My Services
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I have a large tool box to tap into based on your specific needs.
I have training in Botanical Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Nutrition & Lifestyle counselling, and Nutraceuticals. I often recommend lab work to establish a diagnosis, identify nutrient deficiencies, and to get a health baseline.
Laboratory Testing
Blood work and other specialized testing can be utilized to investigate your health concerns more comprehensively. Lab work can help to diagnose, identify any underlying deficiencies that need to be addressed and provide a baseline that we can use to monitor the progress of our treatments.
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture has the ability to reduce stress, inflammation, and pain, while increasing immune function, improving digestion and so much more. Acupuncture is only available to those residing in the Thunder Bay area. When needed I will make recommendations to your location, if I feel that acupuncture should be a part of your treatment protocol.
Cosmetic facial acupuncture, grounded in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is far more than a beauty treatment. It not only addresses the skin's appearance but takes a full-body approach to promote balance, by also addressing underlying health concerns and promoting deep relaxation. Each treatment is individualized to you and your health needs.
Through the use of fine needles, cosmetic facial acupuncture helps relax facial muscles, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The needles stimulate collagen production, which aids in increasing tone, elasticity and repairing damaged skin. Additionally, this treatment reduces redness and puffiness while promoting blood circulation, resulting in a more vibrant and balanced complexion.
Every session concludes with Gua Sha and facial cupping, which promote lymphatic drainage, further reducing puffiness and leaving you feeling deeply relaxed.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
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For optimal results, 8-12 weekly sessions are recommended, as this is the typical timeline for collagen production to take effect. Some individuals may require fewer sessions, while others may need more, depending on their unique needs. After the initial course, maintenance treatments are often recommended once a month.
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While rare, needles may occasionally cause temporary bruising, and treatments have the potential to trigger headaches or migraines in those prone to them. However, over time, cosmetic acupuncture can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Botanical Medicine
Plant medicine in the form of teas, tinctures and supplements have the ability to restore, strengthen and nourish our bodies. When we add in botanicals to your treatment plan, we choose a form and dosage that is safe and therapeutic to your individual needs, taking into consideration any medications you’re already taking.
Nutrition
AFood is medicine and should be enjoyed! When we work together we look at all aspects of eating, which includes our relationship to food. Food should be sustainable for your specific health concerns and busy lives, without feeling restrictive.
Lifestyle Counselling
Addressing the foundations of health is important to ensure that your health goals are maintained. These foundations include stressors, sleep habits, mental-emotional health and activity level.
More about my interest areas:
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This autoimmune condition is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Common symptoms include cold intolerances, weight gain, constipation, low mood, fatigue, menstrual changes, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails. There is often gut dysbiosis and nutrient deficiencies that need to be addressed.
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Common symptoms include anxiety, hair loss, changes to menstrual cycle, frequent loose stools, insomnia, heart palpitations, weight loss. Hyperthyroidism can occur due to thyroid autoimmune conditions most commonly graves disease, but can occur transiently in the progression of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, postpartum, or after a viral infection.
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PCOS commonly presents with irregular menstrual cycles, cysts on ovaries and signs of high androgens (unwanted hair growth and acne). The underlying cause is different for everyone and proper assessment is needed to guide treatment. There is often insulin resistance, inflammation, liver & gall bladder issues and gut dysbiosis involved.
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Burnout can stem from a lack of support, putting yourself last, lack of boundaries, hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar dysregulation, gut and liver issues, and/or living out of alignment with your values.
When addressing burnout I always support the nervous system and focus on the foundations of health like nutrition, movement and sleep, while we work to identify other ways to move you out of burnout.
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Irregular cycles are an important symptom to pay attention to. Proper assessment is needed here! Common reasons for changes to your cycle include but are not limited to are under fueling, high stress, thyroid dysfunction, high prolactin, PCOS, and over exercising, etc.
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Anxiety and depression are commonly seen in connection with other health concerns. Looking at nutrition, time in nature, living in alignment with your values, nutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin d) and ruling out other health conditions are key. Every appointment I talk about mental health because almost every treatment plan requires some nervous system support. We are living in such a fast paced environment where we are pulled in a million directions. Our nervous systems are becoming less flexible and we’re stuck in a state of fight/flight/fawn with no tools to get into a state of rest/digest. High levels of stress hormones can drive blood sugar issues and inflammation and push us into disease.
Are you experiencing any of the common patient symptoms?
Fatigue
Irregular Periods
Bloating / Gut Issues
Weight Changes
Changes to Hair, Skin or Nails
Feeling Cold
Acne
Cravings
Unwanted Hair Growth
Anxiety / Depression
Sleep Disturbances
Brain Fog / Poor Concentration