ACUPUNCTURE
Yoga Mamas offers Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture. TCM Acupuncture is a relaxing and healing treatment used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions. We offer acupuncture to support all journeys in life;
  • Fertility acupunture
  • Pregnancy acupuncture
  • Postpartum acupuncture
  • Perimenopause acupunture
  • ​and acupuncture for everyday issues including stress, insomnia, anxiety and more.
​Our experienced Registered Acupuncturists use extremely fine needles in specific points on the body. This balances the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture can restore and rebalance energy flow. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and drug free option for health and wellness.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
  • Benefits of Fertility Acupuncture
    • Miscarriage prevention
    • Polycystic ovary syndrome     
    • Managing stress levels
    • Balancing hormones
    • Anxiety & depression
    • Hypothyroidism
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Embryo transfer
    • Pelvic inflammatory disease
    Fertility Acupuncture
    Starting acupuncture early on your path to conception is beneficial for gently balancing the body, calming the mind, and creating the optimal environment for conception. Acupuncture has been proven to increase fertility, aid conception, decrease rates of miscarriage, and enhance the effectiveness of other fertility treatments.

    Treatments at Yoga Mamas wellness clinic with a Registered Acupuncturist will not only incorporate acupuncture, but also dietary and lifestyle advice for best results. Our team works with clients to support various fertility treatments such as IUI and IVF retrievals and transfers.

    How can acupuncture help with fertility?
    Acupuncture helps by improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, reducing inflammation, reducing stress, improving sleep, and calming the mind. Acupuncture can also address specific concerns related to fertility like PCOS, endometriosis, and anovulation, among others. 

    Who should consider acupuncture for fertility?
    Those trying to balance their cycles to improve their chances of natural conception, or for those who are undergoing medical fertility treatments, who have irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, PCOS, history of miscarriage, anovulatory cycles or other diagnoses of sub fertility. 
  • Benefits of Prenatal Acupuncture:
    • Miscarriage prevention
    • Morning sickness 
    • Fatigue
    • Headaches
    • Heartburn
    • Constipation & Hemorrhoids
    • Anxiety & Depression
    • Sinusitis 
    • Pregnancy-induced hypertension
    • Insomnia
    • Edema (fluid retention)
    • Pain - musculoskeletal conditions
    • Vaginal itching
    • Breech & posterior positions
    • Cervical ripening & Induction 
    Prenatal Acupuncture
    Acupuncture is a safe and gentle way to successfully treat many common problems that may arise during pregnancy such as morning sickness, fatigue, aches and pains, and emotional imbalance.

    Acupuncture during pregnancy offers a drug free and side effect free alternative to managing their health and wellbeing. It can help treat pregnancy pain such as pelvic, lower back and rib pain, in addition to morning sickness and headaches. Acupuncture can help the body prepare for labour and delivery by shortening the labour process and reducing the need for medical interventions.

    Pregnancy Pain
    Acupuncture is safe, gentle, and effective in treating pain that may arise during pregnancy. By improving circulation, swelling and inflammation is reduced. Some of the most common aches and pains experienced in pregnancy are easily reduced through acupuncture:
    • Neck and upper back pain
    • Lower back and sciatica pain
    • Leg cramps
    • Rib pain
    • Pubic symphysis pain
    • Headaches and migraines
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome

    Study looking at efficacy of acupuncture in treatment of pelvic pain in pregnancy (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Elden+et+al.+2005+pelvic+pain+in+pregnancy)
    How Acupuncture Can Help By Trimester:

    1st Trimester
    Acupuncture can provide drug free relief to some of the most common complaints in early pregnancy, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches and fatigue.

    2nd Trimester
    During the second trimester, people experience a lot of changes in their body due to the growth of the baby. This can lead to back pain and the misalignment of posture. Acupuncture treatments can reduce or correct these conditions, and can also give relief from heartburn, hemorrhoids, anxiety and depression.

    3rd Trimester
    Acupuncture helps ease many of the discomforts of the 3rd trimester, such as back pain, sciatica, swelling, constipation, heartburn and insomnia. Acupuncture treatments can also gently prepare the body for labour by ripening the cervix and by teaching your body how to promote efficient contractions. Patients who get acupuncture throughout their pregnancy, especially the third trimester, report faster and less complicated deliveries.

    Breech Position
    Most babies turn to a head down position between weeks 28 and 32. If your baby hasn't turned by 33 weeks, Traditional Chinese Medicine has a reliable and non-invasive approach. Moxibustion is a process of burning a Chinese herb (dried mugwort) over an acupuncture point to encourage your baby to turn. The stick does not come in contact with the skin, but warms and stimulates the acupuncture point. These treatments change the mother's hormonal levels which cause the baby to increase its movements and rotate accordingly. During the appointment you will be instructed on how to perform this take home treatment.

