Complementary Medicine Treatment 

Allergies and Asthma

Allergies are a hyper-reactivity to specific substances that trigger an immune system response. Allergies can be caused by anything you come in contact with either in the environment, food or in your home. An allergic person can experience a variety of symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, hives or other skin rashes, sneezing, headaches, stuffy sinuses or digestive problems like diarrhea or constipation. You may be surprised by the way your allergies affect you. Some of the discomforts that may actually be caused by allergies include:

* Eczema
* Bed-wetting and Incontinence
* Migraines
* Bowel problems
* Difficulty concentrating
* Mood disorders
* Low blood sugar
* Chronic ear infections
* Grinding teeth

With seasonal or environmental allergies we generally recommend testing for IgG food allergies by blood testing.  Here is more information about the food allergy blood testing we offer.

Asthma is one of the major illnesses that may be caused by allergies. Asthma is divided into two types:

* Intrinsic asthma which is characterized by spasms of the air passages in the lungs that occur in response to a physical irritant i.e.: exercise, environment, chemicals, cold,
air, emotional issues just to name a few.
* Extrinsic asthma is an allergic disorder and is associated with the immune system response to an allergy.

Both types are characterized by a difficulty in breathing, cough, wheeze, and thick mucous in the lung passageways. Asthma can be life threatening and during an acute attack,
you should seek immediate medical attention.

Benefits of Our Naturopathic Treatment of Allergies and Asthma

*Addresses the root cause of your allergies/asthma rather than just suppressing the symptoms
*Strengthens and supports your immune system
*Cleanses, detoxifies and strengthens your entire body so that it responds more appropriately to its environment
*Ensures proper digestion which enhances healthy immune system function
*Herbs, vitamins and homeopathic medicines help heal and strengthen your lungs
*Reduces the tendency toward inflammation in your body that can cause or contribute to many other conditions including arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease

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Arthritis

There are many contributing factors to arthritis including overuse, trauma to the joint, inflammation, or age-related changes in the collagen repair system.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis usually afflicts older adults due to "wear and tear" on the joints. It occurs when the cartilage cushion in a weight-bearing joint loses minerals due to a decline in the level of glucosamine. This leads to stiffness and the development of bone spurs as the body tries to stabilize the joints.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

* Stiffness (especially in the morning)
* Painful and/or limited motion
* No signs of inflammation
* Occasionally only hands or knees affected
* Rarely are all joints affected at once

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that may affect the whole body, but typically affects hands, wrists, feet, ankles and knees, and may also include hips and shoulders. The immune system is generating antibodies that are affecting the joints, causing a constant state of inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is not considered to be a product of aging and is often observed to be hereditary.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

* Joint may be warm, tender and/or swollen with almost constant pain and stiffness
* Joint deformities may become evident

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been shown to have increased gut leakage and food allergies. Any food can be problematic, and it is best to consult your naturopathic doctor for more information and/or testing. Medications for rheumatoid arthritis can deplete the following: calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, folic acid, vitamins A, B6, C and D.

Benefits of Our Naturopathic Arthritis Treatment

*Corrects your body chemistry in order to slow down and reverse the disease process
*Addresses the underlying root cause of your arthritis
*Will not merely mask your symptoms while you damage your joints further, but rather bring healing and correction of your body's imbalances
*Assesses and monitors the level of your pain and deterioration
*Your treatment options help reverse the disease process as well as manage pain
*Eliminates toxins and rebuilds your vitality in order to speed healing and repair

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Candida

Candida albicans is a strain of yeast that is commonly responsible for vaginal yeast infections.  It can also affect the digestive tract, sinuses and skin.

Symptoms:

Vaginal discharge, itching or burning
Prostatitis
Recurring sinus infections
Fatigue
Bloating, gas
Muscle aches/weakness
Joint pain
Abdominal pain
Athlete's foot

Benefits of Naturopathic Treatment for Candida:

A thorough, whole body cleanse will resolve recurring problems. We use a variety of antifungal herbs and supplements coupled with the very best beneficial bacteria. Repair of the digestive tract is also vital to naturopathic treatment of Candida and for prevention of food allergies and recurring gastrointestinal infections. We can also do stool testing for yeast, harmful bacteria, parasites and good bacteria that can help target treatment.

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

These conditions commonly occur in females.  They can be aggravated by physical or mental stress, poor sleep, trauma, dampness or cold. The causes are not exactly clear.

