PROGRAM
OVERVIEW

Our Program Consists of:

A detailed health history, family history and physical exam is done to determine present and past physical health factors as well as psychological issues that may be contributing to the health concerns of the patient. An evaluation of lifestyle and environmental factors also adds more information to help the doctor determine the right program for the patient. Additional functional methods such as muscle testing will be done by the doctors in an attempt to gather as much information about your present state of health.

Standard Lab Diagnosis is done either through the patient's medical doctor or through labs used by naturopathic doctors. There is an additional charge when these tests are done through the ND's office.

Live Blood Cell Analysis is used as an adjunct to asses the earlier signs of disease in the body. It helps to assess the functioning of the liver, immune and digestive systems as well as dehydration, vitamin E deficiency, early signs of stroke and iron/B12 deficiency.

Specialized Urinalysis to evaluate levels of certain nutrients, bowel integrity, and stress hormone levels.

Specialized testing provides the ND with additional insight into the disease process. A common example is heart disease. The conventional lab work consists of an EKG (electrical measurement of the heart) and various blood fat measurements such as total cholesterol, the good (HDL) and bad (LDL) forms of cholesterol, and triglycerides. Although these are valuable sources of information, additional specialized testing such as homocysteine (a major marker for heart disease), live-cell analysis (which measures the consistency of the blood) and free radical assessment which contributes to heart disease, give the doctor much more specific information. Using this additional information, the naturopathic doctor can then provide a therapeutic treatment plan, along with exercise and diet modification that will be more individualized to treat patients.

Other examples of specialized testing used by NDs are:

Salivary Hormone Tests...are more sensitive than blood levels to measure estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormone and stress hormones such as cortisol and DHEA. Evaluation of these hormones may indicate imbalances that result in menopausal symptoms, decreased ability to adapt to stress, metabolism imbalances resulting in weight gain or loss, cancer and cardiovascular degeneration.

Basal Body Temperatures and the Iodine test...evaluate the function of the thyroid gland which regulates body temperature and metabolism.

Orthostatic Blood Pressure (lying then standing)...can help determine the person's stress adaptation capability. The adrenal glands are the stress adaptive organs so any change in the orthostatic blood pressure can indicate functional adrenal problems.

Food Sensitivity Testing...many health problems are caused from people eating foods that they may be sensitive to, even though conventional allergy tests are negative. There are various methods of determining food sensitivities.

Hair Analysis...is done when mineral imbalances or heavy metal toxicity are suspected.

Dietary and lifestyle review and counseling. Diet and lifestyle recommendations are based on the individual needs and food responses of the patient. The most effective way to evaluate how your metabolism reacts to various foods is to determine your Metabolic Type. 
 
Individualized treatment protocols are recommended based on the results of the specific tests and lab work done on the patient.

Many people are sick and tired of being 'sick and tired' and they are beginning to take responsibility for their health, but are unsure where to start. A naturopathic assessment and program includes education of the patient about how to care for themselves based on their needs and concerns, time and energy available. Our goal at the clinic is to assist individuals in gaining and maintaining optimal health on all levels: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.