Approaches to Healing
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic doctors (aka NDs or Naturopaths) are regulated health care professionals. The primary focus is on the use of natural therapies to support and stimulate healing processes. All licensed NDs complete a minimum of three years university-level training, including pre-medical courses, then four years at an accredited naturopathic medical college. In naturopathic programs, NDs study the same basic medical and clinical sciences as other health care professionals, like MDs or FNPs.
What is Acupuncture?
According to modern research, acupuncture works on the neurological, circulatory, lymphatic and electromagnetic systems in the body. It produces an endorphin analgesic response in the body that is cumulative over many treatments and a biochemical reaction regulating mood that produces fast immediate results. So, a patient can experience relief from pain in one part of the body and at the same time become very relaxed during the treatment.
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Acupuncture works by opening up blockages along the meridians of the body. According to the Chinese, pain and disease is the result of blocked Qi and blood. When it does not flow, Qi and blood cannot reach an area of the body due to the lack of circulation. Acupuncture needles are inserted along meridians and in different parts of the body that communicate with a targeted area. The procedure acts to open up circulation giving comfort and relief to the patient.
We use tiny needles to stimulate Qi (or energy) in the channels of your body to achieve therapeutic effect. They are as hair-thin and most patients do not feel most point insertions. Points are used locally in areas where there is pain or in combination on different areas of the body to achieve the therapeutic effect.
Upon needle insertion most patients do not feel anything, some feel an instant tiny prick sensation. Acupuncture usually creates sensations in the body, which is the aim of the treatment. Most people feel very relaxed and very peaceful. They may feel a heavy sensation, a warming or a cooling feeling. If you came in with pain or stress, you will start to feel it subside. Most patients even fall asleep on the table.
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What is Classical Chinese Medicine?
Classical Chinese Medicine extends beyond Traditional Chinese Medicine standardization whereby training includes studying the Classical texts (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Cannon, and Treatise on Cold Damage) dating back over 2000 years. Training focuses on cultivation of the scholar-practitioner with the aim of accessing profound healing knowledge and the ancient wisdom of the Classical texts, via a scholar-mentor approach. Classical Chinese Medicine includes Chinese herbal therapy, acupuncture, tui na, gua sha, cupping, moxibustion, qi gong (pronounced chee-gong) and dietetics.
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(Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was systematized in the 1950s by the Chinese government. TCM is based on Classical texts, and is a system of patterns and prescription systems that has been standardized.)
What is Anthroposophic Medicine?
Anthroposophic Medicine brings deeper insights to the care of the whole human being. It is practiced by conventionally-trained physicians and nurses who have undergone additional, specialized training, learning to apply a broad array of effective natural medicines. This whole-person approach also incorporates art, music, movement, and massage therapies as elements of collaborative, multidisciplinary health care.
Founded in central Europe nearly a century ago, Anthroposophic Medicine is now integrated into acute-care hospitals, specialty treatment centers, and university teaching and research programs. Here in North America, Anthroposophic Medicine has been successfully integrated into centers for chronic illness care and elder care, as well as a large variety of medical practices. Trainings in anthroposophic medicine are offered for health professionals in thirty-two countries on five continents. With deep roots and broad applications, Anthroposophic Medicine works to bring health and wholeness into modern life.
My Story & Practice Philosophy
I obtained my Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine located in Portland, Oregon, where my training focused on primary care, cardiopulmonary naturopathic medicine, and adjunctive cancer care. I obtained a concurrent Masters degree in Classical Chinese Medicine, with treatments focused on physical and internal medicine, as well as soul-spiritual supportive treatments. In addition to this practice style, I have a special interest in anthroposophic medicine – a comprehensive view of the human as a being of body, soul and spirit.
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My approach to Chinese Medicine is through the exposure I’ve had to the philosophy and practice of 88th Daoist master of the Jade Purity Yellow Emperor Lao Zi School, Jeffrey Yuen. This includes Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition/Dietetics, the therapeutic use of Stones and Essential Oils with the use of the extraordinary vessels, and less commonly used channels. I have trained in treating musculoskeletal pain and injuries using various acupuncture techniques within this ongoing mentorship.
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Prior to returning to Ontario, I was a primary care provider in an independent clinic in downtown Portland, Oregon, licensed as both a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. Acute and chronic illness treatments were multi-disciplinary, including screening labs and imaging if necessary, herbal, homeopathic and pharmaceuticals as well as acupuncture. Bringing a multi-disciplinary approach to the primary care office is ideal for individuals seeking care - as a one-size fits all algorithmic approach doesn't always lead to healing.
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Before obtaining a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, I obtained a Masters of Science in aqueous geochemistry from McGill University in Montreal. My career focus as a Professional Geologist was on human health and ecological risk assessments of contaminated sites across North America. It is through this work that the inspiration to explore natural and traditional medicines grew, to further foster the relationship of human beings with the planet to obtain a mutual relationship for healing. I have a strong passion for the outdoors, biodynamic gardening, skiing, running, cycling, painting and knitting. I grew up on a small farm in Palmer Rapids, Ontario, Canada and strive to integrate these rhythms of nature into our busy daily lifestyles for nourishment.