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Naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care that promotes wellness and prevention of illness or disease. Naturopathic doctors are highly-educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. Naturopathic medicine plays an important role in integrative health care, and treatments can be used on their own or together with conventional medicine.
As a distinct system of primary healthcare, naturopathic medicine addresses the root causes of illness. Naturopathic medicine supports the body's own healthy ability using treatments and prevention techniques that include acupuncture/Asian medicine, botanical medicine, physical medicine (such as massage and hydrotherapy), clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, and lifestyle counseling.
Resources:
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine www.ccnm.edu
Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors http://www.oand.org
Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors http://www.naturopathicassoc.ca/
The College of Naturopaths of Ontario http://www.collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca/
As a distinct system of primary healthcare, naturopathic medicine addresses the root causes of illness. Naturopathic medicine supports the body's own healthy ability using treatments and prevention techniques that include acupuncture/Asian medicine, botanical medicine, physical medicine (such as massage and hydrotherapy), clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, and lifestyle counseling.
Resources:
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine www.ccnm.edu
Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors http://www.oand.org
Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors http://www.naturopathicassoc.ca/
The College of Naturopaths of Ontario http://www.collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca/
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is the use of biologically identical hormones for the purposes of hormone replacement therapy. Most commonly, BHRT is used in peri- and post-menopausal women to replace estrogen and progesterone to relieve many symptoms associated with menopause.
In order for hormone replacement therapy to safely and effectively replicate the function of those same hormones in the human body, the chemical structure must exactly match the hormones you naturally produce. That is exactly what bio-identical hormone replacement therapy offers!
The term ‘hormone replacement therapy’ is most often associated with conventional, synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, BHRT significantly differs from conventional HRT in many ways.
The best time to start BHRT is sooner, rather than later. Research shows that the best time to start hormone replacement therapy is within 1-2 years of going through menopause.
BHRT is available by prescription only. First, you complete salivary hormone testing for a comprehensive assessment of your current hormone levels. Then, your prescription is individualized and the dosage is determined based on the results of your hormone test. Your hormone levels and prescription dosage is then reassessed periodically to ensure you are in the optimal range.
Remember, life is always better when it’s balanced. Menopause shouldn’t be a battle, it should be a vibrant and fulfilling time of your life.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is the use of biologically identical hormones for the purposes of hormone replacement therapy. Most commonly, BHRT is used in peri- and post-menopausal women to replace estrogen and progesterone to relieve many symptoms associated with menopause.
In order for hormone replacement therapy to safely and effectively replicate the function of those same hormones in the human body, the chemical structure must exactly match the hormones you naturally produce. That is exactly what bio-identical hormone replacement therapy offers!
The term ‘hormone replacement therapy’ is most often associated with conventional, synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, BHRT significantly differs from conventional HRT in many ways.
- Synthetic hormones are derived from pregnant horse urine and are very different from naturally occurring hormones. Bio-identical hormones are derived from yams, and are structurally identical to the hormones your body naturally produces.
- Conventional HRT does not use the two most important forms of estrogen (estradiol and estriol) or progesterone. HRT uses estrogens like estradiol hemihydrate and progestin.
- Mixing synthetic progesterone (progestin) with estrogens has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer and heart disease in post-menopausal women. Using BHRT in these women has shown the opposite – a decreased risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
- The majority of women who start convention HRT stop the therapy due to unwanted side effects.Many women who use BHRT continue on it for life because of its low side effect profile, safety and effectiveness.
The best time to start BHRT is sooner, rather than later. Research shows that the best time to start hormone replacement therapy is within 1-2 years of going through menopause.
BHRT is available by prescription only. First, you complete salivary hormone testing for a comprehensive assessment of your current hormone levels. Then, your prescription is individualized and the dosage is determined based on the results of your hormone test. Your hormone levels and prescription dosage is then reassessed periodically to ensure you are in the optimal range.
Remember, life is always better when it’s balanced. Menopause shouldn’t be a battle, it should be a vibrant and fulfilling time of your life.
Comprehensive Lab Testing
Lab testing offers a thorough evaluation of your health and allows us to gain greater insight into your body's condition and therefore treat more effectively.
Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario are authorized to order a number of laboratory tests. Our office utilizes Life Labs and In Common Laboratories for tests requiring blood draws.
Our clinic offers the following lab tests:
In Office Evaluations
Lab testing offers a thorough evaluation of your health and allows us to gain greater insight into your body's condition and therefore treat more effectively.
Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario are authorized to order a number of laboratory tests. Our office utilizes Life Labs and In Common Laboratories for tests requiring blood draws.
