Mahalia Freed ND

An individual plan of care will draw upon a combination of the following naturopathic treatments, according your needs:

Clinical Nutrition

Nutrition and the therapeutic use of foods is a cornerstone of Naturopathic Medicine. Food intolerances, deficiencies, dietary imbalances or nutritional excesses have been associated with many medical conditions. Indeed, development of illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, and gastrointestinal problems are known to be related to poor dietary and lifestyle choices. By changing our diet and adopting a healthier lifestyle, we can often alter or reverse the course of an illness and restore health. Naturopathic doctors are trained in assessing nutritional status, and in recommending dietary changes and vitamin and mineral supplementation where appropriate.

Botanical Medicine

The medicinal use of plants dates back to the earliest civilizations, is observed in the animal world, and is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Herbs are used to normalize body functions, enhance our immune system, improve digestion, heal and prevent illness, calm nerves, relax muscles, cleanse, repair, and tonify. Botanicals can soothe and nourish, while also specifically targeting bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Plants can be used singly or in combination, as: teas, tinctures, salves, poultices, capsules, oils, infusions, and more. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in the art and science of botanical medicine, including herb-nutrient and herb-drug interactions – important factors in the selection and safe use of botanical medicines.

Homeopathy

This powerful system of medicine harnesses the body’s ability to heal itself. Based on the principle of like cures like, homeopathic remedies are carefully chosen to match the totality of a person’s symptoms, and prescribed according to strict homeopathic guidelines. Homeopathic remedies are made from minute amounts of plant, animal, and mineral substances in specific dilutions. When carefully matched to the patient they are able to stimulate the body’s innate healing forces on both the physical and emotional levels, with few side effects. Because homeopathic medicines are energetic rather than molecular in their action, they do not interact with prescription medications, and are safe to use with children, and with people who have fragile health.

Counselling

A central tenet of naturopathic medicine is the interdependence of emotional and physical health. Our emotional understanding of ourselves and how we function in our environment is an important dimension of health, as well as a contributing factor in disease states. Addressing all aspects of a person’s life, identifying and addressing the impact that stress and life events have on a patient’s health is an important facet of naturopathic treatment. As well, naturopathic physicians understand the impact that our physical environment has on our health. Naturopathic doctors are trained to counsel on diet, lifestyle, specific stressors, exercise, and occupational or environmental hazards as an integral part of the naturopathic treatment program.

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

Originating over five thousand years ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the use of both acupuncture and eastern herbs. It is based on the theory that health is determined by a balanced flow of qi (pronounced “chee”), a way of understanding the vital life energy present in all living things. According the TCM theory, qi circulates in the body through twelve major energy pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. In this system of medicine, each symptom is perceived in relationship with the whole body, and treatments are accordingly developed as a means of adjusting an individual’s overall energy pattern. Acupuncture and herbs are used to balance the flow of qi, thereby relieving pain and restoring health. Acupuncture has now been proven to be effective according to western or allopathic scientific trials, for health concerns ranging from chemotherapy-induced nausea to musculoskeletal pain, to turning breech babies.

Physical Medicine

Physical medicine offers treatment for many different health concerns. Treatments can include hydrotherapy (the therapeutic use of hot and cold water), sauna therapy, exercise, and soft tissue work (including therapeutic massage).