Naturopathic Medicine
Chiropractic
Massage Therapy
Acupuncture
Homeopathy & Bowen
Frequently Asked Questions
Naturopathic Medicine
What can I expect during a visit?
Your first appointment will last between 60 minutes. During this time, Dr.Jenn will review the patient intake form you would have completed prior to your appointment, and take a thorough health history. A physical examination may also be conducted. The nature of holistic health care is to emphasize the whole person, and therefore questions will be asked about your emotional health as well.
Depending on the recommended treatment, you may return in 2-4 weeks for a follow up appointment (30-45 minutes) or weekly for 4-6 weeks if acupuncture (30 minutes) is needed.
Does Insurance cover Naturopathic Medicine?
Most private health care companies will cover Naturopathic Medicine. Please Inquire with your provider for more details.How are NDs trained?
NDs take a minimum of three years premedical studies at university, followed by four years of specific training at a recognized college of naturopathic medicine. The education encompasses basic medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics, and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. There are five accredited schools of naturopathic medicine in North America:
- The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto)
- Bastyr University (Seattle)
- National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland)
- Southwest College of Naturo- pathic Medicine (Scottsdale)
- University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (Connecticutt)
Graduates from these institutions receive a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree or diploma.
In regulated (licensed) provinces and states across North America, graduates must also pass rigorous standardized exams to qualify for practice. In Canada, NDs are regulated in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Legislation is pending in Alberta and Nova Scotia.
In Nova Scotia, all ND's who are members of the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors are licensed in a regulated province and maintain the standards set by their regulatory board. The association is actively seeking regulation by the province of Nova Scotia.
Chiropractic
Coming Soon
Massage Therapy
What is involved with the first massage appointment?
The first 15 minutes of a new patient appointment are allotted to discuss the health history forms and to allow the massage therapist to ask you general health questions along with information about your primary concerns. The therapist may perform assessments to evaluate the area. The remainder of the appointment time is reserved for treatment.
How long will my treatments be?
An average full body treatments range is 60 minutes. This is the optimal time for a complete treatment. 30 minute massages are available, however this only allows for a short treatment such as neck and shoulder, back, or legs and feet.
How will I feel after a massage?
Most people experience an overall feeling of relaxation which may make you feel tired. This is normal, and should resolve within a day or two.
What do I do once the massage is finished?
In order to promote elimination and drainage from the tissues, it is recommended that you drink several glasses of water following a massage treatment. Epsom salts bath are also encouraged.
What is aromatherapy and what are essential oils?
Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils to enhance the well-being of the body, mind and spirit. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant oils that are extracted from the flowers, fruit, leaves, bark,
How do I use essential oils?
Essentials oils can be used in a variety of ways, including diffusion, baths, inhalations, compresses and during massage.
Are essential oils safe?
Though essential oils are powerful substances they are safe to use as long as they are used properly. Be sure to use appropriate concentrations and be aware of any possible contraindications to maintain your safety. Avoid using with pets and young children until you have discussed their case with an aromatherapy professional.
Please be aware of the following safety guidelines:
* Do not use internally
* Keep out of reach of children
* Do not use undiluted on the skin
* Keep away from eyes
* Work with good ventilation
* Do not overuse any one oil
* CHECK THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL ESSENTIAL OILS BEFORE USING
What sort of ailments can be treated with aromatherapy?
Essential oils can address disorders of the musculoskeletal, immune, nervous, digestive and endocrine system. Some of the many examples include muscular pain and injury, colds and flu, depression, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, constipation and hormone imbalance.
Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that was developed thousands of years ago. It is built upon the theory that the body is made up of pathways or "meridians" along which vital energy or Qi (pronounced "Chee") flows. These meridians run throughout the entire body and are all interconnected at some level. When the body is in balance, the Qi can flow smoothly and nourish all parts of the body. It is when the Qi becomes disrupted (through stress, overwork, poor diet, injury, climate, etc.) that imbalance occurs. This can manifest in many ways such as pain, emotional problems, illness or just generally feeling unwell. Acupuncture works by rebuilding or redirecting the Qi in order to restore the body to optimal health. This is accomplished by placing tiny, sterile, single-use needles into strategic points on the body where the meridians run superficially. Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of ailments such as headaches, infertility (male and female), body aches/pain, gynecological issues, menopause, anxiety, depression, nervous system disorders, acne, digestive problems, IBS, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and much more.
What can I expect during a visit and how many treatments will I need?
Your first visit may take up to 90 minutes as Acupuncture diagnosis requires a very detailed intake. You will be asked specific questions about your current and past health issues, your lifestyle, and your overall well-being. Acupuncture aims to address the root of a problem and not just the manifesting symptoms. Therefore, although many of the questions may seem irrelevant to your current complaint, your honesty helps your Acupuncturist devise a treatment that is specific to you and your needs. No two treatments are the same as no two people are the same. Next, your pulse will be checked and your tongue will be looked at, which furthers the individuality of the treatments. Once the intake is completed, you will lie on the table and your treatment will be performed. Once the needles are in, you are left in the room to relax for 20-30 minutes. All follow-up treatments are 60 minutes in length.
The amount of treatments needed is again specific to each person. It normally depends upon the severity of and length of time that you have been feeling unwel. If your condition is relatively new and mild, often only a few treatments are necessary. For chronic and severe cases, long term treatment is the most beneficial.
