About Us
About Audrey Lowe
Clinic owner and operator Audrey Lowe is a licensed acupuncturist (25+ years), and a licensed physiotherapist (30+ years) integrates wholistically western biomedicine, physiotherapy, acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Craniosacral Therapy. Wholistic integrative therapies aim to stop small problems from becoming actual diseases by rebalancing and restoring clients to a harmonious healthy state.
Acupuncture, TCM and craniosacral therapy worked for me and now I want to share with you these therapies to help you rebalance your body to promote health and treat your pain or disease. I want you to feel better, sleep better, move better and live a healthier life !
In 1993, I was introduced to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through Dr. Steven Aung’s Certificate Program of Medical Acupuncture – (University of Alberta). I liked TCM because the architects of this form of medicine focused on assessing and treating subtle, insubstantial changes in a body before they developed into concrete diseases. Chinese Medicine is aimed at creating harmony between one’s body, mind and spirit, through the manipulation of “qi” energy. I was inspired by Dr. Aung who is renowned for his compassion and loving kindness along with his excellent technical skills.
Over 20 years ago, for my son’s birth, I successfully used acupuncture to accomplish something that western medicine didn’t think was possible. My water had broke and he was transverse in presentation. Out of options for turning him head down, the doctors wanted to deliver him via c-section. I used qi gong (Chinese style health breathing exercises), acupressure (pressure on the acupoints) and acupuncture. He turned head down and I delivered him using minimal medication. The length of labour and trauma associated with my delivery was considerably less than what other women typically experience. The staff at the hospital were simultaneously in disbelief and in awe of this birth. The Edmonton Sun reported our story. Later in life, faced with inflammatory arthritis, I used acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and dietary changes to balance hormones, control joint swelling and stop the condition from progressing into a disease. With my second son I used acupuncture for inducing labour and delivering him in record time with minimal medication and trauma.
As for craniosacral therapy, 10 years following a pedestrian vehicular accident, I found it not only relaxing, but also effective in realigning my body and improving physical function. After the first treatment, I felt I could stand in better alignment and had more flexibility where the car had struck my body. I moved better with greater ease. Over the years I have used craniosacral therapy to promote relaxation and recover from other trauma related to slips and falls and other motor vehicle accidents.
I would be honored if you would let me help you in your journey for living a healthier life.
Education
- University of Alberta – Bachelor and Master of Science in Physical Therapy
- University of Alberta – Bachelor of Physical Education (Adapted Route)
- University of Alberta – Certificate of Medical Acupuncture
- Beijing (China) Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital – Acupuncture Certificate
- Beijing (China) College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics – Acupuncture and Tuina training course
- Acupuncture Society of Alberta – Traditional Chinese Medicine Pediatrics
- Julian Scott Distance Learning – Acupuncture for Children
- Body Mind Synergy Institute – Chinese Herbal Medicine for Medical Professionals-Level I,2,3 (Chinese Materia Medica, Formulas and Strategies, TCM II – Gynecology, Pediatrics, Dermatology)
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Fundamentals of Oncology Acupuncture
- TCM Academy of Integrative Medicine – Oncology Acupuncture International Certificate Program
- Canadian Physical Therapy Association Orthopaedic Division – Level I and II
- Manual Concepts – Integrated Spinal Manual Therapy
- Upledger Craniosacral Therapy 1, 2, Somato-emotional release 1, 2 Teaching Assistant CS1 Attuned Acupuncture and Physiotherapy (iahp.com)
- Chikly Health Institute – Brain 1 and 2 Brain tissue, nuclei, fluid, autonomic nervous system, fascia release central nervous system
Registration and Memberships
- College of Acupuncturists of Alberta
- College of Physiotherapists of Alberta
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture is a medical practice involving assessment, diagnosis and treatment based on thousands of years old traditional Chinese medicine principles, recently supplemented by modern scientific knowledge seeking to understand underlying physiological systems. Fine needles are used to stimulate various points on the body for the purposes of balancing “qi” meridian energy flow thus promoting healing of the mind, body and spirit. This natural and non-pharmaceutical healing practice aims to treat symptoms and rebalance the body before a problem becomes a disease. The goal of treatment will be to fine tune and bring the body back into balance and restore homeostasis. While acupuncture can be used alone for general well-being and maintenance, it’s best used in conjunction with other interventions.
Acupuncture has a wide range of applications including but not limited to:
- Acute and Chronic Pain
- neck, shoulder, knee, back pain
- rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis
- whiplash and concussion
- headache, migraines, dizziness
- Cancer symptom management
- neuropathy, hot flashes, nausea, lose of appetite, dry mouth
- Autoimmune related disorders
- rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis,
- Gynecological Issues
- PMS, menstrual issues, cramps, hot flushes, menopause
- Emotional Issues
- insomnia, anxiety, depression, irritability, stress
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- bloating, irritable bowel, constipation
- Stroke and neurological conditions
- Respiratory illness or conditions
- Asthma, post-viral cough
At this clinic the acupuncturist seeks to understand a client’s medical conditions and spiritual needs and integrates traditional Chinese acupuncture practices, with evidence-based medical research into the care plan.
