Infinity Chiropractic & Wellness Centre
Providing high quality care in a safe, supportive environment for those seeking to obtain optimal health.
Naturopathic medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a unique system of integrative health care. It combines conventional medical knowledge, assessment, and diagnosis, with traditional approaches to health, such as dietary and lifestyle counseling, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, physical medicine (manual therapy and manipulations), and homeopathy. It seeks to determine the true underlying cause of illness or dysfunction in order to achieve optimal health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Naturopathic doctors are licensed health care providers in the province of Ontario, regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) under the Regulated Health Professionals Act. Naturopathic doctors have completed at minimum an undergraduate degree, a post‐graduate degree in naturopathic medicine from an accredited naturopathic medical school, and several rounds of licensing examinations.
Naturopathic doctors can treat a wide variety of health conditions, from the common cold to advanced‐stage cancer and infertility. The treatment approaches they use will depend on their level of knowledge, experience, and clinical interest. Naturopathic doctors also have an exceptional understanding of other health professions, which allows them to determine the most appropriate options for care.
Naturopathic Doctors may choose to combine a variety of therapies when developing your personalized treatment plan. Your naturopathic doctor will work together with you to develop a plan that works best for your health needs. Below you will find a brief explanation of some of the more general methods used at Infinity Chiropractic & Wellness Centre.
Consultation
We offer an opportunity to come and consult with our Naturopathic Doctor regarding any questions or concerns you may have about naturopathic medicine. This is a complimentary 15-minute appointment and is designed to answer any questions you may have. No individual assessments or treatment recommendations are provided.
Functional Diagnostic Testing
Sometimes in order to address the true underlying causes of illness or disease, your naturopathic doctor may recommend additional testing. This may include additional blood tests such as thyroid panels or food sensitivity tests, saliva tests for hormone levels, or hair analysis for heavy metals and other environmental factors.
Nutrition &
Lifestyle
Counselling
The first step in most naturopathic treatment plans includes an assessment of dietary and lifestyle factors, which may be contributing to either your current health state, or your risk of chronic disease. Most new patients are asked to complete a one-week food record to discuss in relation to their treatment plan. Part of your treatment plan may include making dietary changes relevant to your health concerns, or other lifestyle changes such as exercise, smoking cessation, improving sleep and managing stress. Sometimes, if indicated, treatment sessions may explore deeper psychological counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
Natural Health Products & Supplementation
An integral part of naturopathic medicine is the use of what we call ‘clinical nutrition’. This can be in the form of vitamin and mineral supplementation, botanical/herbal products, or the use of other natural health products and ‘nutraceuticals’ to support specific aspects of human physiology and cellular functioning. These would include substances like vitamin C, zinc, fish oil, and many more. Often, supplements are given because you may be deficient for a number of reasons, or there is evidence that a higher than average dose may have additional health benefits. Additionally, certain nutrients have very specific effects in the body to help manage your current health concerns and optimize functioning.
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
Naturopathic Doctors are also trained in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a remarkably impressive system of medicine developed centuries ago. We look at symptoms and illnesses very similar to medical doctors, but tend to use different terms like ‘Qi’, ‘Yin’, and ‘Yang’, to describe them. From there we can develop a ‘TCM’ diagnosis and treatment plan, using acupuncture to regulate organ systems, pain and neural pathways, and release muscular trigger points. Acupuncture points are chosen based on your symptoms and overall TCM diagnosis, in all areas of the body. Acupuncture needles used are sterile, extremely thin, and are often not even felt by the patient. Sometimes, electrical current is added to the needles to help stimulate the body’s response. Your naturopathic doctor will discuss with you throughout your treatment, whether acupuncture may be indicated.
Manual Therapy
As primary care providers, naturopathic doctors know the importance of thorough physical examination, assessment, and therapy. Naturopathic doctors truly value the role that physical structures (bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, tissues, organs, etc.) play in the role of illness. Your individual plan may include manual therapies such as soft tissue stretching, active release treatment, joint manipulation, Gua Sha, proper strength and assessment of body mechanics, and effective exercise and training plans.
Fee schedule
Complimentary initial consultation (15 minutes) $0
Follow-up appointment fees
30 minutes $ 75
45 minutes $ 100
60 minutes $ 170