Naturopathic Services
Dietary & Lifestyle Counselling
We all know it, diet and lifestyle changes are the hardest changes we have to make. We all want change but no one really wants to change, right?
As a naturopath, I can promise you a few things:
I don’t prescribed overly restrictive diets
I won’t take away your chocolate or gluten (unless it’s required for your health)
I won’t make you start going to the gym five days per week but I will cheer you on if you choose to do that!
There is no perfect diet- whether it’s the ketogenic, blood type, vegan, vegetarian, intermittent fasting, etc. Therefore, I will not put you on a diet. What I will do is help you have a healthy relationship with food and know how to eat for your size and health conditions.
In regards to exercise, my philosophy is the same. I don’t believe in three hour gym days and I don’t think any of my full-time parents do as well.
We undervalue the basics such as walking around the block a few times, parking the car further from the entrance, taking the stairs, or a good walk to release some of that pent up energy. If you haven’t been exercising, that’s okay. The suggestions above are where we start.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for centuries in order to help with a variety of conditions. It involves very thin, stainless steel needles inserted into the skin to help alleviate physical, mental and emotional ailments. Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory which teaches there are many points along the body that exist in pathways (also called meridians), and energy flows freely in these pathways. When this energy is disrupted, it creates disease. With acupuncture, certain areas are needled to help this energy flow freely and restore health.
From a scientific perspective, acupuncture needles stimulate the central nervous system which releases neurotransmitters into the muscles, spinal cord and brain to help promote healing. As well, acupuncture can be accompanied by gentle manual or electrical stimulation directly to the needles. This can enhance the treatment efficacy and patients may have better health outcomes (for example, less pain).
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is just like it sounds - herbs that can be used as medicine. This is in a category all it’s own and for a good reason. Herbal remedies are a wonderful way of creating change in a consistent yet gentle manner. Herbs can be used in a variety of forms such as liquid alcohol tinctures, glycerin tinctures, dried for teas or made it balms.
Conditions that are commonly treated with herbs include: GERD, IBS, constipation, stress, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, and chronic pain.
Nutraceutical Supplements
Also known as dietary supplements, supplements are to naturopaths what pharmaceuticals are to medical doctors. The majority of us are well versed in going to an appointment, talking about our concerns, and then leaving with a solution. This is a very ingrained process and something most of us have come to expect.
Considering the majority of nutraceutical substances are not tasty, it is much easier to take a substance if we don’t have to chew or bite into it. Although supplements are very convenient, they are not the only part of an effective treatment plan. Naturopathic care requires you to be an active participant in your health, so supplement prescriptions will only be part of the way you are going to fulfill your health goals.