All posts by content

Children’s Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Skin Conditions

Eczema

Leave a comment

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Eczema is a chronic, itching skin eruption.

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it seems to be related to immune system malfunction. Eczema is often associated with asthma and hay fever. It usually first appears between the ages of five and seven and may flare up and remit many times over the course of your lifetime.

Seek professional healthcare if self-care measures are ineffective, if your eczema is widespread or if your skin becomes infected.

Symptoms of Eczema

Possible symptoms of eczema include:

  • Itchy skin
  • Thickened, cracked or scaly skin
  • Reddish to brownish-gray patches of skin

Treatment of Eczema at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of eczema treatment are significant or complete reduction of itch, healing of damaged skin and management of associated health conditions (e.g., asthma, hay fever).

Conventional treatment for eczema includes variety of medications, including topical or oral corticosteroids and immunomodulators. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your eczema symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating eczema may be to:

  • Identify and address underlying factors in your lifestyle (e.g., use of aggressive skin cleansers, environmental factors) that may be contributing to your eczema symptoms
  • Identify and eliminate dietary triggers of “breakouts” using a supervised food elimination and challenge protocol or laboratory testing
  • Address immune system factors by “balancing” immune system activity using botanical (herbal) medicines or nutritional supplements
  • Soothe and heal the skin using botanical (herbal) medicines

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Eczema [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 18 Feb 2009]. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eczema/DS00986.

Family Healthcare A - Z, Pain Management, Women’s Health

Endometriosis

Leave a comment

Endometriosis is well-managed using naturopathic medicine.

Endometriosis is a disorder involving the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus. The endometrium is the tissue that, throughout the menstrual cycle thickens, breaks down and bleeds.

In endometriosis, endometrial tissue, distributed by unknown mechanisms to other locations in the body (e.g., fallopian tubes, ovaries, pelvic lining) continues to act according to it’s normal cycle. If located outside the uterus, blood from endometrial bleeding has no exit from the body. Trapped blood irritates surrounding tissue, and may lead to cysts, scars and adhesion of nearby organs.

Endometriosis may impair fertility.

Seek professional healthcare if you experience symptoms that cause you to suspect you may have endometriosis.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Possible symptoms of endometriosis include:

  • Menstrual cramps 
  • Pelvic pain (e.g., with intercourse, bowel movements or urination; during ovulation)
  • Heavy bleeding at menstrual periods
  • Bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Infertility 

Treatment of Endometriosis at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre Naturopathic Medicine, the goal of endometriosis treatment is lasting reduction of pain during menses.

Conventional treatment for endometriosis may include surgery, or a variety of medications, including oral contraceptives, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists and danazol, medroxyprogesterone and aromatase inhibitors. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your endometriosis symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment.

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating endometriosis may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options may be used in treatment of endometriosis, alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Endometriosis [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometriosis/DS00289.

Conditions of Aging, Family Healthcare A - Z, Men’s Health

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Leave a comment

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), formerly called impotence, refers to the inability of a man to maintain a firm erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. Although erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common in older men, this common problem can occur at any age.

There are many potential causes for erectile dysfunction (ED), both psychological (e.g., anxiety, depression, fatigue) and physiological (e.g., low testosterone, heart disease, diabetes mellitus).

Having trouble maintaining an erection from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but if prolonged may cause stress, relationship problems and affect self-esteem.

You should not feel embarrassed to seek professional healthcare if you experience erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly as it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition that requires treatment.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) are:

  • Inability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse at least 25% of the time

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of erectile dysfunction treatment are to eliminate and prevent recurrence of erectile dysfunction by identifying and addressing the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction, be it psychological, physiological or a combination of both.