Is only Acupuncture used? Are there other treatment methods performed?
Acupuncture is normally the main treatment method, however, there are other modalities that can be used alone or combined with the Acupuncture. These include: Acupressure, Cupping therapy (the use of suction cups to increase circulation), Moxibustion ( burning of herbal stick which is then placed over the skin), Tui Na (chinese therapeutic massage), Electro-Acupuncture (stimulating the needles with a very gentle electric current), Gua Sha (or "Scraping", relieves pain and increases circulation) and Chinese Dietary Therapy.
Can Acupuncture be combined with other therapies?
Absolutely. Although Acupuncture is a medicine all in itself, it can be and often should be, combined with other treatments. At Pillars of Health we are patient focused. Since we have so many highly skilled therapists under one roof, we are able to give the best care possible to each patient. If I feel that a patient would be responding better with the help of another therapy alongside Acupuncture, then I will refer that patient on. It's incredible how fast the healing process can be when a patients health care team are working together and addressing all the issues. It is also recommended that you always have regular check-ups with your Medical Doctor in order to have the most well-rounded health care possible.
Homeopathy & Bowen Technique
What Homeopathy Is Not
Because homeopathy is sometimes confused with other healing practices, it is best to outline what homeopathy is not. It is not nutrition, herbalism, naturopathy or psychology. A homeopath does not diagnose or treat disease as defined by conventional medicine. A homeopath does not interpret laboratory tests or make recommendations for the use or non-use of drugs, radiation or surgery
How are Homeopathic Remedies made?
Remedies are prepared from substances such as plants, minerals or animal products which are repeatedly diluted and succussed (vigorous shaking). This standardized process is called potentization. The higher the potency of a homeopathic remedy the more it has been diluted and succussed. The extreme dilution of homeopathic remedies renders them non-toxic and safe for patients of all ages, even during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Can I treat my family or pets with homeopathy?
Yes, you can learn how to treat simple first aid conditions on your own, such as cuts and burns, sprains and strains, insect bites and stings, etc. Meryl encourages her patients to buy a good quality first aid homeopathy book and to learn about the basic principles of homeopathy and how to select the correct remedies and potencies. A book she recommends is: The Complete Homeopathy Handbook by Miranda Castro. As part of our commitment to patient education at Pillars, Meryl plans to offer first aid and acute homeopathy seminars in the near future.
What Bowen is Not!
The Bowen Technique is a gentle form of bodywork, which uses unique moves over muscle and other soft tissue, stimulating the body to heal itself. It does not involve deep massage, or adjustment of the body structure. There is no forceful separation of fascia or directing of energy by the practitioner. Many of the Bowen moves coincide with acupuncture points, but it is not acupressure.
What Happens in a Bowen Session?
A Bowen treatment consists of gentle, rolling movements done with the practitioner’s hands on specific points of the body. These moves are light and can be done through clothing. They stimulate a systemic response so powerful that a pause is observed between each series of moves to allow the body to integrate this information.
A pattern of movements and pauses continues throughout the treatment. The rhythm is so soothing and relaxing that most patients fall asleep during the session. Benefits are usually apparent within two sessions, even when long-standing conditions are being treated.
How Can The Bowen Technique Help?
Bowen treatment brings:
- rapid and lasting relief from pain and discomfort
- reduced stress - physical, emotional and mental
- improved joint mobility
- improved circulation of lymphatic and venous fluids
- improved elimination of toxins
- empowering of the body’s own natural resources to heal itself
- improved digestion and assimilation of nutrients
Who Can Benefit?
The Bowen Technique is safe to use on everyone - from newborns to the elderly. It is effective for both recent and long-standing conditions. The treatments are usually done on a bed or massage table, but can be adapted to the patient sitting in a chair or wheelchair.
What has been successfully treated with the Bowen Technique?
Some of the conditions which Meryl has treated since 1996 with the Bowen Technique include:
- back pain
- frozen shoulder
- tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow/carpal tunnel syndrome/repetitive strain injuries
- arthritic pain
- headaches & migraines
- TMJ pain
- earache and ear infections
- scoliosis
- postural problems
- asthma, allergies and sinusitis
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- fibromyalgia
- foot and ankle problems (plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammer toes, heel spurs)
- knee and hip restrictions
- pelvic problems including inguinal hernia
- digestive problems including acid reflux, hiatal hernia
- gynecological problems
- pain during labour and delivery
- prostrate problems
- bedwetting in children (and incontinence in the elderly)
How do I decide whether I need Homeopathy or Naturopathy?
At Pillars of Health, we have a homeopath and a naturopath, and people often get our services confused. As a homeopath, Meryl has studied 4 years of homeopathy, along with anatomy, physiology and pathology. As a naturopath, Dr. Jenn has studied some homeopathy, but also practices clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture and lifestyle conseling. Dr. Jenn most often prescribes homeopathic remedies for acutes, but if your complaint is of a chronic nature and requires a homeopathic remedy, she would refer you to Meryl, who prescribes homeopathic remedies for acute and chronic complaints. If one of her patients would like advice on herbal medicine supplements, nutrition or diet, Meryl would refer you to Dr. Jenn for those aspects of your treatment plan. In addition to specializing in homeopathy, Meryl also practises the Bowen Technique, often called the homeopathy of bodywork.
