Information/Research Archives - Page 14 of 17 - Plattsville Natural Health Clinic

Naturopathic Approaches for Depression

March 31, 2015 by elisha

Depression can be a very crippling condition to experience despite it being classified as a mental health condition. However, there are treatments that can help, that can be provided through your naturopathic doctor. A Naturopathic doctor can use the following therapies to achieve therapeutic benefits in depression:

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Botanical Medicine
Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle
Hydrotherapy
Homeopathy
Physical Medicine

Ultimately, the goal of treatment will be to treat the root cause of disease. This will be different for each individual based on the cause of depression for that specific individual, eg nutrient deficiency vs. grief. As a result, the following list offers examples as to what goals might be developed for a treatment plan for an individual:

Correct for deficiencies
Reduce stress or Improve stress management
Improve coping mechanisms
Improve mood
Alter lifestyle and diet to increase mood and reduce stress
Improve gut microbiology and digestion

How can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) help?

TCM views the body differently than western medicine. TCM theory suggests that when there is an imbalance in the body system, disease manifests. Each “organ” is associated with an emotion: Heart with joy and is the center of one’s personality, liver with anger, spleen with worry, lungs with grief, and kidneys with fear. As one can see, all of these organs could play a part in depression, and so, individual cases are taken, and the root cause is determined. Once a specific diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is created, and may involve using acupuncture, herbal formulas, diet, or lifestyle, all with the purpose of bringing the body back into a state of balance.

Specifically regarding acupuncture, acupuncture has been shown in some studies to be beneficial for depression and decreasing symptoms associated with depression. The following link offers one such study where benefits were received from acupuncture. http://www.i-healthbenelux.nl/pages/comp.concept/Clin_Psychiatry_2006.pdf

How can Botanical Medicine help?

Botanical formulas have similar effects to medications, often without the side effects, however this is not true for all herbs and plants. Specific herbs or plants will be selected based on their properties and combined based on the specific individual’s presentation of depression. For example, one person may need help with sleep, where as one may need help with stress, both in combination with needing help with mood. Some beneficial properties that some useful herbs may have include: nervine, anti – depressant effect, sedative and adaptogenic.

There are several plants that have more research behind them in regards to their use in depression, but other plants exist that are effective as well. Research has shown that such plants are beneficial for various degrees of depression. The following link offers one such study where the benefits of various plants were outlined: http://www.europeanneuropsychopharmacology.com/article/S0924-977X(11)00071-X/abstract

How can Nutrition and Diet help?

Depression can be aggravated or caused by various nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it may be necessary to correct for these deficiencies in order to treat the root cause of the depression. In addition, various changes to one’s diet can help to improve mood and decrease inflammation (and thereby decrease inflammation in the body, which may contribute to the depression). Based on your specific case, several classes of action may be recommended for you, and thus foods or supplements recommended. These actions might include: anti-oxidant, mood – boosting, or anti – inflammatory.

Research has shown that not only are nutritional deficiencies associated with depressive symptoms, but specific dietary patterns can be associated with depression. For example, diets that were higher in fruits and vegetables were associated with less depressive symptoms, where as diets that were deemed lower in fruits and vegetables were more likely to be associated with depression (http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1475-2891-8-31.pdf).

How can Hydrotherapy help?

Hydrotherapy involves alternating hot and cold water applications to achieve the following goals: promote detoxification and relaxation, increase circulation, improve immune system functioning, promote digestion, and decrease pain. Based on all of the following actions, hydrotherapy could be beneficial for depression based on different root causes. For example, if an individual is depressed because they are stressed, hydrotherapy may be beneficial by helping the individual to relax.

Hydrotherapy can be performed via a number of methods: constitutional hydrotherapy, sauna, peat bath, Epsom salt baths, or alternating hot and cold showers. These therapies may not be available at every naturopathic doctor’s clinic, but if you are interested in these therapies, they can be performed by myself, Elisha Cook, at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (416-498-9763).

Very little evidence has surfaced for the efficacy of hydrotherapy to treat depression, however, the research that has surfaced has been quite promising. The article link provided below shows a study where depressed patients were given hydrotherapy treatments ending in cold (most hydrotherapy ends in cold for approximately 30 seconds), that caused anti – depressive effects soon following treatment (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030698770700566X).

How can Homeopathy help?

Homeopathy is an energy medicine that involves finite doses of a substance that are diluted in water, which amount to a higher therapeutic dose overall. In this form of medicine, individualized remedies are chosen based on the individual’s specific symptoms and presentation. Each person requires a different remedy based on their unique presentation. Homeopathy does not interact with any medications, making it quite useful especially if you are taking other medications.

In recent studies, homeopathy has been shown to be just as effective as anti – depressant medication in the relief of depressive symptoms. In addition, other studies have shown homeopathy to be 58% effective (http://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1111%2Fj.20427166.2012.01163_5.x?r3_referer=wol&show_checkout=1).

How can Physical Medicine help?

