioners, and has also attained Subconscious Imprinting certification. Subconscious Imprinting Technique is one of the most effective ways to discover and remove subconscious beliefs, decisions and patterns that are negatively influencing your health, relationships, and the way you show up in your life.


Education:

  • Diploma of Acupuncture (Dipl.Ac) Reeves College

Licensure:

  • RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
DR.CIARA BUCHAN
Acupuncturist & Reiki

Dr. Ciara Moynihan

In a world that is constantly moving, in which we...

Are You Ready to Start Your Health and Wellness Journey?

Located in the Westmount neighbourhood in central Edmonton, Red Leaf Wellness is an integrative wellness clinic that offers whole health, functional, and alternative medicine strategies tailored to your unique needs.

Acupuncture is just one of the many services offered by our knowledgeable and highly-trained staff. We can provide you with treatment options that can make a lasting and positive impact on your overall health through acupuncture as well as our other health and wellness services.

Are you ready to give acupuncture a try to address your pain and discomfort? 

Bring balance into your life. Choose a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Schedule an appointment today and let Red Leaf Wellness partner with you on your wellness journey!

Click here to view our savings packages!

Go to Top