SERVICES
Botanical Medicine
Acupuncture and Cupping
Supplements and
Nutraceuticals
Diet, Exercise, Sleep
Intravenous Vitamin Therapy and
Vitamin Injections
Laboratory
Health Tests
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine, also known as herbalism or phytomedicine involves the use of plants or their extracts for consumption or topical application. For centuries, cultures around the world have used botanical medicine to treat a wide host of conditions and to enhance well-being. Today, many people still rely on traditionally used medicinal plants.
What conditions can herbal medicine be used for?
Both acute and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, mental health, inflammation and boosting immunity.
How is botanical medicine prescribed?
Botanicals can be prescribed as teas, tinctures, capsules or topically as creams and salves. A recommended formula may consist of a single herb or a blend of several. Treatments are carefully selected and individualized to your condition and needs.
Are botanicals safe?
Herbal medicine can be quite potent and potentially dangerous if not taken with proper guidance. After conducting a thorough medical history, a Naturopathic Doctor can assess for safety along with any potential interactions with current medications.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture and Cupping)
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been in existence for over 3000 years. It involves restoring balance to the body through a holistic approach to health.
What conditions can acupuncture help?
Beneficial for many conditions and symptoms from pain to depression to digestive issues. It can also be used cosmetically for facial rejuvenation.
Are there different types of acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points in the body and various depths. This stimulates the body’s innate healing powers and restores the smooth flow of Qi (or energy) within the body’s meridians (energy channels).
Electroacupuncture involves passing a mild electric current between two acupuncture needles. This technique can be used for muscle tension, pain (most common use) and to increase the intensity of stimulation.
Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into trigger points or muscle knots with a continuous lift and thrust technique until the muscle releases.
What to expect?
On the first visit, an assessment will be made based on your symptoms and health history to determine the most appropriate protocol. Treatment times vary from 15 to 45 minutes. Frequency can range from 3 to 8 treatments with chronic conditions often being at the higher end of this spectrum. When the needles are inserted at a particular depth, you may experience a mild aching sensation.
Is acupuncture safe?
Naturopathic Doctors have been trained in acupuncture for 4 years. Acupuncture can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with other therapies and done correctly, it is safe with few side effects.
What is cupping?
A therapy involving the application of hollow containers on the skin with suction. This technique is beneficial for increasing local blood flow and stretching tissues, which are helpful for muscle pain.
Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Supplements consist of vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids derived from food products and concentrated in liquid, capsule, powder or pill form. They can be used to supplement the diet when there are deficiencies and to promote health. An example of a supplement is Vitamin D, which helps with mood and bone health. Others include minerals such as iron, herbs like echinacea for colds and glutamine, which is an amino acid used for digestive health.
Nutraceuticals are a type of dietary supplement consisting of a food or part of a food such as garlic, ginger and fish oil. These are not essential to a person’s diet and do not correct for deficiencies. They are however beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of disease.
Supplements and nutraceuticals may only form one facet of a comprehensive healthcare plan. I will make recommendations based on your condition, current state of health and medical history. It is my belief that nutrients are better obtained from food but sometimes this isn’t feasible in the amounts needed for disease prevention and well-being. If supplements and nutraceuticals are chosen, the goal is to heal and restore balance to the body so that you do not have to take these long term.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Diet
Dietary changes can have far reaching effects from the treatment and prevention of heart disease to improving mental health. Studies have shown that eating a balanced nutritious diet decreases disease risk and in some cases, can reverse disease altogether. One size does not fit all and a diet should be tailored to an individual’s health state, be simple to follow and feasible. The goal is to shift the mindset from restriction to health promotion.
There’s so much information out there on diets, it’s challenging to know what advice to follow. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in the medicinal effects of foods to optimize your health and well-being whether that be in general or for a particular condition.
Exercise
Exercise is so much more than a means to lose weight, from helping you increase energy to affecting mood to reducing your risk of chronic disease. Through my many years in various sports including gymnastics, I developed an appreciation for the benefits of moving the body. In my clinic, an exercise prescription can be as simple as slowly increasing your overall steps per day. Attainable goals are what I strive for no matter your fitness level.
Sleep
Sleep can often be ignored as an important pillar of health but it’s as essential as eating healthy and exercising. The right amount can benefit your mental and physical health, quality of life and safety. Continuous sleep deprivation can be a risk factor for chronic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Naturopathic Doctors can give advice and use therapies such as calming herbs and supplements to optimize your sleep.
Intravenous Vitamin Therapy and Vitamin Injections
Offering this service at the Liberty Clinic location (600 Sherbourne Street Suite 315)
Intravenous Therapy consists of safe doses of vitamins, amino acids and minerals that go right into the circulatory system. This is beneficial for individuals who do not like to swallow pills and those with compromised digestive systems.
To learn more, go to https://www.libertyclinic.com/services/iv-therapy/
At both my clinics, I also offer vitamin injections intramuscularly, B12 being the most common as it can be beneficial for energy. B12 is a water soluble vitamin needed for blood cell formation and brain and nerve function.
Laboratory Health Tests
Naturopathic Doctors can write laboratory requisitions but they are not covered by the government and therefore, usually paid for by the patient. More comprehensive laboratory tests can give additional information on your health to aid in your case workup, diagnosis and treatment. I welcome the opportunity to work with your MD to determine which lab tests are right for you and your budget.
Blood draws are done offsite through Dynacare and Lifelabs.