Naturopathic Visit F.A.Q - Integrative Interactive Health

Naturopathic Medicine uses different therapies, or modalities, to treat the whole person. We have various "tools in our toolbox" to address different concerns such as: homeopathy, nutritional counseling, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy and much more. So if you need alternative options for treatment, Naturopathic medicine can provide that.
People that have a history of chronic conditions may need some additional support. Naturopathic treatments are great for adjunctive care to help improve or slow the progression of certain disease processes.
Oftentimes, a number of symptoms are interconnected and they point to an imbalance or deficiency in an organ system. Naturopaths seek to address those large, root issues to your concerns.
If you would like to find out more, you can book a free Meet and Greet appointment with Dr. Coleman

Review your past medical history and any recent labs/imaging, if available
Talk over your case and concerns more thoroughly
Discuss and develop a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs
Talk about follow up appointments, additional treatment appointments (ex. hydrotherapy, acupuncture, etc.) and any new labs that need to be ordered

There is a 24hr cancellation policy for Naturopathic visits.
You can notify the clinic via phone or email to cancel your appointment.
Since considerable time is spent preparing for each visit, the patient will be charged 50% of the appointment fee if the appointment is not canceled 24 hours prior.

Currently, OHIP does not cover Naturopathic Medicine visits. Some extended healthcare packages will include coverage for Naturopathic visits, so you should check the details of your coverage.
Lab requisitions and blood work can be requested by a Naturopathic Doctor, but OHIP does not cover these services.

Discuss any improvements or changes since the last visit
Review any labs/imaging that were received since initial appointment
Go over the Diet diary that you have completed since the last visit, and discuss any dietary changes necessary
Adjust treatment plan as necessary to adapt to the patients' needs

FST is a blood test that measures Immunoglobulin G (IgG) food antibodies which may be causing inflammation in different tissues.
Certain foods could be causing inflammation in different areas in your body and this test helps you pinpoint specifically which foods that could be.
Depending on the type of test you choose, anywhere from 125-220 different foods are tested in one blood sample.
Within 2-4 weeks your results will be received by the practitioner and you will discuss a treatment plan based on the findings from your test.
It can be helpful in a number of concerns such as:
- General:
  - fatigue
  - anxiety
  - insomnia
  - food cravings
  - obesity
- Infectious:
  - recurrent colds
  - urinary tract infections
  - ear infections
  - yeast infections
- Ear, Nose & Throat:
  - chronic nasal congestion
  - postnasal drip
  - fluid in the ears
  - Meniere’s syndrome
- Gastrointestinal:
  - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  - constipation
  - diarrhea
  - abdominal cramping
  - Ulcerative colitis
  - Crohn’s disease
  - gallbladder disease
- Cardiovascular:
  - high blood pressure
  - arrhythmia
  - angina
- Dermatological:
  - acne
  - eczema
  - psoriasis
  - hives
- Rheumatological:
  - muscle aches
  - osteoarthritis
  - rheumatoid arthritis.
- Neurological:
  - migraines and other headaches
  - numbness

There will be a visit before and after your results are received and this is what will happen:

FST Evaluation visit ($60)
- Come in for your initial assessment
- Decide which FST test would work best for you based on diet and lifestyle
Testing
- Go to your nearest Life Labs for the blood draw
- Results will take around 2-4 weeks
FST Review visit ($60)
- Go over results and discuss plan
  - Elimination and re-introduction process is explained in detail
  - Supportive treatments and supplements are recommended based on your specific needs
  - You will pay for your visit and the test at this appointment
    - Cost of the test starts at $275

Constitutional Hydrotherapy is the application of hot and cold towels to the upper body (front and back) in a specific sequence and time frame to achieve unique therapeutic goals for each patient.
The hot and then cold towels cause vasodilation and vasoconstriction of the blood vessels. This action pumps all the vital nutrients in the blood to your organs, while aiding in elimination of wastes and toxins by simply getting the blood flowing.
Since this treatment aids in detoxification, improves nutrition and boosts immunity, it is applicable for almost any condition. It is especially helpful for the following conditions:
General:
- fatigue
- stress and anxiety
Female reproductive issues:
- Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- painful cramps
Digestive tract issues:
- Crohn's
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Ulcerative Colitis
Infectious diseases:
- cold
- flu
- lymphangitis
Respiratory conditions:
- chronic asthma
- bronchitis
- pleurisy
Cardiovascular problems:
- varicose veins
- hemorrhoids
- Raynaud's disease
- hypertension
And more

Upon arrival at your first appointment, here is what you can expect:
Before treatment:
- Fill out the paperwork for Constitutional Hydrotherapy treatment (which you should come about 10 mins early to complete)
- A brief intake
- Patient changes in to appropriate treatment clothes:
  - Top: swimwear top, or an extra sports bra that you don't mind getting damp for females.
  - Bottom: swimwear bottom, or stretchy pants that can be rolled down below the waist
During treatment:
- Choice of music and/or aromatherapy for treatment
- Constitutional Hydrotherapy is performed (usually 45 min treatment)
After treatment:
- Your vitals are repeated and we evaluate how the treatment went

Acupuncture is the use of thin, sterile needles inserted at specific points on the skin to achieve various therapeutic goals.
With needle insertion, there is usually no or minimal discomfort.
Acupuncture is one component of traditional Chinese Medicine, which defines it as a way to re-balance chi or qi (pronounced "chee"). Chi or Qi is the body's flow of energy or life force.
These imbalances can be addressed using traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as:
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Chinese herbal formulas
- Cupping
- Moxibustion
Acupuncture is incredibly useful for pain conditions, but can also be used in the treatment of other concerns such as:
- Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
- Menstrual cramps
- Headache
- Hypertension, essential
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- And more

Upon arrival at your first appointment, here is what you can expect:
Before treatment:
- Fill out the paperwork for Acupuncture treatment (which you should come about 10 mins early to complete)
- A brief intake where the practitioner will asses your tongue’s shape, color, and coating, feel your pulse, and perform any necessary physical exams to come up with an appropriate traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis for treatment
During treatment:
- Choice of music and/or aromatherapy for treatment
- Acupuncture is performed (usually 30 min treatment)
After treatment:
- The needles are carefully removed and we evaluate how the treatment went