Courtney Cartmel Acupuncture

Courtney Cartmel Acupuncture Hi I’m Courtney a registered acupuncturist with a passion for health, fitness and all things nervous system support.

Follow along for tips and information about supporting yourself both physically and mentally! I'm a Registered Acupuncturist with a passion for helping people achieve their goals through Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture. I work with all conditions:
Physical: (ie: pain, injuries and headaches)
Mental and Emotional: (ie: anxiety and stress)
Regulatory: (ie: digestion, cycle support, fertility, digestion, sleep)

I also provide cupping and cosmetic acupuncture.

05/12/2026

You can’t avoid every stressor life throws at you… but you can support your nervous system so you have more capacity to handle it when it comes.

We’re not manifesting chaos over here 😅 but we’re also not living in delulu land -stress happens. Supporting your body BEFORE burnout hits can make a huge difference in how you move through it.

Acupuncture is one tool that can help regulate the nervous system, ease tension, and build resilience to stress over time.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, or like your body is stuck in survival mode, this is your sign to start supporting yourself too 🤍

Book your acupuncture session through the link in bio, call the clinic at 705-761-6596 or send me a DM.

See you soon!

Traditional Chinese Medicine organs are not exactly the same as the physical organs we talk about in Western medicine. I...
05/08/2026

Traditional Chinese Medicine organs are not exactly the same as the physical organs we talk about in Western medicine. In TCM, an “organ” is more like an entire functional system rather than just the physical structure itself. For example, the Liver in TCM is connected to emotions, hormones, digestion and the smooth flow of energy throughout the body, not just the physical liver alone.

It also includes systems like the Pericardium and San Jiao (Triple Burner), which are not physical organs that exist in Western medicine at all. This highlights how TCM views the body through patterns, relationships and functions rather than anatomy alone.

The Chinese Body Clock is based on the idea that different organ systems are most active at different times of day, and that our bodies thrive with rhythm, consistency and routine.

Of course, we don’t live in a perfect world and this isn’t about rigid rules or getting everything “right.” Shift work, parenting, stress, travel, hormones and life all happen. These are simply guidelines.

When we can support natural patterns like sleeping deeply at night, eating regularly, managing stress and creating routines our nervous systems and bodies tend to do better.

Today I’m celebrating my four-year anniversary at PCNM- the longest I have ever worked anywhere! After years of school, ...
05/01/2026

Today I’m celebrating my four-year anniversary at PCNM- the longest I have ever worked anywhere! After years of school, pivoting, moving and juggling way too many jobs before finally landing in my career.

Having something this consistent and stable in life is a gift- it builds the foundation that allows room for life to happen around it and has been an anchor for me.

I’m also having a mini celebration of coming off of my busiest month in practice to date- something I am immensely grateful for and not something I take lightly. I want every single person reading this to take a moment to reflect and appreciate how far they have come. In life. In business. In personal development. Celebrate it all.

One of the first things Brenda (PCNM’s clinic owner & ND) told me when I started was that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. That’s shaped everything for me and something I am always reminding myself of. Building a sustainable career means learning how to support yourself first so you can consistently support others. Working on yourself is one of the greatest gifts in getting you to wherever “here” is meant to be.

PCNM has undoubtably become my second home. I’ve got more than enough extra shoes here and most importantly lots of “emergency” snacks.

To continued growth and health.

♥️

In TCM, switching to sandals isn’t about the calendar. It’s about how well your body can handle exposure, especially thr...
04/26/2026

In TCM, switching to sandals isn’t about the calendar. It’s about how well your body can handle exposure, especially through the feet.

And listen… I am not the fashion police 😅
But I am the “please keep your body warm” police.

I know your feet feel like they’ve been in jail all winter. I get it. But they’re not quite ready for sandals yet.

Why the feet matter:

The feet are a major entry point for Wind, Cold, and Damp, and connect to key meridians like Kidney, Liver, and Spleen.

The Kidney system is the root of your Yang, your warming energy, so it’s especially sensitive here.

Too much too soon can lead to:

• Cold entering → weakening Kidney Yang
• Damp building → fatigue, heaviness, brain fog, digestion issues
• Poor circulation → cold feet, cramps, pain

So when is it actually “safe”?
Look for consistent warmth, including mornings and evenings.

Warmer ground, less damp spring weather.
In Ontario, usually May into June.

Be extra cautious if you have:

• Cold hands and feet
• Low energy
• Digestive issues
• Chronic pain
• Hormonal or cycle concerns

Bottom line:

I want you to be your happiest and healthiest and keeping your sandals tucked in the closet a bit longer will help support internal warmth and keeping cold + damp out.

Not every body fits into a 45 minute box 🤍My regular follow ups are 45 minutes and usually that’s enough. But sometimes ...
03/19/2026

Not every body fits into a 45 minute box 🤍

My regular follow ups are 45 minutes and usually that’s enough. But sometimes you need a little more time

That might look like:

• Treating front and back
• Adding cupping or gua sha
• Spending extra time on scar work or vagus nerve support with the dolphin
• Or just having more space to rest, ask questions, and not feel rushed

When we try to fit too much into a shorter appointment it can take away from the experience and I never want you to feel rushed in your treatment

This is why I offer 60 minute extended follow ups

A little more time for your body to settle, for your nervous system to soften, and for us to do the work without rushing

If you’ve been feeling like you want more from your sessions or you need a little extra chill time, this is for you

Book in for an extended appointment at your next follow up to experience the gift of a little more time 🫶

Cosmetic acupuncture is one of my favourite treatments because it works by balancing your whole body ✨So how does it wor...
03/13/2026

Cosmetic acupuncture is one of my favourite treatments because it works by balancing your whole body ✨

So how does it work?

