“Those who do not find time every day for health must sacrifice a lot of time one day for illness.” Father Sebastian Kneipp
Dr. Jeannie Doig explores each individual patient’s case and provides a treatment protocol that best suits his/her needs.
Chelation Therapy:
This therapy is helpful for cardiovascular disease. It also detoxifies the body by removing heavy metals such as mercury and lead. Testing is done on each patient to determine metal toxicity load before beginning chelation therapy.
Clinical Nutrition:
Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Individualized diets and nutritional supplements are recommended to address deficiencies, treat disease processes, and promote health. The benefits of improved nutrition may include increased energy, improved gastrointestinal function, enhanced immunity, optimal weight, and general well-being.
Botanical Medicine:
Botanical medicine is plant-based medicine that involves the use of herbal teas, tinctures, capsules and other preparations that assist in recovery from illness or support normal organ function. Botanical medicines are the subject of a growing number of clinical research studies, and the majority of plants used by naturopathic doctors have been proven safe and effective by scientific and clinical research.
Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is a form of medicine based on the Law of Similars; that is, the use of tiny doses of the very thing that causes similar symptoms in healthy people. These minute doses of plant, animal, or mineral origin are used to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Homeopathy is a powerful tool that affects healing on a physical and emotional level. A homeopathic remedy is prescribed based on the unique characteristics of the patient.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture:
Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture are based on a 5000-year-old practice of balancing qi (energy) in the meridian pathways of the body. Pulse and tongue diagnosis help the ND decide on the direction of treatment. The goal of each treatment is to create balance and harmony in the mind and body. Acupuncture, the insertion of sterile needles in specific points of the body, is a highly effective treatment for many conditions.
Lifestyle Counselling:
Naturopathic doctors are committed to educating and guiding their patients to make positive changes towards optimal health. By evaluating the environmental, mental, emotional and physical aspects of your life, your ND can help you to make choices which will enhance your well-being and reduce stress levels.
Intravenous Nutritional Therapy:
Intravenous therapy uses high doses of vitamins and minerals which are administered intravenously for enhanced absorption into the body. This treatment can be used for many conditions including immune problems, and low energy.
When a drug or nutrient is injected directly into the bloodstream, the digestive system is by-passed, allowing the medication to flow directly into the cells. For patients with particular conditions, intravenous delivery of essential vitamins and trace minerals can be highly effective.
This is called the Myers cocktail therapy (as it was invented by Dr. Myers) and is administered normally as a course of treatments, the frequency varying with the needs of the patient. It is especially beneficial for people in a run-down condition, whose immune system may be weakened, lowering their resistance to disease and infection. The formula may vary with the individual but generally includes: Multi Trace Minerals; Magnesium; Calcium; Vitamins B5, B6, B12 & B complex; and Vitamin C.
Combined in a sterile water solution, the Myers Cocktail is delivered either manually, over a period of 15 – 20 minutes, or by drip-feed, which delivers larger doses, requiring 45 – 75 minutes.
Bowen Therapy:
This gentle hands-on therapy began in Australia by Tom Bowen. It is effective therapy for pain and tension and it puts the body into a deep state of relaxation. Read more at www.bowtech.com. Also, read my article on What is Bowen Therapy?
Unlike an over-all body massage, Bowen Therapy tends to be highly focused on specific muscles, nerves and tendons related to particular disorders that can be anything from migraine to tennis elbow. The treatment is gentle and relaxing, suitable for patients from infancy to old age. Conditions that respond to Bowen Therapy include:
Musculo-skeletal Sciatica, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, joint restriction, arthritis, sports injuries, gait disorders, chronic pain, frozen shoulder, repetitive strain injuries.
Respiratory Problems Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, allergies, hay fever.
Digestive and Bowel Disorders Colic, Crohn’s disease, indigestion, constipation.
Gynecological Mastitis, premenstrual syndrome, infertility.
Other Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, tinnitus. ear infections, bedwetting, prostatic problems.
Dr. Jeannie Doig has been practising in the Alberni Valley and Tofino since 2007. She received her Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Toronto in 1999 and her 4-year post graduate degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto in 2006.