Location of Pain in Fibromyalgia:

Back of head
Low back
Neck
Shoulders
Thighs

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia:

Pain
Fatigue
Sleep Disorder
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Chronic Headaches
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Muscle Stiffness

Benefits of Naturopathic Treatment for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia:

Naturopathically we would address toxin accumulation, imbalanced brain chemistry/low serotonin, sleep disturbances, infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or with the fungus
Candida albicans, food allergies, emotional stress, adrenal exhaustion, nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal toxicities and hypoglycemia. All of these can cause or contribute to chronic fatigue and/or fibromyalgia. They approach these problems from a root cause perspective, rather than just easing symptoms.

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia:

A potential factor in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome is a dysfunctional nervous system, where normal amounts of sensation on muscles are perceived as pain. Chiropractic helps regulate the neuro-musculoskeletal system, thus reducing the overall perception of pain. In addition, exercise and activity are often recommended which are shown to help decrease the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Benefits of Registered Massage Therapy for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia:

Massage treatments can help reduce stress levels and pain in clients with fibromyalgia. Massage helps increase relaxation which in turn can help clients cope with anxiety and pain.

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Endometriosis

General: Endometriosis is a nonmalignant disorder in which functioning uterine lining (endometrial tissue) is present outside of the uterus and enlarges in response to fluctuations in estrogen which presses on nerves and causes pain.

Symptoms:

Pelvic pain
Pelvic mass
Change in menses
Painful menses, menstrual cramping, back pain
Infertility

Benefits of Naturopathic Treatment for Endometriosis:

Endometriosis responds very well to naturopathic treatment as we address the root cause of the problem. Key steps are:

Resolve estrogen dominance
Balance hormones
Detoxify xenoestrogens like pollutants, pesticides and chemicals
Acupuncture and homeopathy to relieve pain and resolve endometriosis tissue
Reduce activity of cells lining the uterus to reduce the escape of tissue out of the uterus

Benefits of Registered Massage Therapy for Endometriosis:

Massage therapy can be very helpful in treating pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. Gentle massage to the lower back, abdomen, gluteals, hips and legs can reduce muscle tension, relieve pain and address any postural changes that result from a chronic pain situation. Massage can also help to increase relaxation and a general feeling of well being which is helpful when dealing with pain.

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Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the smooth muscle of the uterus. They can protrude into the uterine cavity, be located within the wall of the uterus or protrude into the abdominal cavity.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

Abnormal menses - often very heavy bleeding and/or bleeding between menstrual periods
Severe pressure or pain
Urinary or bowel complaints - sensations of pressure or incontinence
Recurrent miscarriages
Infertility

There are a couple of popular theories as to why fibroids develop:

Fibroids are the result of an excess of estrogen, excess xenoestrogens, and/or unopposed or imbalanced estrogen relative to progesterone.
Fibroids are a response to excessive inflammatory processes in the body.

Benefits of Naturopathic Treatment of Fibroids

Our naturopathic treatments are aimed at:

Helping with liver detoxification of excess estrogen or estrogen-like compounds known as xenoestrogens using supplements that aid liver breakdown of these substances so that
the body can excrete them.
Improving progesterone production using herbal medicine and nutrition.
Reducing systemic inflammation through proper diet, exercise and anti-inflammatory herbs.

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Headaches and Migraines

General:

There are 3 types of headaches: Tension, Migraine, Cervicogenic

Tension: Tension headaches are frequently associated with mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head. It is often described as "band-like" pain and feels like something is
pressing tightly around the head.
Migraine: A migraine is a periodic, severe, throbbing headache that affects women more than men. It often starts with pain in and around the eye and spreads to involve one or
both sides of the head. It is thought to be caused by changes in the blood flow in the head.
Cervicogenic: It is a headache that originates in the cervical spine but is perceived to be arising in the head.

Naturopathic Medicine and Headaches and Migraines:

Naturopathic doctors can help with migraines and headaches by identifying triggers like food allergies and caffeine, determining vitamin/mineral deficiencies like B6, C and magnesium
and help balance hormones that can trigger PMS and menopause related headaches and migraines. We can also use acupuncture to treat headaches and prevent future
recurrences.

