bernadette britton

Bernadette Britton
Acupuncturist - Independent Contractor

HBA, BEd., RAc.

Acupuncture
Scalp Acupuncture
Auricular Acupuncture
Tuina Massage
Cupping Therapy
Gua Sha
Electro-Acupuncture
TDP Lamp (Heat/Infrared Light Therapy)
Moxibustion

Bernadette graduated with Honours from Georgian College’s Advanced Acupuncture Diploma Program in 2020. She is a registered Acupuncturist with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario. She is passionate about Traditional Chinese Medicine with a holistic approach to patient care.

Bernadette has a wide range of treatment modalities in the areas of Tuina Massage, Cupping, Gua Sha, Electro-Acupuncture, TDP Lamp Therapy, Moxibustion, Scalp Acupuncture and Auricular Acupuncture.

She has experience with treating a variety of health conditions incorporating the use of filiform needles and other modalities. These include and are not limited to:

• Acute and Chronic Pain Management

• Mental-Emotional: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Stress Management

• Respiratory: Asthma, Sinusitis, Common Cold, Rhinitis, Sore Throat, Bronchitis

• Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders: Muscle Pain and Weakness, Sciatica, Arthritis, Back Pain, Headaches and Migraines, Stroke, Trigeminal Neuralgia (TMJ), Fibromyalgia, Sports Injuries, Tendonitis, Neuropathy, Post-Operative Pain

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gastritis, Acid Reflux, Constipation and Diarrhea, Bloating

• Gynecological & Women’s Health: PMS, Menorrhagia, Dysmenorrhea, Metrorrhagia, Light or Infrequent Menstruation, Migraines, Breast Tenderness

• Men’s Health: Libido, Erectile Dysfunction

When Bernadette is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, traveling, photography, painting, and gardening.

How to prepare for your first visit:

Before your initial visit you will be asked to complete an intake form that addresses your health history, medication, main concern, along with a consent form. You are asked to not come in on an empty stomach which will help avoid dizziness and light headedness during or after treatment.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR INTAKE & CONSENT DOCUMENT

Your initial visit is approximately 90 minutes. During this visit we will review your intake form and I will ask thorough questions about your health. I will check your pulse and view your tongue to help identify which organs are being affected, giving me a deeper understanding of your constitution. I will discuss a TCM treatment plan with you, detailing how often you will need to return for treatment, stretching or movement exercises, diet changes, and any other treatment specific needs for the patient.

Follow-up visits:

These treatments vary in length (30, 45, 60 minutes) and available to patients who have been seen for an initial assessment. Treatment times vary based on the needs of the patient, the treatment plan discussed with the initial assessment, and modified based on post treatment results. Treatment includes a follow-up discussion and treatment. Pulse and tongue are checked. Acupuncture treatment in addition to other modalities are used throughout the appointment.

Treatments:

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been around for over 2,500 years. It’s used to promote balance, well-being, and treat various health conditions. Factors such as stress, lifestyle behaviours, environmental factors, and constitution can affect the body by causing stagnation of both Qi and Blood. With the use of filiform needles into 365 specific points on the body it helps activate Qi (energy) and improve circulation within the body.

Cupping:

Cupping is a technique that suctions the skin, layers of muscle, and connective tissue (fascia) causing these layers to be lightly drawn into the cup. The suction and negative pressure that is created through cupping improves the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood, improves circulation, loosens muscles, activates the lymphatic system, releases toxins, and sedates the nervous system. Cupping leaves a residual redness to the skin known as Petechiae, a therapeutic response to the treatment, that usually fades within a few days.

Tuina Massage:

Tuina translates to “push or grasp” a therapeutic form of massage from China dating back thousands of years. This form of therapy is beneficial for both acute and chronic conditions. Tuina aids in the healing process by improving the movement of Qi and Blood on specific points of the body, meridians, and as well as muscles and tendons. With the use of techniques such as kneading, rolling, vibration, pressing and shaking, Tuina helps remove blockages and decrease pain throughout the body. This technique is beneficial for reducing pain and alleviating stress related disorders.

Gua Sha:

Gua Sha, also known as skin scraping, is a therapy widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Like cupping therapy, Gua Sha helps to improve circulation of Qi and Blood, decreases inflammation and boosts the immune system to promote healing. It is often used to treat cold and flu symptoms, body aches and pain. It can also relieve tension in the face, reduce inflammation and puffiness, and relieve sinus pressure. Gua Sha leaves a residual redness to the skin known as Petechiae, a therapeutic response to the treatment, that usually fades within a few days.

Electro-Acupuncture:

Electro-Acupuncture uses filiform needles in specific points of the body or along meridians and stimulated with a gentle electrical current. It’s beneficial to those with acute and chronic pain, muscle strain, neuropathy, and repetitive use injuries.

TDP Lamp (Heat/Infrared Light Therapy):

Far Infrared heat therapy is used in TCM therapy to loosen connective tissue (fascia) and increase circulation of Qi and Blood. This form of therapy is beneficial for warming purposes related to women’s health, muscle relaxation and pain relief, joint pain and stiffness, by directing heat deep into the tissues of the body, increasing the healing benefits for the patient.

Moxibustion:

Moxibustion is a TCM technique that involves the burning of mugwort to promote healing, stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood, and to warm the body. Patients will feel a warm sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, offering long-lasting results.

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