Physical medicine involves a number of different potential therapies. These therapies might include massage, naturopathic manipulation, ultrasound, laser therapy, electroacupuncture, or Gua Sha. The general effect of these therapies includes relaxation, increased circulation, decreased pain, and decreased inflammation. Similar to what was mentioned above, depression may be decreased or alleviated based on these potential effects.

Research has shown that patients with depression may benefit from massage therapy (http://journals.lww.com/jnrtwna/Abstract/2004/03000/The_Effect_of_Acupressure_With_Massage_on_Fatigue.7.aspx).

How can Lifestyle changes help?

Various lifestyle factors can play a role in depression. By improving sleep, exercise, scheduling, and stress management, it is possible that some individuals may have reduced depressive episodes. In addition, the way that an individual thinks can influence mood. By addressing negative thought patterns, poor sleep patterns, lack of exercise, or stress management concerns, one may experience decreased depressive episodes. Naturopathic doctors are trained to help individuals through lifestyle counselling, and can use methods use as motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioural therapy to do so.

Research is quite extensive regarding exercise and its benefit on depression. Even as little as two times per week has been shown to benefit depression (http://condor.depaul.edu/hstein/NEMSSAH.pdf).

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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, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.

Canada Food Guide Review

March 10, 2015 by elisha

The Canadian Food Guide has been a go-to resource for year for individuals who are attempting to determine how their diet should be in order to optimize health. Recently, a friend of mine asked the question: Is the Canadian Food Guide accurate in its recommendations in your opinion? This question caused me to pursue and determine what my opinions were on the Canadian Food Guide, and if my recommendations to patients differed much. The answer I discovered is not so simple, and differs based on the role of the Canadian Food Guide, and my role in patient care.

To begin with, it is worth noting that the Canadian Food Guide is meant to be a public health measure, geared towards optimizing the health of the public as a whole. That being said, certain individuals would benefit from a more individualist diet. As Naturopathic Doctors (NDs), we approach care from a individualist perspective, where you are a unique individual with unique health needs. As a result, dietary recommendations that I might make for one individual, I may not make for another. That being said, I can give a very general view of and perspective on the Canadian Food Guide, and where it flourishes, and where it may fall a bit short.

The serving suggestions per day provides an area both for cheer and for concern. The vegetables and fruits that are recommended per day are approximately 7-8 or 7-10 per day for adults (depending on gender). This serving suggestion is fantastic and is what I often recommend for patients to consume. However, I tend to ask patients to get more of their 7-8 per day from vegetables as opposed to fruit. In the area of grain suggestions, 6-8 per day are recommended for adults, which I find to be a bit much. I would also suggest the same of milk and milk products. Currently, the recommendation is for 2-3 servings per day of milk and milk products, which could be a bit much for most individuals. In regards to meat and meat alternatives, the recommended daily amount is 2-3 servings per day, which I am fine with as long as the focus is more on meat alternatives such as nuts and seeds. Specifically in the Canadian Food Guide, they are trying to focus more on the meat alternatives which is beneficial overall.

In addition to the serving recommendations, the Canadian Food Guide provides additional information including portion examples, how to read nutrition labels, increasing exercise, decreasing screen time, very general nutritional supplementation for pregnancy, and very general nutritional supplementation for pregnancy. An area of concern, however, arises if an individual is not paying close enough attention to some of the recommendations for obtaining their recommended servings per day. For example, in the food guide, it suggests that 100% fruit juice can count as a serving of fruit (which is correct), but if an individual does not pay enough attention, they could think that consuming juice in general is conducive to overall health (when in all actuality it may not be).

Bottom Line: Overall, the Canadian Food Guide does provide a very broad and general guideline for healthy eating for the Canadian population as a whole. Unfortunately, this may not be enough for most individuals in order for them to obtain optimal health. As a result, it would be beneficial for individuals who are hoping to improve their overall health to speak to a Naturopathic Doctor or health care provider about dietary recommendations that are best for their body and overall well – being.

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Vaccines: Are Naturopathic Doctors against them?

February 17, 2015 by elisha

In wake of the recent debate regarding whether to vaccinate or not, many people would assume that Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) in general, being the glorified hippies and witch-doctors (please note the hint of sarcasm here) that they are, would be against vaccinations. I wrote this blog to clear the air on what stance Naturopathic Doctors might take on this debate (Please note that I have attempted to be as un-bias as possible in the writing of this article, but if my opinions have come through, please be aware that they are merely my opinions and do not reflect that Naturopathic profession as a whole).

Recently, the Dean of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine released the following statement to all of the interns, including myself, that work at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic:

“As many of you may have noted, there is considerable discussion in the media these days with respect to childhood vaccination. Given that childhood vaccination is discussed in a variety of areas in the curriculum, students may not feel as clear about our official curriculum position on vaccinations as they should be. Specifically, although all medical treatment should be administered in a manner that reflects the individual needs of the patient, CCNM is supportive of childhood vaccinations in general, including the recommended vaccination schedules. Interns are reminded that we have a policy on this in our Clinic Standards Manual 2014/15:

2.1 Vaccination is a population‐based strategy to protect a whole population or defined risk group or an individual against significant infectious diseases. In addition to vaccination, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition and lifestyle choices can also play a role in the prevention of contagious diseases as well as limiting their spread.