Registered Massage Therapy and Headaches and Migraines:

Tension headaches can be caused by trigger points, sleep disturbances, postural imbalance, and temperomandibular joint dysfunction. Massage treatments for headaches sufferers focus on reducing the tone of "tight" muscles, reducing trigger points, reducing joint dysfunctions and increasing circulation and range of movement, all of which ultimately can help to alleviate or even eradicate tension headaches.

Chiropractic and Headaches and Migraines:

There are many daily activities and habits that can lead to headaches. Poor posture, physical injury, and stress are some of the most common causes. When these occur, they can prevent normal movement of the many joints in your neck. When these joints do not move normally, they put pressure on the nerves in the area of reduced movement, which then, in turn, send pain signals to the already tight muscles and tissues around the neck and head. This causes many common headaches.

Headaches are very widespread in the population, where 90% of the population experiences one at some point in their lifetime. About 5% of the population (9% of women) suffers from chronic daily headaches. One third of these individuals overuse pain medications on a regular basis, often without realizing they are doing so.

Chiropractic spinal manipulations have been shown to decrease the severity and frequency of many types of headaches, particularly those caused by poor posture, injury, and stress. The spinal manipulations restore normal movement to your spine and relax the muscles in the area.

There are several types of headaches, including tension, cervicogenic. Most people experience cervicogenic or tension headaches. Cervicogenic means produced by the cervical spine, and these headaches are related to abnormal movement of the joints in the neck, and the associated tightness of the muscles surrounding them. They are usually moderately painful, with a sharp, achy or throbbing nature, and generally affect one side of the head. Tension headaches are often related, and are described as a moderately painful squeezing pressure around your head.

Not all headaches are cause by spinal misalignments. Sometimes caffeine, lack of nutrients, stress, allergies, menstruation, or poor sleep habits can cause headaches.

What does a chiropractor do to treat headaches?

The first visit to a chiropractor typically includes a consultation, a physical, neurological, and orthopedic examination, and palpation of the neck joints and muscles to assess movement irregularities and tension patterns. Sometimes x-rays are required to better understand the underlying cause. The chiropractor will then explain the results, provide a diagnosis, and outline the specific treatment plan.

Chiropractors do not prescribe medications, but use a range of manual techniques to relieve pain and reduce frequency and intensity of headaches. Gentle spinal manipulation, mobilizations, instrument adjusting, soft tissue therapy, and exercise are typically used. Chiropractic care has been proven to be extremely effective in treating cervicogenic and tension headaches as well as neck pain and stiffness.

Often, the frequency and intensity of headaches decreases rapidly. However, the body continues to heal even after the pain has gone. Continuing to have chiropractic care helps to retrain the body to move and function properly. Without the ongoing irritation related to joint dysfunctions, the body's nervous system functions more efficiently and is better able to heal itself. In time, exercise, a healthy diet, and periodic visits to the chiropractor helps patients stay healthy and pain-free!

References

Assendelft et al (2001) Efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic headaches: A systematic review. JMPT. 24(7): 457-466.

Castillo et al (1999) Epidemiology of Headaches in the General Population. Headache. 39(30):190-196.

Moore et al (2004) Upper Crossed Syndrome and its relationship to cervicogenic headaches. JMPT. 27(4): 414-420.

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Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Often we will see clients who have had their thyroid hormones tested with normal results, but they
are exhibiting many if not all of the symptoms of low thyroid function. This is often referred to as subclinical hypothyroidism and responds very well to naturopathic treatment.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

Fatigue
Weakness
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Hair loss
Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
Depression
Irritability
Memory loss
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Infertility

Naturopathic Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Naturopathically, we always try to address and treat the underlying cause of the problem. Several factors can influence healthy thyroid function - nutrition, stress, liver and adrenal gland function and heavy metal (particularly mercury) toxicity. Our extensive intake procedure helps us determine whether diet changes, vitamins, herbs, detoxing and/or acupuncture will be most appropriate for you. We can do testing for liver function, heavy metals, adrenal gland function and nutritional deficiencies. Many of our clients have at least been able to reduce the dosage of their thyroid medications, avoid having to take thyroid medication or enjoy better health and vitality by improving utilization of their existing medication.

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Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that is caused by the effects of too much of the thyroid hormone on tissues of the body.

