More about Laura
I’m a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist, a passionate advocate for holistic healthcare, and an established and trusted practitioner in Stouffville and Aurora, Ontario.
Laura Kaufer, BSc, MSc
Registered Acupuncturist
My Approach…
What to expect from me
…is to show up, listen, and meet you where you are.
I will also ask about your energy level, digestion, and sleep as these provide the foundation of health, and these areas will need to be addressed for healing to occur.
A session with me generally includes some bodywork, such as Cupping or Gua Sha. Acupressure, Tuina Massage and Moxibustion are also appropriate for non-needling approaches when a patient doesn’t prefer Acupuncture.
Our intention in working together is to help you experience a vibrant quality of life, with greater comfort in your body and a healthier, more balanced mind.
The goals for the treatment are to:
- Address any underlying imbalances, based on the initial assessment.
- Address your current areas of concern, such as pain, tension, stress, and poor digestion.
My journey in Chinese Medicine has taken me around the world, and my mission is to alleviate pain, facilitate healing, and restore balance within the body.
Professional Credentials:
Laura received her Acupuncture Diploma from Eight Branches College of Eastern Medicine in 2015 and holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from McGill University (2009).
Laura’s commitment to excellence led her to Advanced Acupuncture Training at prestigious institutions, including the Canadian Gynecology Institute of Chinese Medicine (2019), York University (2017), and an Intensive Internship at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China (2016).
Laura is currently a member in good standing with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
PATIENT FOCUS
Laura’s dedication to her patients is evident in the transformative impact of her treatments. No one treatment is the same as the next. Countless individuals have experienced relief from pain, improved mental health, and enhanced quality of life under her care.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
With her deep-rooted foundation in Chinese Medicine, Laura employs a holistic approach that integrates various therapeutic modalities such as Acupuncture, Cupping, Moxibustion, Tuina (Chinese medicinal massage), Gua Sha (myofascial release), and Cranial Sacral techniques. Her treatments are designed to address the root causes of health issues and promote overall well-being.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Laura embarked on a transformative journey to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in China in 2016, where she completed an intensive internship focusing on the treatment of neurological and pain-related conditions, specifically neck and back pain, Bell’s Palsy, and stroke recovery. This international experience broadened her perspective and enriched her skills as an acupuncturist.
PASSIONS & INTERESTS
Beyond her role as a practitioner, Laura is a passionate advocate for a well-rounded, active lifestyle. When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll often find her outdoors hiking, running, and paddling, as well as chasing after a little one. These experiences fuel her belief in the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with our bodies, minds, and communities.
My Focus Areas Include…
PAIN RELIEF
The optimal condition of the body is the unimpeded flow of Qi (also known as energy) and blood. When the circulation of one or both of these is impeded, pain results.
My goal with each treatment is to improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote healing.
How does acupuncture work? It is generally thought to be due to the following:
- Acupuncture releases endorphins and other pain-modulators into the bloodstream.
- Acupuncture has direct effects on the central nervous system, including regulating hormones and the physiological stress response.
- Acupuncture modulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting rest, relaxation, digestion, and tissue healing.
Bodywork, such as Cupping, Gua Sha, and Tuina (Acupressure Massage) can enhance these effects by keeping the muscles and fascial layers healthy and flexible.
Info from Evidence Based Acupuncture
STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH
Stress affects our mental health, mood, sleep, digestion, and relationships. It is important to address and work to manage stress in our busy, fast-moving lives. A session with me will work to relax and restore you to a zen state of mind and body providing a nervous system reset that you can take back with you into the world.
Mental and emotional health can be seen as a reflection of a (im)balance of the mind, body, and spirit. As such, I use various points in different areas on the head and body to provide a state of calming and balance to the Chinese Medicine meridians and organs. Acupuncture treatments can be very helpful in managing generalized anxiety and stress.
Read more in the article “Shen and Hun: The Psyche in Chinese Medicine” by Giovanni Maciocia
HEAD HEALTH
I treat headaches and post-concussion syndrome. Step one is locating the pain and treating the corresponding meridian system. This generally helps resolve the blockage that was causing the pain. If there is brain fog, eye strain, or nausea we would work on that as well.
For Bell’s Palsy or facial paralysis, acupuncture works to reinvigorate the facial nerve and improve blood circulation during the paralysis phase.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Chinese medicine can support women’s health through some of life’s most dramatic transitions, specifically fertility, pregnancy, and perimenopause.
FERTILITY
Regular acupuncture treatments can assist with fertility for both parents. On average, we work together for three months to achieve optimal results.
In women, we are working to promote a regular menstrual cycle with optimal blood flow to the uterus. In men, we are working to optimize the morphology and quantity of sperm.
PREGNANCY
During pregnancy, acupuncture treatments can support the womb and fetus. Sessions with me can also reduce discomfort associated with pregnancy, like nausea, fatigue, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
If the baby is presenting breech at weeks 33-35, you can count on me to help turn the baby using a moxibustion and acupuncture protocol based on an ancient and effective method. At week 36, we begin weekly labour preparation treatments.
There is also ‘fourth’ trimester support in the months following birth when Chinese Medicine can be used to aid recovery, treat any organ prolapse (descent of organs), and promote lactation.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
PERIMENOPAUSE
The menopause transition, also known as perimenopause, is the normal period through which every woman journeys. This being said, there are accompanying symptoms that can, in some cases, dramatically affect quality of life.
If this is you, it is essential that you are supported during this transition of significant hormonal changes.
Whether it is intense hot flashes, mood changes or sleep issues, acupuncture sessions can help regulate your body, your hormones, and restore balance.
Read more in the article “The Treatment of Menopausal Problem”, by Giovanni Maciocia
OTHER AREAS INCLUDE:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Digestive discomfort
- Elbow pain (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
- Insomnia/Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Fatigue
- Lyme Disease Support
- Nutritional and Dietary Guidance
- Pediatric conditions (musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, etc.)
- Sciatica/Low back pain
Email laura for more info
ACU@LAURAKAUFER.COM
Let's work together...
...to promote bodily harmony by targeting imbalances, thereby preventing discomfort and fostering well-being.
Laura Kaufer, BSc, MSc
Registered Acupuncturist
where to reach me
I currently practice out of Stouffville Natural Health Clinic (Stouffville) and Aurora Prime Physiotherapy (Aurora)
Aurora Prime Physiotherapy
Wednesdays: 12:30pm-5:30pm
Fridays: 12:30pm-5:30pm
