DRAGONFLY FAMILY HEALTH CENTRE

What we do: Naturopathic Modalities

Clinical Nutrition
Historically this is the first cornerstone upon which Naturopathic Medicine was first established and there is good reason for this. Proper nutrition forms the foundation upon which good health can be built. Without proper nutrition and good digestion the body is being set up as a breeding ground for pathogens and disease. Without proper assimilation of nutrients through a strong digestive tract, health cannot be promoted or maintained. Agribusiness and modern farming practices leave our foods more depleted than ever, making supplementation a viable alternative. Many conditions can be improved through changes in diet alone while others respond well to supplementation of specific nutrients. As Naturopathic Doctors we are trained in how to use specific diets or fasts as cleansing as well as for what might be the optimal diet most suited to you.

Botanical Medicine
The use of plants and plant substances is one of the oldest forms of medicine.Plant extracts are used to strengthen the body’s defences, either as prevention of a disease state or to assist in normalizing an existing one. Plants are powerful medicines and even today are the source from which many synthetic pharmaceuticals are derived. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor will be able to safely prescribe botanical medicines and knows about possible interactions with drugs. At the Dragonfly Family Health Centre we have a large dispensary from which we compound formulas specific to each individual person’s situation.

Constitutional Hydrotherapy
Constitutional hydrotherapy is a very relaxing technique using hot and cold packs along with gentle electrical stimulation that allows the body to utilize and bring back its own healing vital forces. This is a true old-time naturopathic technique that boosts the immune system, oxygenates the blood, raises enzyme levels thereby improving digestion and nutrient assimilation, decreases pain and inflammation, increases elimination of toxins and reduces anxiety and tension in the body. Patients have been known to effect a true ‘cure’ using this technique along with following Carroll Food Testing results.

Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs
A Chinese technique whereby a pathological condition within the parameters of Traditional Chinese Medicine is identified by pulse and tongue diagnosis. Certain acupuncture points, located on the relevant organ channels, are needled either to stimulate or subdue the life force, or Qi. This medicine has existed for over 2000 years. These tools are used to balance yin and yang forces in the body and promote proper flow of Chi (energy) throughout the body.

Homoeopathy
homeopathy

Used since the 1700's, minuscule doses of naturally-occurring substances are used to stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities. This therapy is based on the concept of ‘like cures like’ which means that the remedies are derived from substances that induce symptoms similar to those of the illness. A detailed history is taken to find the remedy that best suits the individual. This is a very safe and gentle therapy for children and seniors as well.

Naturopathic Bodywork
Soft tissue manipulation is used to loosen adhesions, increase blood circulation, re-align the spine and extremities and free trapped nerves. Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle body work performed through clothing and is designed to help the proper flow of craniosacral fluid from the skull through the spine down to the tailbone thus releasing ‘blockages’. Myofascial realignment consists of a series of gentle, rolling movements over the muscles. This relaxing therapy realigns muscles and their nerve supplies to gently correct painful conditions.

Stress & Lifestyle Counselling
Modern living has forced the majority of us in North America to lead fast paced lives, living on prepackaged, frozen and restaurant foods, while at the same time not having enough time to relax, exercise and spend quality time with loved ones. Sounds like a cliché, but it has some footing in the realities of our lives these days. Naturopathic Doctors can help you develop healthy lifestyles by making effective choices and by simplifying the steps to a more energetic and happy you.

Bowtech
The original Bowen Technique, is a gentle form of body work in which very subtle specific moves performed over the muscles and connective tissue send messages deep into the body, retrieving cellular memory of a relaxed, balanced way of wellbeing.Bowen treatments signal the body to reset and take inflammation away from painful muscles, joints, nerves and tendons promoting self-healing and rebalancing the system.Results can be remarkable, even from the first session; often only a few sessions are needed to correct the presenting problem. Conditions that can be helped are varied and numerous such as asthma, hayfever, GERD or heartburn, joint and muscular problems, sports injuries, bedwetting, infertility, digestive complaints and painful scenarios like sciatica.

Testing Procedures

Food & Environmental Testing
Testing for foods that you may be sensitive to can greatly enhance your health by reducing the energy load put on your body by avoidir health by reducing the energy load put on your body by avoiding the offending foods. Testing options are Vega machine and Carroll food sensitivity testing.

Hair Analysis
Hair samples are sent to a lab for analysis of minerals and heavy metals.

Urine and Saliva testing
Saliva testing is very useful for testing for hormone levels in the body such as estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, cortisol and testosterone. These are useful to know for menopausal symptoms, adrenal fatigue, infertility, and male symptoms to name a few. The saliva testing is a more sensitive means of testing hormones than blood. Urine testing is used primarily for heavy metals and is a more sensitive test as well than the blood as it represents body stores as opposed to acute exposure. more.

RATES
Naturopathic Consultations
1 hour initial consultation 1/2 hour consultation	...$160 ...$80