Very fine acupuncture needles are placed in strategic areas of the face to stimulate circulation, support collagen & elastin production, relax tight muscles, and nourish the skin from the inside out.

The result can be brighter skin, softer lines, improved tone, and a healthy glow.

A few things to know:

• Results happen over a series of treatments. This is not a one-and-done treatment.

• It is not Botox and it will not give Botox results.

• Your muscles soften but your face still moves naturally. Expression is a beautiful thing.

And honestly, it is okay to have lines.
You have smiled, laughed, and lived life. That is a good thing. 🤍

But it is also completely valid to want softer lines, brighter skin, reduced pigmentation, and a glow.
Both things can be true.

I am also not against Botox or neuromodulators at all. Your aesthetic journey is yours and I’m a firm believer in doing whatever the f*** you want with your body. It’s yours.

Cosmetic acupuncture can be done strategically alongside them to support skin health, circulation, and overall facial balance.

And if you are usually a Botox girlie, but are pregnant and taking a break from injections, cosmetic acupuncture is a great way to keep supporting your skin. Your body is doing a lot and probably deserves a little extra care anyway. 💫

If you have been curious about cosmetic acupuncture, I am always happy to chat about whether it might be a good fit for you.

THIS IS WHO ✨ If you’re making your younger self proud -you’re doing the damn thing. Thankful. Grateful. Humble. 🫶✨
03/02/2026

THIS IS WHO ✨

If you’re making your younger self proud -you’re doing the damn thing.

Thankful. Grateful. Humble. 🫶✨

I’ve actually been asked this by multiple patients And no- we’re not heading into an episode of My Strange Addiction her...
02/23/2026

I’ve actually been asked this by multiple patients

And no- we’re not heading into an episode of My Strange Addiction here.

So can you get addicted to acupuncture?

If it were addictive, you’d need more and more over time.
It actually works the opposite way.

Here’s the science: acupuncture has been shown to stimulate endorphins (your natural painkillers), along with serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals involved in pain modulation, mood, and nervous system regulation.

It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
With repeated treatments, your body learns this regulated state as the new baseline.

As that baseline improves, treatments naturally space out.

So if being in less pain, sleeping better, and feeling calm feels “addictive”…
maybe that’s just your body working properly again. ✨

And hey if you also just like hanging out with me… that’s okay too 😉

Needles can be intimidating and I never forget that. Your comfort and safety are truly important to me.Behind the scenes...
02/19/2026

Needles can be intimidating and I never forget that.
Your comfort and safety are truly important to me.

Behind the scenes, this work is built on years of hands-on experience: thousands of acupuncture treatments, years working with IVs and injections, and ongoing self-practice that keeps my technique honest and refined.

I use the smallest needles possible while still being effective, I work gently, and I limit discomfort as much as I can. Every needle has intention behind it.

I believe that a supporting your body and nervous system should feel safe, steady, and respectful.

You’re never “pushing through” discomfort on my table.
You’re being cared for.
You’re in good hands.

“Can acupuncture help wit—”Let me stop you right there I almost never need to hear the rest of the question.One of the b...
02/13/2026

“Can acupuncture help wit—”
Let me stop you right there
I almost never need to hear the rest of the question.

One of the biggest strengths of acupuncture is supporting complex, layered, hard-to-spell conditions. We don’t need the 17-letter, 6-syllable diagnosis to get to work.

In TCM, we look for patterns.

Excess or deficiency.
Hot or cold.
Where things are stuck.
Where support is missing.

Western info? Helpful. Relevant. Absolutely.
But it’s not the end-all-be-all.

By simplifying the picture, we actually clarify the treatment, and that’s where results live.

With proper training and clinical judgment, acupuncture is safe and adaptable across many circumstances, including:

✨ pregnancy
✨ active cancer & during chemo
✨ chronic + complex conditions

So yes…
You can finish the question if you want
But the answer is usually yes.

4 things I treat all the time in clinic… and don’t talk about nearly enough Knee pain: arthritis, injuries, pre/post kne...
02/10/2026

4 things I treat all the time in clinic… and don’t talk about nearly enough

Knee pain: arthritis, injuries, pre/post knee replacements (one of my fave areas to treat because the body responds so well)

Perimenopause & menopause symptoms: specifically hot flashes + night sweats

Acid reflux / heartburn / GERD: in anyone, but so common and effective during pregnancy

Sinus pain & congestion: allergies, polyps, post-illness, waiting-for-surgery cases (why is everyone congested?)

These are things I’ve treated time and time again with really great success!

If one of these made you pause… send me a message and let’s chat! Or book an appointment using the link in my bio!

Address

386 Burnham Street
Peterborough, ON
K9H1T6

Opening Hours

Monday 5:15pm - 6:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 10:30am - 6:30pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Courtney Cartmel Acupuncture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category