Conventional treatment for erectile dysfunction may include surgery, and a variety of medications, including phosphodiesterase inhibitors, hormone replacement therapy or penile hormone injections. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating erectile dysfunction may be to:

  • Identify and address underlying factors in your lifestyle (e.g., stress; alcohol, tobacco or marijuana use; use of certain medications; sedentary lifestyle; excessive bicycling) or general health (e.g., heart disease, diabetes mellitus, testosterone deficiency, anxiety, obesity, metabolic syndrome) that may be contributing to your erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms
  • Reduce psychological barriers using relaxation (meditation) training
  • Increase psychological and physiological arousal using botanical (herbal) medicines

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Erectile dysfunction [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/DS00162.

Family Healthcare A - Z, Women’s Health

Female Infertility

Leave a comment

Female infertility is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Female infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant after one year of frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse.

The cause of female infertility is difficult to identify owing to the complexity of the reproductive system. To become pregnant the ovary must release a mature egg, which must be fertilized, transported to (via the fallopian tubes), implanted in, and grown in the uterus. In women, there are a number of factors that can disrupt this process at any stage – therefore many potential causes of infertility (e.g., hormonal imbalances, inflammation of fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, etc.).

To learn more about factors affecting fertility and our approach to addressing these, please visit our page on Natural Fertility.

Seek professional healthcare if you are younger than 31 years of age and have not had success becoming pregnant in one year of “trying”, or are 35-40 years of age and have not had success becoming pregnant in six months of “trying”.

If you are planning to “try” to become pregnant, and are over the age of 40, or have a history of irregular or painful menstrual periods, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), repeated miscarriages or endometriosis, consider seeking professional healthcare without delay.

Symptoms of Female Infertility

Possible symptoms of female infertility include:

  • Inability to become pregnant after one year of frequent, unprotected intercourse
  • Abnormal menstrual cycle (either too-short or -long)

Treatment of Female Infertility at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goal of female infertility treatment is a healthy, viable pregnancy.

Conventional treatment for female infertility may include a variety of medications, including fertility drugs that affect hormone levels, metformin and aromatase inhibitors. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your infertility symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment.

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating female infertility may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Female infertility [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2010 Jan 29]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/female-infertility/DS01053.

Family Healthcare A - Z, Pain Management, Women’s Health

Fibrocystic Breast Changes

Leave a comment

Fibrocystic breast changes are well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Changes in breast tissue associated with fibrocystic breasts (e.g., tissue that feels ropey or lumpy) are all normal, and experienced by more than half of women at some point in their lives, usually between the ages of 20 to 50. For this reason, use of the word “disease” has been discontinued in describing the condition.

The cause of fibrocystic breast changes is unknown, but reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen may play a role.

Seek professional healthcare if you notice new breast lumps or growth or changes in previously evaluated breast lumps.

Symptoms of Fibrocystic Breast Changes

Possible symptoms of fibrocystic breast changes include:

  • Breast lumps or areas of tissue thickening
  • Breast pain
  • Fluctuations in size of breast lumps
  • Changes usually occur in both breasts
  • Changes are aggravated between mid-cycle and start of menstrual period

Treatment of Fibrocystic Breast Changes at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of treatment for fibrocystic breast changes are to reduce or eliminate pain, and prevent recurrence by correcting underlying hormonal imbalances.

Conventional treatment for fibrocystic breast changes may include surgery, and variety of medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers, oral contraceptives and danazol. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your fibrocystic breast change symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating fibrocystic breast changes may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Fibrocystic breasts [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibrocystic-breasts/DS01070.

Family Healthcare A - Z, Mental Health, Pain Management, Women’s Health

Fibromyalgia

Leave a comment

Fibromyalgia is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Although it’s cause is unknown, present medical opinion is that the brains of persons with fibromyalgia have abnormal levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that signal pain. Symptoms of fibromyalgia often begin after an infection or physical or emotional trauma, and with time may lead to depression.

Seek professional healthcare if your pain interferes with your quality of life.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Possible symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

  • Constant, dull, aching pain over your whole body (for at least three months)
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue in spite of adequate sleep
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Depression

Treatment of Fibromyalgia at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goal of fibromyalgia treatment is eliminating pain and fatigue, and preventing symptom recurrence.