2.2 While it is recognized that vaccinations can be associated with self‐limiting (i.e., minor) adverse reactions, and even rare severe adverse reactions, the safety and benefits of vaccinations in reducing risks of diseases that were previously widely prevalent and caused substantial morbidity and mortality, are vastly superior to any other method currently available. Currently, no other strategies have been shown to offer equal protection to either the population or the individual.

2.3 It is the responsibility of the health‐care provider to report adverse effects to vaccinations and educate their patients. Health‐care providers at CCNM and CCNM teaching clinics should thoroughly review the most current version of the guidelines set out in the Canadian Immunization Guide which includes educational material as well as forms on how to report suspected or confirmed adverse reactions to vaccinations.

2.4 Some naturopathic doctors prescribe homeopathic remedies and/or other naturopathic treatments as alternatives to vaccinations.

2.5 The use of homeopathic remedies and/or other naturopathic treatments for the purposes described in 2.4 is not permitted at any of the CCNM teaching clinics.

2.6 The use of homeopathic remedies and/or other naturopathic treatments to provide immune support is acceptable.”

This statement may come as a surprise to most people, thinking that Naturopathic Doctors would be strongly opposed to vaccinations, because it’s a conventional means of treating. Naturopathic Doctors are not opposed to conventional medicine. As I tell many patients, there is a time and a place for antibiotics, surgery, and even, anti – depressants [gasp] to name a few. In the case of vaccines, they were created as a public health measure to protect against different diseases. That being said, some may be necessary and some may not be based on individual preference and opinion. It is the job of your health care provider to help you make an informed decision as to what you feel your family needs for their health. This is where informed consent comes in.

The bottom line to this discussion is simple: patient education and informed consent. Informed consent is at the heart of all medical procedures and needs to be obtained in all circumstances. Informed consent involves informing patients of all risks, benefits, complications, and alternatives to any medical endeavor. Unfortunately with the lack of time spent with health care providers, it can be challenging for parents to become completely informed as to what their options really are and the truth behind all of the research that exists in favour of or opposed to different procedures. The clear need that stands out in this debate of pro-vaccine versus anti – vaccine is that there needs to be more patient education in regards to their choices. One does not have to strictly get all the vaccines or no vaccines at all. You have a choice and you should feel empowered to choose what is best for your family and community. Informed decision making does not just involve vaccinations, but all other medical procedures as well. Naturopathic Doctors may have individual opinions on the issue, but the common thread that connects all is pro – informed-decision-making.

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Gua Sha for Pain Relief

February 3, 2015 by elisha

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves “press-stroking” the skin with a smooth edged instrument to remove stagnation from the area of concern. “Gua” refers to the scraping action, where as the “Sha” refers to the petechiae (red marks) that are produced after the application.

What are the therapeutic benefits?

Improves circulation
Relieves pain
Removes stagnation
Breaks-up scar tissue
Stimulates the immune system
Eliminates toxins
Can be relaxing
“Up-regulates the HO-1 gene expression”(1) – helps to decrease oxidative stress.

What are the indications?

Pain
MSK Disorders
Breast Engorgement
Stress
Chronic injuries
Colds/flu
Fibromyalgia
Scar tissue

What does the research say?

After one treatment with Gua Sha, versus heat pack, to the posterior neck in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain, there was a statistically significant reduction in pain, increase in quality of life, and decreased pain with motion in the intervention group. Follow-up was one week later. (2)
Postpartum breastfeeding women with breast engorgement problems were assigned to a Gua Sha protocol or hot packs and massage for 20 minutes. The Gua Sha was statistically more effective at decreasing breast engorgement, breast temperature, pain, and discomfort both at 5 min and 30 minutes (3)
A systematic review showed that it may be beneficial for MSK pain (4)
A study of individuals with chronic neck pain and chronic low back pain reported decreased pain and improved quality of life following 1 treatment, BUT they were compared to those on the weight list (5)
In combination with other TCM therapies, Gua Sha caused a decrease in TSH levels in patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism (6)
Many case studies exist for its application in other conditions such as hepatitis, headaches – migraine type, priapism, etc.

What are the Contraindications (when should Gua Sha not be used)?

Gua Sha should not be performed in the following cases:

Broken skin
Fractures
Contusions
Burns
Over moles or pimples
Over genitals

Caution should also be used, or Gua Sha not done in patients with any of the following:

Older patients with less “elastic” skin
Frail patients
Those taking blood thinner medication
Past history of abuse – the treatment can be misinterpreted as abuse

Please let your health care provider know if you have any of the following around the area that they will be treating.

What should be done after treatment?

Following the treatment, let the patient know that they:
- May feel sore for several days
- May have bruising or petechiae for several days
- Should drink plenty of water to help their body flush out toxins and waste product
- Keep body surfaces that have had treatment done to them covered (the treatment opens up pores, maybe susceptible to wind invasions)

Resources

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