Acupuncture

Top 5 Reasons to See a Naturopathic Doctor

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In honour of naturopathic medicine week (which we celebrate in May), we wanted to share the top 5 reasons why you might want to consider seeing a naturopathic doctor. Here at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic, we have two naturopathic doctors that are well equipped to help you along your healing journey, whether it may be seeking their help for the below 5 reasons or other concerns!

Top 5 Reasons to See a Naturopathic Doctor

1.“I’m Tired”

      The fatigue you experience may not be just because you are busy. There can be many explanations for fatigue which could include how foods are paired in the diet, nutrient deficiencies, chronic illness, stress and other reasons. Naturopathic Doctors may be able to take a full history, order blood work, and determine the root cause of the fatigue you may experience.

      2. “I’m Stressed/ Depressed/ Anxious”

      Whether it is stress, low mood, or nervousness; a naturopathic doctor is equipped with many tools to help you through these struggles. The way we eat, move our bodies and respond to our environments can most certainly impact our mental health, but there may be something more behind how you are feeling. Could there be nutrients, hormones, or other factors influencing where your mind is at? Let a Naturopathic Doctor help you determine that.

      3. “I’m in Pain”

      From chronic migraines, to back pain and beyond, there are many different pain experiences, influential factors, and modalities to aid them. Naturopathic Doctors are able to use modalities including acupuncture, cold laser therapy, cupping, and body work to help alleviate pain. In addition, naturopathic doctors look at the whole system in order to address inflammation and some other potential root causes to pain.

      4. “My Digestion is Off”

      “Digestive” concerns can mean so many things. If it is too slow or too fast, this can cause concerns for individuals. There are so many symptoms that can be uncomfortable for individuals including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, burping, regurgitation, acid reflux, GERD, and more. Naturopathic Doctors are able to look at diet, lifestyle, blood work, and your health history to formulate a plan of action to address these concerns.

      5. “My Hormones are Ruining my Life”

      Whatever stage of life you are in, hormones can be so impactful. Whether your goal is trying to have a family (i.e. get pregnant), weather the storms of menopause, have a normal period, or get the muscular gains from your workouts; Naturopathic Doctors are able to assess your hormonal health and determine the right plan for your individual situation. From supplements, to diet and beyond, Naturopathic Doctors have many ways of approaching your individual case in order to help find a solution.

      For more information about our naturopathic doctors or naturopathic medicine, please see the naturopathic tab on our website, or contact us today to allow us to answer any questions or concerns you might have.

      Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

      Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

      What is cupping and how does it work?

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      Written by Dr. Elisha Cook ND

      Cupping has had a lot of media coverage over the years in regards to athletes and pain, but what is it really and how can it help you? To begin with, cupping is a form of traditional Asian medicine that has been used for thousands of years to aid with so many different health concerns. Though cupping and acupuncture look quite different, their actions can be quite similar. For some, cupping can have a more profound effect on issues such as fibrotic tissue and fascia that is tight. Cupping has been compared to massage therapy treatment as well as a result.

      The following is a list of both actions that can take place in the body and the potential conditions or symptoms it can help to alleviate.

      How Does Cupping Work?

      Cupping works via many different pathways which cause:  

      • Releases endorphins – resulting in decreased pain
      • Relaxes muscle
      • Reduces pain
      • Promotes blood flow
      • Promotes lymphatic circulation
      • Stimulates the immune system
      • Regulates inflammatory pathways

      What Can Cupping Help with?

      Cupping can help with many surprising conditions/symptoms including:

      • Pain – muscle
      • Muscle tension
      • Sports injuries
      • Stress
      • Fertility
      • Depression
      • Anxiety 
      • Headaches/ Migraines
      • Insomnia
      • Coughs and colds
      • Weight loss
      • Fatigue
      • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
      • Lumbar Disc Herniation
      • Acne
      • And more

      How do our Naturopathic Doctors use cupping?