Conventional treatment for fibromyalgia may include a variety of medications, including antidepressants, anti-seizure medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your fibromyalgia symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating fibromyalgia may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Fibromyalgia [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079.

Fibromyalgia [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2015 Mar 28]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/symptoms/con-20019243.

Children’s Health, Digestive Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Infections + Immune System Support

Food Allergy + Intolerance

Leave a comment

Food allergies and intolerances are well-managed using naturopathic medicine.

A Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs when you ingest a food you are sensitive to, and your immune system mistakenly identifies components of that food as harmful.

Allergy reactions occur when, on exposure to an offending food, antibodies (specifically IgE antibodies) cause the release of histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, resulting in the symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., tingling sensation in your mouth, anaphylaxis). Foods commonly causing allergic reaction include cow’s milk, hen’s egg, peanuts, tree nuts, and fish and shellfish. Complications of food allergy can include anaphylaxis, eczema and migraine headaches.

A food allergy is distinct from a food “intolerance” which may be the result of a variety of causes (e.g., absence of an enzyme required to fully digest a food [e.g., lactose intolerance], irritable bowel syndrome, etc.), but is not an immune system reaction.

Consuming foods you are allergic to may result in skin symptoms such as eczema.

Seek professional healthcare if you experience food allergy symptoms shortly after eating, or if your digestive symptoms interfere with your daily activities.

Seek emergency medical care if your food allergy symptoms suggest anaphylaxis. If left untreated, anaphylaxis may result in coma or death. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

  • Constriction of airways
  • Throat swelling or sensation of a lump in your throat making breathing difficult
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
  • Rapid pulse
  • Shock

Symptoms of Food Allergy and Intolerance

Possible symptoms of food allergy include:

  • Tingling sensation in the mouth
  • Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat or other body parts
  • Wheezing, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
  • Hive, itching or eczema
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

Possible symptoms of food intolerance include:

Treatment of Food Allergy at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of food allergy treatment are to manage exposure to offending foods and decrease (and if possible eliminate) intensity of reaction to offending foods.

Severe allergic reactions are treated using epinephrine injections (e.g., EpiPen®) and emergency hospital treatment. Natural medicines should not be used to treat acute anaphylaxis.

Conventional treatment for non-life threatening food allergy reactions may include a variety of medications, including over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines to reduce symptoms of minor allergic reactions. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, for treatment of food allergies not causing an anaphylactic response, or food intolerances, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your food allergy symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating food allergy may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Food Allergy [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2010 Jan 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-allergy/DS00082.

Lactose intolerance [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2015 Mar 22]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/basics/symptoms/con-20027906.

Allergy and intolerance [Internet]. NSW Food Authority; [cited 2015 Mar 22]. Available from: http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/consumers/problems-with-food/allergy-and-intolerance/#.VQ8Rhlx6MiH.

Family Healthcare A - Z, Pain Management

Frozen Shoulder

Leave a comment

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Frozen Shoulder is caused by inflammation of the shoulder capsule, resulting in inflammation and stiffness and ultimately the development of adhesions between joint surfaces and decreased range of motion.

The precise cause of frozen shoulder is unknown. Possible causes include shoulder injury or prolonged immobilization (e.g., after an arm fracture). Persons with diabetes mellitus are at a greater risk for frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder can lead to such a significant loss of mobility to the point that performing activities of daily living (e.g., brushing teeth) can become difficult or even impossible.

Seek professional healthcare if you experience significant pain combined with stiffness and restricted mobility in your shoulder.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Possible symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

  • Pain with any shoulder movement together with decreasing shoulder mobility (“painful stage”)
  • Diminishing pain together with further decrease in shoulder mobility (“frozen stage”)
  • Improved shoulder mobility (“thawing stage”)
  • Pain increases at night

Treatment of Frozen Shoulder at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of frozen shoulder treatment are complete resolution of pain and recovery of shoulder mobility.