    In a study by Cardini et al. in 1998, published in the journal of American Medication Association, the moxibustion group had a 75.4% turn rate in comparison to 47.7% in the control group. Most importantly, no side effects or adverse reactions have been noted in this study or any other similar study. See the full study here (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9820259.)
  • Labour Prep Acupuncture
    Pre labour acupuncture has been shown to reduce rates of medical induction, intervention and caesarean, result in faster and less painful labour and reduced levels of anxiety. Ideally starting at 36 weeks, receive weekly acupuncture until birth. Also called Cervical Ripening Treatment, the pre labour treatments focus on softening the cervix and preparing the pelvis for labour and delivery.
    How Chinese Medicine can Help
    A clinical study in New Zealand (Betts& Lennox, 2006) showed that giving women pre-birth acupuncture resulted in:
    • 35% reduction in medical inductions (43% reduction in women having their first baby)
    • 31% reduction in the epidurals
    • 32% reduction in emergency caesarean delivery
    • 9 % increase in normal vaginal births
    See the full study here (http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/media/cms_page_media/146/Prebirth%20Acupuncture.pdf)

    Labour Induction Acupuncture
    Acupuncture can be very effective option for women past their due dates or those with a planned medical induction. Acupuncture has been shown to be a safe, non-invasive and drug free method in preparing the body for labour as well as inducing labour. During the appointment you will be taught self-administered acupressure to continue to encourage the induction process.
  • Conditions that acupuncture can address for new mamas after birth are:
    • Stress
    • Mastitis
    • Insufficient lactation
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Night sweats
    • Blood loss
    • Fatigue
    • Afterpains
    Postnatal Acupuncture
    New mamas can enjoy a soothing and restorative acupuncture session in Yoga Mamas' beautiful treatment rooms. During your treatment you will be made cozy with blankets, candles and calming music.

    Traditional Chinese Medicine places great importance on caring for women after birth. It is an important time to heal and restore your energy for your own well being and for your ability to be present for your newborn.  Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help mothers recover from delivery. A quick recovery by the mother means the best care for her baby.
  • A pause from your busy day to be present with yourself and your healing.

    Calm your nervous system, lower cortisol levels, increase your happy hormones all in one session.

    Studies show that TCM acupuncture 
    • Increases circulation
    • Balances hormones and mood
    • Relaxes muscles
    • Releases natural pain relief
    • Relieves migraines and headaches
    • Reduces stress and calms anxiety
    • Helps with sleep and reduces insomnia
    • and more.
  • Benefits Of Cosmetic Acupuncture:
    • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
    • Increases collagen production
    • Gives face a healthy radiant glow
    • Improves muscle tone and integrity
    • Stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage
    • Improves overall health and wellness
    • Reduces signs of stress and aging
    • Creates physical and emotional wellness
    ​Cosmetic Acupuncture
    Cosmetic acupuncture (also known as facial rejuvenation acupuncture,) reduces premature aging naturally without surgical interference and with little pain or side effects. By inserting incredibly fine, disposable sterilized needles into specific points on the face, skin is stimulated creating a healing response from the body including the production of collagen.

    As we age, collagen in the skin naturally declines causing sagging, dullness and deepening of fine lines and wrinkles. By stimulating the production of collagen we can improve the structure and elasticity of the skin, plump up fine lines, and give the skin a healthy glow. 

    Every session begins with a discussion about lifestyle: sleep and stress, emotions and energy - looking at the internal issues that may be manifesting externally. All cosmetic acupuncture treatments have a holistic approach with additional acupuncture points along the body to address and target the root causes of imbalances.
  • Postnatal Acupuncture
    New mamas can enjoy a soothing and restorative acupuncture session in Yoga Mamas' beautiful treatment rooms. During your treatment you will be made cozy with blankets, candles and calming music. Traditional Chinese Medicine places great importance on caring for women after birth. It is an important time to heal and restore your energy for your own well being and for your ability to be present for your newborn.  Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help mothers recover from delivery. A quick recovery by the mother means the best care for her baby.

    Conditions that acupuncture can address for new mamas after birth are:
    • Stress
    • Mastitis
    • Insufficient lactation
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Night sweats
    • Blood loss
    • Fatigue
    • Afterpains
90 Min Initial Fertility Acupuncture 
$175
​75 Min Initial Acupuncture Consultation & Treatment
$150​
75 Min Initial Treatment for Breech Baby
$150​
​60 Min Follow-up Acupuncture Treatment
$115​
20 Min Complimentary Consultation
Free
HST is not charged on acupuncture services. Yoga Mamas acupuncture treatments are performed by a Registered Acupuncturist or Naturopathic Doctor. The cost of the appointment is billed under the practitioner's licence number and discipline. To determine if your health insurance covers the specific practitioner's discipline, we recommend checking with your insurance provider before booking an appointment.

Can't find an appointment? Email us at hello@yogamamas.co
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Yoga Mamas Acupuncture Room
INITIAL CONSULTATION & TREATMENT
Your first visit is typically an hour and a half, this will include an in-depth assessment and initial treatment.
From the information gathered, a TCM diagnosis and treatment plan will be developed for you. Many commonly used points are located on the arms and legs so please wear loose comfortable clothing. Delicate needles are lightly inserted and remain in place for about 20 minutes while you rest with quiet, soothing music playing in the background. Many people fall asleep while they are being treated and are left with a calm relaxed feeling.

