LGBTQIA2S+

Inclusive, Informed, and Affirmative Acupuncture in Edmonton, AB

Inclusive, Informed and Affirmative

Affirmative and inclusive care is incredibly important to Accessible Acupuncture and we have taken several steps to ensure all people feel welcome.

Our intake form asks about gender and sex, your preferred name, it uses gender-neutral language around uterus and prostate health, and it has a check-box if you wish to identify yourself as LGBTQIA2S+.

Inclusion and accessibility are part of Accessible Acupuncture’s core values because acupuncture is for everyone. Our goal is for all Edmontonians to receive quality acupuncture healthcare.

Nothing is more frustrating than working with a healthcare professional who doesn’t understand your needs and conditions. At Accessible Acupuncture, our acupuncturist, Melanie Morrill, has additional training and experience in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ people.

Affirmative health care is your health care provider using your preferred name, your pronouns, being non-judgmental, and providing personalized care.

Health Disparities that affect LGBTQIA2S+

Health disparities are preventable differences in disease in disadvantaged populations. There are six major disparities in health for LGBTQIA2S+ people. They are: sexually transmitted infections, substance use and abuse, mental health conditions, breast and cervical cancers, eating disorders, and heart disease. This is not okay and being LBGTQIA2S+ should not change how severe an illness is.

Equal access to health care and non-judgmental healthcare providers helps reduce these disparities.

Accessible Acupuncture is a welcoming and safe space for everyone because health disparities are unacceptable. Everyone should have access to high-quality compassionate healthcare.

LGBTQIA2S+ Specific Health Concerns

Acupuncture can be used to support:

Healing and scar reduction after surgery such as gender confirmation and facial feminization surgery.

Lactation in non-gestational parents.

Stress and anxiety related to identity.

Pain and tension after using a chest binder.

Fertility for LGBTQIA2S+ people.

Assisted Fertility with IUI/IVF for individuals and couples.

Balancing hormones during transition.

Uterine and menstrual health concerns for all.

Sex and Gender

Not the same Sex and gender are not the same. At Accessible Acupuncture, we have checkboxes for sex and gender on our intake form to ensure that our records are accurate. The options for sex and gender are M/F/X. The intake form also asks for your preferred pronouns. The most common pronouns are they/them, she/her, and he/him.

Your preferred name, gender, and health information are essential for your acupuncture care. Your sex and legal name are required for general healthcare records and direct billing insurance companies.

Above and Beyond

How to refer patients and work with Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac.

Samantha Chisholm

S

Mel goes above and beyond! She’s been so incredible during our journey into pregnancy. I’ve been seeing her weekly to support IUI cycles! I was getting really discouraged waiting for an LH surge and Mel was so kind and compassionate. She saw me twice right before my surge and it made a huge difference in my cycle and my relaxation going into treatment.

The day of my first IUI She booked me in after hours to make sure I was able to see her right after the IUI. I fell asleep almost as soon as she got the treatment started because I know I’m in such good hands with her. Mel is also a queer friendly practitioner and makes her services accessible to everyone! Thanks again for everything Mel!!

Accessible Acupuncture is a proud member of the Alberta LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber’s goal is to help to build a strong, inclusive, diverse Alberta economy.