      Our Naturopathic Doctors’ approach to cupping is based on both Asian medicine and Western medicine. They apply the cups based on the muscle areas that hurt and also the pathways that from a Asian medicine perspective need to be addressed. In this way, the system as a whole is supported and not just help with sore muscles. You are not your disease and you need to be treated as such.

      Moving cupping or stationary cupping may be chosen for your specific situation and depending on your particular concerns. The cup is typically left for 5-20 minutes (again depending on the concern). This treatment can be quite aggressive and so your Naturopathic Doctor needs to assess whether this is a valid treatment option for you. Cupping also leaves a dark hue on the skin that can often be tender following treatment. Some individuals may choose to use acupuncture only to avoid the discolouration of the skin. This discolouration is not permanent, but may last up to a week following treatment.

      The colour change that happens on the skin is a result of increase circulation and increased lymphatic flow to the area. From an Asian medicine perspective, this is the result of a heavily stagnated area that has finally broken up. Following treatment, some individuals may also feel a bit sore. This is normal, and so, some individuals may choose to ice the area for 10 minutes to decrease the tenderness.  

      If you are interested in trying cupping, feel free to contact the clinic and book your appointment today, or contact me through the contact portion of my website for more information.

      Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

      Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

      PNHC’S 5TH Anniversary Open House – May 6, 2023

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      On May 6, 2023 from 10am to 2pm, we invite you to come to Plattsville Natural Health Clinic to help us celebrate 5 years of business! We have more details on what the day will look like and some sneak peeks.

      Join us for:

      *Draw prizes, because who doesn’t like winning! The picture is just a taste of some of the awesome draw prizes. Everyone who comes to our open house will get one ballot to enter into our draws. Want more ballots? See below for details on how to get more than one.

      *Bring someone who has never been to PNHC before for the chance for you and that person to win a prize valued at over $250 (you will have to arrive on the day of to see what this great prize is)!

      *Free 15 minute relaxation massages with Ben Tennant RMT.

      *Light Snacks for you to enjoy while you learn about and celebrate with us.

      *Clinic tour including our pedorthist’s lab where your custom orthotics are made.

      *Demonstration of acupuncture.

      *Colour our logo and get a prize!

      Everyone who comes to the clinic will get a ballot to put into our draw. Want to get more ballots? No problem, just bring some loose change to donate to the charity we will be supporting on the day of: Naturopathy For All. We will be taking your loose change and trying to fill a pot for the tree to grow. We are hoping to have enough loose change to reach the top of the pot.

      Naturopathy for All is a charity making naturopathy accessible for all (please see link for more information): https://www.naturopathyforall.com/ . Dr. Elisha Cook ND is on the board of directors for this charity, but does not benefit from any contribution you make.

      Thank you from all of us here at PNHC for the last 5 years of business. We look forward to continuing to provide you with all of your chiropractic, naturopathic, massage therapy, pedorthic, reflexology and foot care needs. We cannot wait to celebrate with you on May 6, 2023!

      Expanding our Naturopathic Impact at PNHC

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      We are so excited to welcome another naturopathic doctor to our team, Dr. Derika Nauta ND! Some of you may remember Derika from her years of shadowing Dr. Cook, and frankly, after having her around for so long, we could not pass up the opportunity to expand our impact in naturopathic care and have this amazing human partner with us to do it. So what does this mean for you? More appointments available to get acupuncture, dietary recommendations, supplement advice, botanical remedies and more! So if you are tired of feeling tired, being controlled by your hormones, being in pain, or just not feeling like you are operating at your best, then book an appointment with Dr. Derika Nauta ND today by calling or texting 226-232-7665 or messaging us through the contact portion of this page.

      For more information about Dr Derika Nauta ND or naturopathic care, see the naturopathic tab on our page by cliking the following link: https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/naturopathic/

      Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

      Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in trying any of our services, working with any of our amazing practitioners, or are simply wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today!