​BREECH POSITION PROTOCOL
Most babies turn to a head down position between week 28 and 32. If your baby hasn't turned, TCM has a reliable and non-invasive approach. Moxibustion is a chinese herb that is burned over an acupuncture point to encourage your baby to turn. During this appointment our acupuncturist will instruct you on how to perform this take home treatment.
OUR REGISTERED ACUPUNCTURE TEAM
Ingrid Gerberick, R.Ac.
Ingrid is a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). She treats a broad array of health issues but has a special interest in reproductive health including fertility, prenatal and postpartum care as well as musculoskeletal pain management and stress relief.

​With a background in visual arts, Ingrid brings an intuitive and creative sensibility to her practice, and believes deeply in meeting the unique needs of each client. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to health and Ingrid uses this framework to both treat symptoms and address underlying imbalances to improve overall outcomes.

Ingrid’s education includes a diploma from Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine, specialized cosmetic acupuncture training and internships at both Six Degrees Community Acupuncture and Living Waters Therapies. She loves to learn and is always expanding her knowledge and skills in the healing arts to bring the best care to her clients.
Teresa Lau, R.TCMP, R.Ac
Teresa is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) and Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) with extensive experience in herbal therapy, acupuncture, and other modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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Teresa provides a holistic approach to health, healing, and lifestyle management. She treats a wide range of conditions, including stress relief, digestive disorders, allergies, pain management, and the spectrum of women’s health. Teresa is also trained in facial rejuvenation acupuncture and related cosmetic treatments.

As a mother herself, Teresa is especially passionate about supporting other mamas on the path from fertility to pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. Teresa’s treatments aim to not only deliver symptomatic relief, but also to correct the underlying imbalances within the body that are at the root of many stubborn conditions.

Teresa completed her TCM education at the American College of TCM in San Francisco, and continues to advance her skills and knowledge by pursuing studies with leading TCM experts around the world. Prior to Yoga Mamas, Teresa had established her own thriving practice at multiple locations in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to Toronto in late 2018. In her previous career, Teresa completed her Masters in Public Health from Harvard University and had worked as a public health researcher.

Teresa is fluent in English and Chinese {fluent in Cantonese, conversational in Mandarin}. She is very approachable and enthusiastic about educating her clients on how to integrate ancient TCM wisdom into our modern-day diets and lifestyles.
April Kowaleski, R.Ac

April is a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO).

She started her journey in health care 35 years ago as a pharmacy technician at the Hospital for Sick Children. When she started having children of her own, her focused changed to natural health and she became a holistic nutritionist. After having children, April fell in love with the birth process and turned her focus to working as a birth and postpartum doula, supporting families through this wonderful but sometimes challenging stage of life. She worked as a doula for 15 years, and at this point, decided to study Acupuncture. She had witnessed many times the power of Acupressure points during labour and decided to make this medicine the next step in her journey in health care.

​April uses her experience and education to help people move through the many stages of life. She can treat both mental and physical aliments to help create balance and good health in the body.
ACUPUNCTURE PROVIDED BY NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR
​Dr. Aida Martinez, Naturopathic Doctor & Acupuncture Provider

Registered Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Aida Martinez works out of the Yoga Mamas Wellness Clinic offering Naturopathic Care for adults, babies and children. As part of her care she also provides acupuncture treatments and intramuscular vitamin injections. Dr. Aida also provides virtual daytime and evening appointments.

After completing a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba, Dr. Aida's love and fascination of natural methods of supporting the human body's innate healing potential grew, which led her to her training in homeopathic medicine.A few years later, she aspired to expand her knowledge in modern and traditional forms of medicine and became a Naturopathic Doctor in 2014. She uses a less-is-more approach to her care plans for her patients and strives to create a non-judgemental and collaborative relationships with them.

She is very results-focused and blends a combination of acupuncture, herbs, homeopathic remedies, nutrition, supplements, vitamin injections and lifestyle guidance to achieve this.
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With over 15 years of clinical experience and having experienced the magnificence of pregnancy and birthing, the heartbreak of pregnancy loss and the wonderful journey of raising children, she brings a wholehearted approach to the world of paediatrics, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum care.
Free Acupuncture Workshops
​Join Yoga Mama's Acupuncturist to learn about the benefits of receiving Acupuncture for Fertility, Pregnancy and Postpartum.
​As Toronto's leading maternal wellness clinic since 2012, offering 10/10 excellence in client care {with hundreds of beautiful reviews to back it up}, we can confidently say we employ excellent pelvic physiotherapists. In no particular order, meet our amazing pelvic floor physiotherapy team below.
Cancellation Policy:
All Wellness cancellations must be made a minimum of 24 hours, prior to your appointment time. We have a limited amount of Wellness appointments available and they are in high demand. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before an appointment will be charged in full. Thank you for your understanding.