Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
Dr. Katelyn
Katelyn is a registered Doctor of Acupuncture with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA) and has been serving the Cochrane community since 2017. While her academic journey commenced at the Alberta College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, it was her transformative internship experience in Kunming, China, that significantly enriched her understanding and practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This experience solidified her passion and respect for TCM principles and techniques.
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During her time in China, Katelyn participated in training at Yunnan provincial teaching hospitals, which broadened her knowledge base and provided invaluable insights into the seamless integration of Eastern and Western medical practices. This exposure equipped her with a unique perspective on holistic healthcare, highlighting the importance of blending traditional wisdom with contemporary medical approaches to optimize patient outcomes.
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In addition to fulfilling the requisite study hours mandated for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Katelyn's unwavering dedication to lifelong learning underscores her commitment to providing comprehensive care to her patients. Her holistic approach to education ensures that she remains at the forefront of her field, continually refining her skills and staying current with advancements in healthcare practices to deliver nuanced and effective treatments.​
Dr. Jessica
Hello, my name is Jessica Antonsen, I am a Board Licensed Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor. I successfully completed the four-year program at the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Vancouver and ACATCM in Calgary.
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In 2018 I interned at the Beijing International Training Hospital. My time in China not only furthered my education, but it also gave me an unforgettable life experience.
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My journey into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) stemmed from my passion to work with the body and not against it. This began with obtaining my Holistic Nutritional Consultant Certification. In conjunction with my own health issues I began to further my knowledge in how amazing the human body is and its ability to heal itself without the use of medical drugs. It was in this time that I was inspired to pursue a career in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Using a holistic approach, I am passionate in educating others and actively work with their individual needs to treat illness and ailments as well as help to prevent sickness and disease.
I am committed to helping my current and future patients achieve their utmost physical, mental and spiritual health. I do this through the healing tools of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Eastern Holistic Nutrition and lifestyle counselling.
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Treating a wide variety of pathologies, I have a special interest in fertility issues, auto-immune diseases, digestive issues, allergies, pain management and mental health.
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I am thrilled to offer my care in Cochrane. The hometown feel and sense of community that Cochrane offers is something I am excited to share with my patients.
Our Practitioners
Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that aims to promote the body's natural healing process by addressing imbalances in the flow of Qi, which can result from injury, stress, or illness. By inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points, practitioners aim to stimulate the body's endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and increase blood flow and oxygenation to the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and support the body's natural healing mechanisms. Acupuncture is also believed to have a positive effect on the immune system, which can help to enhance the body's defenses against illness and disease. The selection of acupuncture points is tailored to the patient's individual symptoms and diagnosis, and the retention time for the needles is typically between 10 - 15 minutes.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Digestion
Stomach pain, ulcers, acid reflux, indigestion, heart burn, chronic diarrhea, constipation, IBS, colitis, crohn's, nausea, vomiting
Fatigue
Adrenals, exhaustion, stress, insomnia, hormonal balancing, headaches, migraines,
Detoxification
Lymphatic drainage, increased liver and kidney function. Immune support, increased circulation to expel toxins.
Women's Health
Hormonal imbalance, menopause, PMS, painful/irregular periods, IVF support, infertility, endometriosis, low libido.
Emotional Wellbeing
Stress, depression, anxiety, substance issues and cravings, mood swings, irritability.
Chronic & Acute Pain
Tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, nerve pain, joint/muscle pain, TMJ issues.
Among various other health conditions:
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​Women's Health (hormonal imbalance, menopause, PMS, painful/irregular periods, IVF support, infertility, endometriosis, low libido)
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Labor Induction (Helps to prepare the body and baby for labor)
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Neurological Disorders (body temperature regulation, numbness/tingling, post shingles pain, facial paralysis, tics/tremors, bladder dysfunction, stroke recovery, ADHD)​
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Chronic & Acute Pain (tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, nerve pain, joint/muscle pain, TMJ issues)
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Headaches & Migraines (dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus 'ringing in ears')
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Digestive Disorders (stomach pain, stomach ulcer, acid reflux, indigestion, heart burn, chronic diarrhea, constipation, IBS, weight loss)
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Anxiety & Depression (emotional well-being)
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Detoxification (lymphatic drainage)
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Respiratory Disorders (Sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurring chest infections, common cold, allergies, chronic cough)
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Stress & Tension
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Immune Dysfunction (autoimmune diseases, frequent colds/flus)
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Water Retention & Edema (Supports kidney function)
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Chronic Fatigue (Supports adrenal function)
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Cardio Dysfunction (high/low blood pressure, poor circulation, blood clotting disorders, varicose veins)
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Skin Health (rosacea, acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives)
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Sleep Disorders (sleep apnea, insomnia)​​
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Miscellaneous Conditions (fibromyalgia, addiction support)​
TCM Theory
The concept of Yin and Yang is a foundational principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that describes the balance and harmony between opposing forces in the body. All physiological processes are interdependent and in constant interaction with one another, reflecting the idea of Yin and Yang. These two complementary yet opposing forces can be understood as the body's homeostasis.
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Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable and balanced internal environment, similar to a thermostat in a house that regulates temperature regardless of outside conditions. The body continually adjusts to maintain balance, and disruptions to homeostasis can result in illness or disease. In TCM, restoring the balance between Yin and Yang is essential to achieving good health.
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TCM uses various techniques such as Acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy to restore balance between Yin and Yang. Practitioners believe that by restoring this balance, the body can reach a state of equilibrium where all functions work harmoniously together.