Therapies
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into specific places on the body to relive pain or improve functioning. It’s also a safe and effective form of treatment for many other conditions presenting both physical and mental symptoms.
Some conditions commonly treated with acupuncture:
- Pain (muscle, tendon or joint pain and injuries, sciatica, shingles pain)
- Headaches
- Anxiety, tension, stress, insomnia
- Digestive issues (diarrhea, constipation, bloating, heartburn)
- Respiratory issues like asthma or bronchitis
- Gynecological issues (PMS, menstrual cramps, heavy periods, mastitis)
Acupuncture should not feel painful, there may be an initial tingling sensation when the needles are being placed, but most people become very relaxed during their treatment.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, also known as water therapy, is the therapeutic use of hot and cold water. Water therapies can relieve pain, and alternating between temperatures stimulates blood circulation, immune function, and overall vitality. Hydrotherapy is also used for relaxation and health maintenance because it has a very calming, soothing effect. Treatments include contrast foot baths, alternating hot and cold showers, constitutional hydrotherapy, and steam inhalation.
Some conditions commonly treated with hydrotherapy:
- Chronic pain and arthritis
- Injuries
- Lung infections (i.e pneumonia)
- Acne
- Depression and stress
- Headaches
- Digestive issues
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine, or herbal medicine, refers to the use of plants to improve organ function and stimulate healing. Combining different plant medicines for the patient in-office allows prescriptions to be highly individualized, which improves clinical efficacy.
Botanical (herbal) medicines can be used as alternative to some drug treatments, or in conjunction with medication. Naturopathic doctors are highly trained to prescribe botanical medicines safely and recognize any potential interactions or contraindications.
Some conditions commonly treated with botanical medicine:
- Nervous system (anxiety, depression, insomnia, burn-out, stress)
- Digestive system (heartburn, liver problems, gallstones, gastritis, ulcers, colitis, IBS, SIBO)
- Immune system (strep throat, influenza, shingles, tonsilitis, cellulitis, viral respiratory infections)
- Urinary system (kidney stones, bladder infections, interstitial cystitis)
- Respiratory system ( asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia)
Cupping
Cupping is a technique that is thousands of years old. It involves placing suction cups on the skin that create a vacuum or pulling action on the tissues below. A modern way to describe cupping is “fascial decompression,” as layers of skin, muscle and connective tissue are gently separated, creating space between the tissues. Blood flow to the area is stimulated and is immediately obvious by the colour change of the skin under the cup. Cupping is a non-invasive treatment that can rapidly relieve pain, stiffness, and congestion, often with just one treatment.
Homeopathy
Based on the principle of “Like Cures Like” – that a disease can be treated using a substance that causes similar symptoms in healthy people – homeopathic medicine involves administering minute doses of natural substances to stimulate a healing response in the patient. It is extremely safe for all ages and can bring rapid relief in a variety of acute and chronic diseases.
Check out our blog post, Under the Weather: A Case of Migraine Headache, on the successful treatment of chronic migraines with homeopathic remedies.
Contact the clinic to set up an appointment or learn more about naturopathic medicine.