Our clinic offers the following lab tests:
- Hormone Testing for Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA (saliva, blood, urine)
- Adrenal Function Testing (saliva, urine)
- Organic Acids Testing (a comprehensive view of digestive system, mitochondrial function and neurotransmitter imbalances)
- Breath Testing (for Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth, H. pylori)
- Food Sensitivity Test, IgG, IgE (blood)
- CBC with differential
- Vitamin D (25-OH)
- Iron analysis (ferritin, TIBC, serum iron)
- Thyroid panel (TSH, free T4, free T3, anti-TPO, reverse T3)
- Vitamin B12
- Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin)
- Cholesterol Panel (Total, HDL, LDL)
- and others, condition specific
In Office Evaluations
- blood glucose levels
- executive physical exams
Traditional Chinese Medicine
A complete system of medical assessment and treatment with a 2,000-year history of clinical application. Based on the principle that illness results when the flow of vital energy in the body, Qi (pronounced “chi”) is disrupted, causing imbalances along energetic meridians and amoungst different organ systems. TCM therapies include acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, botanicals, nutrition and lifestyle counseling to help restore the smooth flow of Qi and create balance in the body.
o Acupuncture, involves the insertion of very thin sterile needles into the skin at in particular energetic points to help remove energy blockages in the meridians, and hence improve organ function and restore health. Acupuncture can be very effective for stress reduction, pain management, hormonal imbalances, musculoskeletal concerns and many other conditions.
A complete system of medical assessment and treatment with a 2,000-year history of clinical application. Based on the principle that illness results when the flow of vital energy in the body, Qi (pronounced “chi”) is disrupted, causing imbalances along energetic meridians and amoungst different organ systems. TCM therapies include acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, botanicals, nutrition and lifestyle counseling to help restore the smooth flow of Qi and create balance in the body.
o Acupuncture, involves the insertion of very thin sterile needles into the skin at in particular energetic points to help remove energy blockages in the meridians, and hence improve organ function and restore health. Acupuncture can be very effective for stress reduction, pain management, hormonal imbalances, musculoskeletal concerns and many other conditions.
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Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine is the use of plants with medicinal properties to balance and strengthen the systems of the body. This powerful form of medicine has been utilized for thousands of years by many cultures around the globe, and is in fact the origin of many pharmaceutical drugs today. Herbal preparations are commonly used in the form of tinctures, liquid extracts, teas or tablets. |
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Clinical Nutrition
The food we eat can profoundly impact our health right down to the cellular level. Choosing foods based on your individual needs can help the body to heal and improve energy, sleep, weight loss and overall well-being. Nutrition is a first-line therapy to support most conditions as well as other treatments.
Supplementation can be used to help support the body in illness and when the body's needs are not being met. Supplements, however, are not a substitute for a proper whole foods diet.
The food we eat can profoundly impact our health right down to the cellular level. Choosing foods based on your individual needs can help the body to heal and improve energy, sleep, weight loss and overall well-being. Nutrition is a first-line therapy to support most conditions as well as other treatments.
Supplementation can be used to help support the body in illness and when the body's needs are not being met. Supplements, however, are not a substitute for a proper whole foods diet.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is based on the belief that illness results when the body becomes unbalanced through physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. By administering minuscule doses of a plant, mineral or animal substance, the body is stimulated to heal itself. Every individual has a highly unique symptom "picture" that represents the body's attempt to correct the imbalance and is treated likewise with a remedy suited to their particular case. For example, two people with migraine headaches may experience them differently and as such, would get two different remedies. Sometimes symptoms will worsen before they get better - and this is a good sign - before bringing about long-lasting relief. Homeopathy can have a deep and long-lasting impact on most patients but can be particularly effective in the treatment of children, depression, anxiety, gynecological concerns, digestive concerns, poor immune function and many other acute and chronic conditions.
Homeopathy is based on the belief that illness results when the body becomes unbalanced through physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. By administering minuscule doses of a plant, mineral or animal substance, the body is stimulated to heal itself. Every individual has a highly unique symptom "picture" that represents the body's attempt to correct the imbalance and is treated likewise with a remedy suited to their particular case. For example, two people with migraine headaches may experience them differently and as such, would get two different remedies. Sometimes symptoms will worsen before they get better - and this is a good sign - before bringing about long-lasting relief. Homeopathy can have a deep and long-lasting impact on most patients but can be particularly effective in the treatment of children, depression, anxiety, gynecological concerns, digestive concerns, poor immune function and many other acute and chronic conditions.
Lifestyle Counseling
Our daily habits and thought patterns can influence our physical, mental and emotional health in powerful ways. How we view our health, our attitudes and our beliefs about our role in life are major determinants of long-term health success and longevity. Lifestyle counseling can involve making tangible, practical alterations to our routines, analyzing behavioral and thought patterns, minimizing toxic exposures, incorporating exercise and self-care habits into our daily life.
Our daily habits and thought patterns can influence our physical, mental and emotional health in powerful ways. How we view our health, our attitudes and our beliefs about our role in life are major determinants of long-term health success and longevity. Lifestyle counseling can involve making tangible, practical alterations to our routines, analyzing behavioral and thought patterns, minimizing toxic exposures, incorporating exercise and self-care habits into our daily life.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy involves the use of water to treat a variety of conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, skin disorders, digestive dysfunction, and poor immune function. Using water to treat the body is one of the oldest methods of healing, utilized by almost all cultures and is a basic tenet of Nature Cure from which Naturopathic Medicine originated. Often used in conjunction with other treatments, hydrotherapy is very safe, inexpensive and can usually be done at home as part of your daily routine.
Hydrotherapy involves the use of water to treat a variety of conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, skin disorders, digestive dysfunction, and poor immune function. Using water to treat the body is one of the oldest methods of healing, utilized by almost all cultures and is a basic tenet of Nature Cure from which Naturopathic Medicine originated. Often used in conjunction with other treatments, hydrotherapy is very safe, inexpensive and can usually be done at home as part of your daily routine.