Conventional treatment for frozen shoulder may include physical therapy, and variety of medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), injected corticosteroids and surgery. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional treatments, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your frozen shoulder symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating frozen shoulder may be to:

Identify and address underlying factors in your lifestyle (e.g., immobility) or general health (e.g., systemic diseases such as an diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease) that may be contributing to your frozen shoulder symptoms.

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Frozen shoulder [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2010 Jan 13]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/frozen-shoulder/DS00416.

Digestive Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Infections + Immune System Support, Pain Management

Gastritis

Leave a comment

Gastritis is well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Gastritis is a term used to describe conditions involving inflammation in the stomach. Gastritis may occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or slowly over time (chronic gastritis). The walls of the stomach are protected from stomach acids by a mucous-lined barrier, that if compromised allow digestive juices to damage your stomach lining and cause inflammation.

The most common factor contributing to gastritis is infection by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Other common causes of gastritis include regular use of certain pain relievers (e.g., aspirin, Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve®), excessive alcohol ingestion, stress, Crohn’s disease, bile reflux disease, parasitic infections, autoimmune disease, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

In severe cases, gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Seek professional healthcare care if you experience signs and symptoms of gastritis consistently for a week or longer.

Seek emergency medical care if you are experiencing vomiting of blood or passing of black tarry stools.

Symptoms of Gastritis

Acute gastritis occurs suddenly, and is more likely to cause nausea and pain (often burning-like in the upper abdomen). Chronic gastritis develops more gradually and is more likely to cause dull pain and a feeling of fullness or loss of appetite after a very little food. Occasionally, chronic gastritis causes no signs or symptoms at all.

Possible symptoms of gastritis include:

  • Gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen that may increase or decrease with eating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Belching or bloating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sensation of fullness after eating very little
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting of blood or passing of black, tarry stools

Treatment of Gastritis at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of gastritis treatment are to reduce discomfort and pain intensity, reduce frequency of gastritis episodes, identify and address triggers of gastritis to prevent recurrence of gastritis episodes, manage associated health conditions and manage side effects of conventional medical treatment.

Conventional treatment for gastritis may include a variety of medications, including antacids, acid blockers, proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your gastritis symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating gastritis may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Gastritis [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2010 Jan 19]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastritis/DS00488.

Children’s Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Infections + Immune System Support

Hay Fever

Leave a comment

Hay Fever (allergic rhinitis) is well-managed using naturopathic medicine.

Hay fever is a type of environmental allergy.

Your immune system produces substances called antibodies, which identify harmful substances in your body for “neutralization”. Allergy symptoms occur when antibodies are released in response to benign substances (e,g., pollen, pet dander). Histamine is the main chemical your body produces that causes allergy symptoms. Allergy symptoms may involve your skin or digestive system, but hay fever primarily affects your sinuses and airways.

Seek professional healthcare if you suspect you have hay fever.

Seek emergency medical care if you have an anaphylactic reaction (an extreme allergic reaction, characterized by airway swelling and obstructed breathing) to an allergen.

Symptoms of Hay Fever

Possible symptoms of hay fever include:

Treatment of Hay Fever at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of hay fever treatment are significant or complete allergy symptom reduction, and effective management and prevention of associated health conditions (e.g., sinusitis, ear infections, asthma, eczema).

Conventional treatment for hay fever may include a variety of medications, including antihistamines and decongestants, corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers and injections of allergen extracts. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your hay fever symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating hay fever may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Hay fever [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hay-fever/DS00174.

Children’s Health, Family Healthcare A - Z, Pain Management

Headache (Chronic Daily)

Chronic headaches are well-treated using naturopathic medicine.

Headaches take many forms, and affect most people from time to time. “Chronic” headache refers to having headaches more than 15 days a month for more than three months.

The causes chronic daily headaches are not well-understood. True (primary) chronic daily headaches don’t have an identifiable underlying cause.

Chronic daily headaches are associated with increased rates of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and other psychological and physical problems.

