Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is an ancient system of healing that has been practiced for thousands of years in China and other East Asian countries. According to TCM principles, the body is traversed by a network of pathways called meridians or channels, through which vital energy, known as Qi, flows. The balance and smooth flow of Qi are essential... Read More

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is an ancient system of healing that has been practiced for thousands of years in China and other East Asian countries. According to TCM principles, the body is traversed by a network of pathways called meridians or channels, through which vital energy, known as Qi, flows. The balance and smooth flow of Qi are essential for maintaining good health, while disruptions in this flow lead to various health issues.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of filiform needles into specific points along the body's meridians. The goal of acupuncture is to regulate and balance the flow of Qi, thus promoting harmony and well-being. Acupuncture points correspond to specific organs and functions within the body.

From a TCM perspective, the insertion of needles at these acupuncture points stimulates and regulates the flow of Qi, helping to restore balance and alleviate symptoms of illness. The theory behind acupuncture also includes the concept of Yin and Yang, two opposing forces that need to be in balance for optimal health. Imbalances in Yin and Yang are thought to contribute to disease, and acupuncture is one way to address these imbalances.

Acupuncture is commonly used in TCM to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, digestive disorders, respiratory issues, and emotional imbalances. It is considered a holistic approach to healthcare, aiming not only to address specific symptoms but addressing the root causes of disease and dysfunction to enhance the overall well-being of the individual by restoring the body's natural balance and healing capabilities.

Acupuncture treatments may include a combination of needling, fire cupping, cupping over needles, wet cupping, auricular acupuncture, auricular acupressure, TDP (heat) lamp, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, guasha, tuina massage and other techniques as needed. All modalities will be explained thoroughly at the time of your intake.

Acupuncture is a regulated health profession governed by the Alberta Health Professions Act and regulated by the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta.


Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and heal... Read More

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

I use a hands on approach during Reiki sessions, however, if a client prefers, I can also perform Reiki with my hands off hovering just slightly above the body. Clients have clothes on during Reiki only sessions. If you are adding Reiki to your acupuncture treatments, Reiki will be performed while the patient is covered in a blanket.

Reiki sessions may include Chakra Balancing, Crystal Healing and Vibrational Healing. Essential oils are intuitively chosen and custom blended for your session to support your healing. Crystals and tuning forks that are used for your session are intuitively chosen to best support your healing.

Reiki is not a regulated practice in the province of Alberta.


Free Consultation & FAQ

Are you wondering what acupuncture is all about? Are you wondering if it will help you? Acupuncture can help with a wide variety of health complaints both mental and physical. Are you curious about what additional modalities we use in an acupuncture treatment? These consultation appointments are a great way to determine if you want to book in for a comprehensive intake and treatment.

My name is Lisa Cardinal Dr. Ac. and I am a practitioner of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reflexology, and Reiki. I am the wife of an elementary assistant principal, mother of three ranging from 10 to 28 years old, and grandmother to a 7-year-old. I have strong ties to the community and through my past career, culture, husband, and kids I am involved in many school, extracurricular, community, and cultural activities.

For many years I prioritized myself last, experiencing cycle after cycle of working myself into the ground until I burned out - completely exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally. My plate was constantly overflowing, so, naturally I would add more plates – juggling plates, adding more on the plates, and then adding more plates to juggle until they all came crashing down. I never learned that rest and restorative health were things that people needed in order to manage their family, career, and recreation. I was under the impression that only the weak required down time - that success meant sacrificing everything. So the cycle continued, over and over – until one day, I didn’t recover. For over 10 years I struggled with severe autoimmune symptoms, chronic pain and inflammation, severe fatigue, psychoemotional disorders, and complete disability. I aged very rapidly. I aged 25 years in only 10. My physician was at a loss. I no longer recognised the person I saw in the mirror.

After little success with our health system I found recovery in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Once I started my healing journey I made leaps and bounds in my recovery. As I recover physically and mentally, I’ve noticed significant differences in my mind, body and spirit - I’m returning to who I was, only this time stronger and wiser. This led me to return to university to study Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and upon graduation focus on helping people start the journey to regain their lives - understanding that balance between the mind and body are critical to healing. One can’t heal without the other.

I studied Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine at MacEwan University, Reflexology at Universal College of Reflexology and Banyan Thai Massage Academy, and Reiki & Energy Healing at Sacred Wellness School of Healing Arts. I continue to spend a few hours weekly observing and deepening my knowledge of Chinese Medicine at Bethune Oriental Medicine Centre in Edmonton.

Outside of our busy work and school schedules, we unplug and cherish quality time with our family and friends and enjoy creating new memories and experiencing new things together. We also enjoy playing board games - some of our recent favourites are Throw, Throw Burrito, Happy Little Dinosaurs, and Poetry for Neanderthals.

I look forward to meeting you and working together towards health, abundance, and happiness! <3

​”The best and most efficient pharmacy is within your own system.” Robert C. Peale

​ “Healing yourself is connected with healing others.” Yoko Ono

“药 补 不 如 食 补”

“yào bǔ bù rú shí bǔ”

“Cure by food is better than cure by medicine.”

My name is Lisa Cardinal Dr. Ac. and I am a practitioner of Acupuncture &amp; Traditional Chines... Read More

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