Symptoms:

Palpitations
Nervousness
Insomnia
Light or absent menses
Fatigue
Weight loss
Hair loss

Naturopathic Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Our treatment of hyperthyroidism aims to balance thyroid and other synergistic organ system functions, while trying to preserve healthy thyroid hormone production. Stress reduction, vitamins and minerals, herbs and acupuncture can be used to moderate thyroid function without causing damage to the thyroid.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS used to be referred to as having a nervous stomach. Digestive disorders like lactose intolerance, diverticulosis, Crohn's and colon cancer can have similar symptoms so it is important to have a complete evaluation by your naturopathic doctor to determine if what you have is IBS.

Common symptoms of IBS include the following ongoing problems:

Abdominal pain and bloating
Constipation and/or diarrhea
Gas/flatulence
Nausea
Low appetite
Anxiety or depression
Painful bowel movements

Our research supports the following possible causes of IBS:

* Multiple food sensitivities and/or intolerances
* Inadequate nutrition, especially the consumption of large amounts of highly refined, sugary, low-fiber foods
* High levels of stress
* Lack of digestive enzymes or stomach acid
* Not enough of the good bacteria needed for intestinal health or too much harmful bacteria or yeast
* Lack of exercise

Benefits Of Our Naturopathic Approach to IBS

Individualized to you - since the problem can arise from multiple causes, there is no "one-size fits all" solution
You have access to the most sensitive and scientific testing for 190 potential food allergies
Your gastrointestinal tract can be healed to eliminate your IBS symptoms and increase nutrient absorption and immune system health
We can guide you through cleansing your digestive tract of harmful bacteria and yeast and restoring the beneficial bacteria. Our cleanses don't involve harmful laxative herbs.
You can replenish and regenerate your own digestive enzymes and stomach acid
You gain a better understanding of which agents or foods are aggravating your digestive system

Other digestive problems that your naturopathic doctor can help treat through a similar root cause approach include:

* Indigestion, bloating
* Heartburn
* Constipation, diarrhea
* Candida
* Crohn's Disease
* Ulcerative Colitis
* Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD)
* Stomach/Intestinal Ulcers
* Hemorrhoids
* Mouth canker sores
* Colon Cancer

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Menopause

Menopause is the cessation of menses due to decreasing ovarian function. It may be natural, artificial or premature. It usually occurs at around the age of 50.

Symptoms:

Hot flashes
Fatigue
Inability to concentrate or memory loss
Depression
Headaches
Anxiety and Nervousness

Naturopathic Medicine and Menopause:

Menopause is a natural hormonal transition in a woman's life, just like puberty. It should be a smooth transition. If not, it can be a sign of:

Hormone imbalances
Adrenal stress or adrenal fatigue
Excessive use of caffeine and/or nicotine
Liver congestion
Low thyroid and ovarian function

Naturopathic Medicine can resolve these issues through proper diet, exercise, stress reduction techniques, adrenal gland support, liver detoxification, thyroid and ovarian support.

Chiropractic Care for Menopause:

Chiropractic helps to regulate the nervous system and to restore normal function in joints, muscles, tissues and organs. Chiropractic plays an important supportive role in the
treatment of menopause, especially in relation to the stress and stress responses many women experience.

Registered Massage Therapy and Menopause:

Massage therapy is an excellent complement to healthcare for menopausal women. Massage decreases the sympathetic nervous system firing which helps to increase the body's
relaxation response. This is helpful in general, but especially for women.

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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which involves cartilage in the joints.

Symptoms:

Pain and stiffness in the joints especially with increased usage
Limited range of motion

Naturopathic Medicine for Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints either because of improper alignment or aging. Supplying nutrients for the body to rebuild joint tissue like cartilage, can relieve the pain by addressing the underlying cause of the problem. While the joint regenerates, supplements and herbs can be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture rounds out naturopathic treatment by helping to speed healing and reduce pain.

Chiropractic Care for Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is most commonly seen in the weight-bearing joints of the body, including the low back, hips, knees and feet. It is associated with chronic wear and tear an abnormal movement of theses joints. Chiropractic restores the normal motion and can reduce excess wear and tear on joints and the pain associated with it. Treatment typically includes joint mobilization and/or adjustments, traction and home exercises and also advice about how to minimize the physical stressors associated with the development of osteoarthritis.

Registered Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilages. Massage therapy helps reduce stiffness and pain by improving the circulation around the affected joint and by reducing muscle spasms and trigger points that would be aggravating osteoarthritic symptoms. Passive range of motion and passive gentle, passive stretches are also integrated in a massage therapy session which helps improve joint nutrition and keeps muscles supple. Massage therapy is a valuable treatment option for osteoarthritis patients along with appropriate physical activity including postural stretches and strengthening and non-weight bearing exercises.