Seek professional healthcare if (your headaches):

  • Occur two or more times weekly
  • Require daily use of pain relievers
  • Require more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain medicines for relief
  • Change in pattern or symptoms
  • Are getting worse
  • Are disabling

Seek emergency medical care if your headache:

  • Is sudden and severe
  • Accompanies a fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking
  • Follows a head injury
  • Gets worse despite rest and pain medication

Symptoms of Chronic Daily Headaches

The four most common types of chronic headaches and their possible symptoms are:

Chronic migraine:

  • Possibly preceded by an aura
  • Pain affecting one or both sides of your head
  • Pain of a pulsating or throbbing quality
  • Moderate to severe pain intensity
  • Aggravated by physical activity
  • Nausea or vomiting and/or sensitivity to light and sound

Chronic tension-type headache:

  • Pain typically affecting both sides of your head
  • Skull tenderness
  • Pain of a pressing or tightening quality (but not pulsating)
  • Mild to moderate pain intensity
  • Not aggravated by physical activity

New daily persistent headache:

  • Starts suddenly and occurs daily within three days of onset
  • Pain affecting both sides of your head
  • Pain of a tightening or pressing quality (but not pulsating)
  • Mild to moderate pain intensity
  • Not aggravated by physical activity

Hemicrania continua:

  • Daily and consistent pain, with no pain-free periods
  • Pain affecting only one side of your head
  • Moderate intensity of pain, interspersed with brief episodes of severe pain
  • Tearing or redness of the eye on the affected side
  • Drooping of the eyelid or pupil narrowing on the affected side
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose on affected side

Treatment of Chronic Daily Headaches at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goal of chronic daily headache treatment is to reduce or eliminate headache pain, and prevent headache recurrence.

Conventional treatment of chronic headaches may include a variety of medications, including antidepressants, beta blockers, anti-seizure medications or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your chronic headache symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating chronic headaches, including migraine and cluster headaches, may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Chronic daily headaches [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-daily-headaches/DS00646.

Chronic daily headaches [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2015 Mar 28]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-daily-headaches/basics/symptoms/con-20025386.

 

 

Family Healthcare A - Z, Pain Management

Headache (Cluster)

Leave a comment

Cluster headaches are well-managed using naturopathic medicine.

Cluster headaches are amongst the most painful types of headache, and occur in cyclical “clusters” lasting from weeks to months, that usually recur one to two times yearly.

The cause of cluster headaches is not known, but may be related to the function of the brain’s “biological clock”. Cluster headaches may be triggered or aggravated by use of nitroglycerin (in treatment of heart disease) or alcohol.

Although intensely painful, cluster headaches are not life threatening.

Seek professional healthcare if your headaches affect your quality of life, or if the pattern of your headaches changes.

Seek emergency medical care if your headache:

  • Is sudden and severe
  • Accompanies a fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking
  • Follows a head injury
  • Gets worse despite rest and pain medication
  • If you have never had a cluster headache in the past

Symptoms of Cluster Headaches

Possible symptoms of cluster headaches include:

  • Daily headaches; often occurring at the same time of day; for periods of 6 to 12 weeks
  • Sudden onset
  • Pain affecting one side of your head, possibly radiating to other areas of your face, head, neck and shoulders
  • Pain of a sharp, penetrating or burning quality
  • Severe pain intensity
  • Paleness and sweating of your face
  • Eyelid drooping
  • Redness and swelling of the eye on the affected side
  • Pupil constriction of the affected side
  • Possibly some migraine headache-like symptoms (e.g., aura, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound)
  • Restlessness

Treatment of Cluster Headaches at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, the goal of cluster headache treatment is significant pain reduction during pain episodes and decrease in frequency of headache clusters.

Conventional treatment for cluster headaches may include a variety of medications, including triptans, corticosteroids, ergotamine, calcium channel blockers, lithium carbonate, anti-seizure medications; or injectable synthetic hormones; or anesthetics. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your cluster headache symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating cluster headaches may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options are available, to be used alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Cluster headache [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cluster-headache/DS00487.

Cluster headache [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2015 Mar 28]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/basics/symptoms/con-20031706.

GET IN TOUCH

GET WELL

Get to know us

GET CONNECTED