Frequently Asked Questions
What am I to expect at my Initial Assessment?
The Initial Assessment is 75 minutes in length. During this appointment, I will be taking a very thorough medical history of the client, including the health history of the patient's family. Questions on past/present medications, surgeries/hospitalizations, accidents/traumas plus mental/emotional issues or concerns, stress, sleep patterns, just to name a few of the topics covered. There will also be a complaint-based physical examination and/or general physical exam in order to establish a base-line standard from which to work. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the appointment as there is some paperwork that needs to be filled out for your file.
Please download, print and complete the appropriate form(s) below before your first appointment:
Adult Intake and Informed Consent Form [ download ]
Pediatric Intake Form [ download ]
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the surface of the body, influencing the physiological functioning of the body. It is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theories, however from a Western perspective, it is thought to enhance the body's ability to heal by releasing Enkephalins (pain killing substances) and Endorphins (mood elevating substances) and stimulating the immune system. Acupuncture is especially effective for pain-related conditions such as headaches, PMS symptoms, joint or musculoskeletal pain, and athletic injuries.
Acupuncture treatments are typically about 30 minutes in length.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is an energetic form of medicine created by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in Germany in the late 1700's. This form of medicine is based on the theory that "Like Cures Like" which basically means that if a substance in nature can create a set of symptoms (ie. cramping) then making a homeopathic preparation of that particular substance can then cure that set of symptoms (ie. cramps due to menstruation). Homeopathy uses highly diluted forms of these natural substances (plant, animal or mineral) and stimulates the body in order to heal itself. It is extremely safe and can be used on babies, animals, the elderly and in conjunction with other treatments. Can be prescribed on an acute or as-needed basis, or if the client wishes for an in-depth homeopathic assessment for any specific conditions where they opt for homeopathy to be the only form of treatment, a homeopathic intake is 2 hours for an initial appointment and 45 minutes for every follow up.
What do you mean by Clinical Nutrition?
Naturopathic Doctors are trained to effectively assess, diagnose and treat any conditions that patients may have that require altered or specialized diets (ie Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, Celiacs, Crohns and Colitis) or to individualize a well-balanced diet for health and weight loss. Clinical Nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health and in addition to specialized diets, nutritional supplements may also be recommended.
What is Botanical Medicine? Are they just medicines made from plants?
Botanical Medicine is the use of plant parts (roots, stems, fruit, seeds and leaves) to help support the body's physiological functions in the healing process. Plant medicines come in various forms, such as pills, teas, creams and tinctures. They are an effective and gentle way to treat many conditions from pain management to hormonal imbalances to skin conditions. Because many prescription medicines are actually synthetic forms of compounds naturally occurring in nature, there is the risk of botanical medicines reacting quite adversely with prescription drugs. Therefore it is very important to get professional advice from a practitioner who is trained in the science of botanical medicines to ensure safe and effective results from the plants.