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

What is Osteopenia? What is Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia is a condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal, but not yet severe enough to be classified as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is also a condition of low bone mineral density but more severe than osteopenia and risk of broken bones or fracture is increased. Primary osteoporosis occurs most often in post-menopausal women. Secondary osteoporosis may occur in anyone of any age as a result of chronic medical problems or secondary to prolonged use of glucocorticoid medications, such as cortisone or prednisone.

Naturopathic Medicine and Osteoporosis/Osteopenia

Bone density is influenced by a number of factors including:

Physical Activity/Exercise
Stress
Hormone balance
Diet
Smoking
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Vitamin D and/or vitamin K deficiency
Soft drink intake
Heavy metals like lead and cadmium

How do Naturopathic Doctors treat Osteopenia/Osteoporosis?

We emphasize lifestyle changes like regular physical activity and stress reduction techniques
We balance hormones through proper diet, and vitamins and herbs if necessary
Diet can promote loss of bone density or strengthening bones, we can advise which foods are beneficial to bone health and which foods can be detrimental
We can help change unhealthy habits like smoking, alcohol abuse and soft drink intake
We can help determine if vitamin D or vitamin K may be deficient and help safely replenish those vitamins (Note: patients on blood thinner medications are not advised to increase vitamin K intake)
We can identify heavy metal exposure and help your body rid itself of toxic metals like lead and cadmium

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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects 5-10% of women of childbearing age. The cysts develop as a result of eggs failing to fully mature and subsequent failure to ovulate. Since no egg matures, or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made.

Symptoms of PCOS:

*High levels of male hormones, also called androgens, such as DHEAs and testosterone
*An irregular, prolonged or absent menstrual cycle
*There may or may not be many small cysts in the ovaries - NB. a diagnosis of PCOS does NOT require there to be cysts on the ovaries
*Infertility or inability to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy
*Acne, oily skin or dandruff, particularly cystic chest, jaw line and back acne
*Pelvic pain
*Weight gain or inability to lose weight
*Insulin resistance

Naturopathic Treatment of PCOS

PCOS is the result of a whole cascade of hormone imbalances that can be traced back to blood sugar instability. Diet, exercise, supplements, herbs and stress reduction can be used to correct blood sugar imbalances, lower insulin levels, restore healthy ovulation and progesterone production and remove any excess of reproductive hormones.

Purchase the PCOS Treatment E-book here: http://www.myknowledgegenie.com/PCOS

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Weight Loss

As naturopathic physicians we take the same comprehensive, individualized approach to weight loss as we do to every other health problem.  We look at blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, cortisol, stress, calorie/protein and fat intake, behaviour patterns, social support, exercise, hormones, neurotransmitters, fat metabolism, sleep, hydration and medication side effects.  With patients who are interested we can also optimize metabolism and customize a food program using the Healthy and Active Program.  A science based weight loss program that corrects metabolism to facilitate weight loss.  For more information check it out here.


Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when the soft tissue of the spine is stretched and strained after the body is thrown in a sudden, forceful jerk. Since your neck is the most flexible part of the spine, it is more vulnerable to injury.

Symptoms:

Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches
Reduced mobility
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasms in the hands, arms, or shoulders

Naturopathic Medicine and Whiplash:

While chiropractic more directly addresses the underlying cause of whiplash, naturopathic treatment can help alleviate the resulting symptoms. Acupuncture and minerals to improve muscle relaxation can help ease whiplash pain.

Chiropractic Care for Whiplash:

Chiropractic is an important part of the recovery process following a whiplash injury. After ruling out injury to the bones of the spine, chiropractic treatment focuses on decreasing pain and swelling and increasing the amount and the case of the range of motion of the neck and back. Typically starting with gentle mobilizations and/or adjustments, traction, and other methods to relax and reduce pain in the affected area, care quickly progresses to include easy exercise to help clients return to their everyday activities as soon as possible!

Registered Massage Therapy for Whiplash:

In the acute stage, massage is very effective in reducing swelling and pain associated with whiplash. During this stage, massage is generally very light and focuses on pain reduction and maintaining the client's range of movement. As the healing process begins, massage therapy becomes more progressive, addressing tight muscles, trigger points and helping the client's range of movement return to normal. Massage therapy is a great way to help along the healing process and help people return to normal health.

 

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