Want more information on Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine? Listen to this public radio podcast Is It Time to Take Chinese Medicine More Seriously? | Connecticut Public (ctpublic.org)
Not usually. Most feel little or nothing because very thin solid filament needles are used. If there is pain, it is minimal, like a mosquito bite and it settles quickly. The clinician works with clients adjusting the treatment to make it comfortable.
For those who are sensitive or afraid of needles, there are non-needle options for stimulation of the acupoints using acupressure, laser, or electrical current. These non-needle options also work well for children.
Generally, six to eight sessions. Each sessions occurs once, sometimes twice, weekly. After that progress is assessed to determine a schedule to optimize your health. Each person reacts differently, some will need to increase their energy before healing begins. Once the initial problem is resolved, you may want to continue because you want other problems addressed or you want to periodically for treatment to maintain your health gains.
No. Even though acupuncturist services are not funded by Alberta Health Services, many private health insurance plans fund acupuncturist services or physiotherapists inclusion of acupuncture in clients treatment. Check with your health insurer to learn whether you have coverage for acupuncturist services and what the limits are. Also check what your physiotherapist coverage is as sometimes the insurers coverage for acupuncturist and physiotherapist services differs.
Yes, under the Diagnostic Treatment Plan Regulation acupuncturist are considered adjunct therapy practitioners and their services can be included in your treatment plan if the Primary Healthcare Practitioner directs this and documents this on the Treatment Plan AB-2 form.
Outside of the DTPR, the Automobile Accident Insurance Benefit Regulation, indicates that individuals have a limit of $350 coverage for acupuncturist services. (Schedule A, subsection 1, 2.c pg 5). Physiotherapists who are authorized to use needles in practice can include acupuncture as part of their physiotherapy treatment if they deem acupuncture necessary for improving physical function.
Cancer patients have always sought out complementary therapies to help address their whole being and the negative side effects of cancer treatment. Interest has grown to understand which complementary therapies are helpful in cancer care. Cancer care centers (mainly in the USA, Europe, Israel vs Canada) have integrated complementary therapies such as acupuncture, qi gong, exercise, yoga, meditation, and craniosacral therapy into the services delivered and spearheaded research into the safety and efficacy of these therapies. Because of acupuncture’s helpfulness in cancer care, now over 60% of cancer centers in the USA include acupuncture as part of their service delivery. Research into acupuncture’s efficacy is so promising that the medical subspecialty Oncology Acupuncture has emerged.
Oncology acupuncture care decisions are guided by an understanding of Traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy with current research evidence of acupuncture in cancer care. Oncology acupuncture aims to treat side effects of cancer treatment.
Oncology acupuncture treats:
- chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting,
- chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy
- hot flushes and night sweats
- cancer-related fatigue
- dry mouth – xerostomia
- joint pain (i.e. from use of aromatase inhibitors)
- constipation, diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues
- insomnia
- anxiety and stress
Audrey Lowe has additional oncology acupuncture training from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer center and holds an Oncology Acupuncture certificate from the TCM Academy. Her practice combines oncology acupuncture with craniosacral therapy to help cancer survivors feel better, sleep better and move better.
“Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functions of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than five grams, or about the weight of a nickel, therapists release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to conditions as post traumatic stress, depression and anxiety.” There is a growing body of research showing CST is particularly useful for pain conditions and migraines.
Source Upledger Institute: Discover Craniosacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release (Upledger.com) (includes a list of conditions which could benefit from craniosacral therapy). For more information: Frequently Asked Questions about CranioSacral therapy
Research:
Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 21, 1 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-3017-y
Attuned Acupuncture and Physiotherapy logo depicts how western biomedical, Traditional Chinese Medicine and complimentary medicine practices can be combined to support a person’s health, improve their energy and enhance their connectivity with the earth and universe.
The black outer circle of the logo is reminiscent of a calligraphy brushstroke. Chinese calligraphy is an art form in which the artist used energy in motion to put words to paper. A circle is a universal symbol in and represents unity, continuity (no beginning or end), strength, dynamic fluidity and centeredness.
The logo’s stylized calligraphy brushstrokes pay homage to Dr. Steven Aung an accomplished calligraphy artist and acupuncturist who was Audrey’s teacher. The clinic is decorated with Dr. Aung’s calligraphies.
The hands pointing upward holding a needle symbolize a caregiver wholistically supporting a person on their healing journey. The stylized needle represents acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Audrey uses her hands to sense body areas needing attention and applies craniosacral and western medicine physiotherapeutic manual therapy techniques to treat those areas.
The center is a lotus flower. The lotus symbolizes pure unsullied beauty arising from muddy waters. A lotus implies remaining pure of heart and mind, striving for purity and rising above all to regenerate into essential beauty regardless of one’s roots or context. Pictured in the context of healthcare, a lotus suggests that regardless of one’s situation, there is room to thrive and achieve a greater level of harmony and health.
The coloring in the petals corresponds to colors of the acupuncture meridians. Twelve regular meridians are divided into 6 yin/yang pairs. Each of the lotus’ 6 petals has two colors. Dark hues represent the yang meridian and light hues relate to the yin meridian.
Color | Meridian System |
Blue | Kidney/Urinary Bladder |
Green | Liver/Gallbladder |
Red/Pink | Heart/Small Intestine |
Purple | Pericardium/Triple Energizer |
Yellow | Spleen/Stomach |
White | Lung/Large Intestine |
