Acupuncture Clinic – March 1, 2017

acupunctureOn March 1, 2017, I am inviting any patients of mine who are interested in receiving acupuncture for a reduced rate to join me at the clinic for a “Acupuncture Clinic”! The only change is that the acupuncture will be in a group setting. You will not have any body part exposed that you do not feel comfortable with, but we do ask that you wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the shoulders and knees (in the event that the needles are put in these spots).

The acupuncture points that will be chosen for you will be based on either your previous treatment plan, or your Traditional Asian Medicine (TAM) diagnosis (based n the tongue and pulse).

If you have not had acupuncture before, are a patient of mine, and are wanting to try acupuncture, this a great opportunity to try it for a reduced price.  The price for the session is $25 (compared to $45), and allows the opportunity to make your health benefits for naturopathic or acupuncture coverage go a bit further this year.

When and Where:

March 1, 2017 from 5pm-7pm

Meyers Chiropractic and Health Specialists

338 Dundas St Suite 101

Woodstock ON

N4S 1B4

How to Prepare: 

Call 519-537-7058 to book your spot

Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the shoulders and knees

Bring your headphones and music

Please note that this is on a first -come first -serve basis and is only open to patient’s of Dr. Elisha Cook ND. If you are not already a patient of Dr. Elisha Cook ND and would like to take part in this event, there is still time to become a patient. Book your initial appointment before March 1, 2017! For more information please call the clinic at 519-537-7058 or contact me personally.

We reserve the right to deny acupuncture treatment in the event that Dr. Cook determines that based on your medical history, that this treatment is not appropriate for you.

How does Acupuncture Work?

acupunctureWhen I recommend acupuncture, one of the most common questions I get is “how does acupuncture work or how will it help?”. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to aid with so many different health concerns. Over the course of that time, many studies have been conducted to determine how this therapy causes effect, and what it can be used for. The following presents a list of both actions that can take place in the body and the potential conditions or symptoms it can help to alleviate.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture works via many different pathways which cause:

  • Release of endorphins – resulting in decreased pain
  • Relaxation of muscle
  • Stimulation of neuronal activity and brain tissue
  • Secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters
  • Promotes blood flow
  • Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which causes reduced stress

What Can Acupuncture Help with?

Acupuncture can help with many surprising conditions/symptoms including:

  • Pain – joint and muscle
  • Arthritis – including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout
  • Muscle tension
  • Sports injuries
  • Stress
  • Fertility
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Headaches/ Migraines
  • Insomnia
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Coughs and colds
  • Asthma
  • Sinusitis
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • TMJ syndrome
  • Tinnitus
  • Smoking cessation
  • Heartburn
  • Digestive disturbances such as constipation and diarrhea
  • Concerns during pregnancy
  • To ease discomfort and aid during delivery

How Does Dr. Elisha Cook ND Use Acupuncture?

My approach to acupuncture is based more on Chinese medicine than on Western medicine. What I mean by this is that I do not simply put a needle where it hurts, but rather look at the body as a whole and attempt to support the whole system. As I often tell my patients, you are not your disease and you need to be treated as such. This implies that you are a unique individual with unique presentations results in you needing certain points over others. So for example, two individuals come to me looking for acupuncture for fertility. I will not use the exact same points on these two individuals and the points chosen will not be only around the stomach/uterus area. I also do not use solely acupuncture on a patient. In my opinion, it is best to use the acupuncture while allowing diet, lifestyle, botanicals, and supplements to boost deficient areas. However, all of this is determined at the patient’s comfort level and I work with you where you are at (for example if you only want acupuncture, then we only do acupuncture).

If you are interested in trying acupuncture, feel free to contact the clinic by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

 

Naturopathic Approaches to Pain

Autumn Girl enjoying nature on the field. Beauty Girl Outdoors rPain of any type can be very debilitating. Not only does it affect someone’s physical functioning, but it affects one’s relationships, home – life, and overall well-being. With my training in Naturopathic Medicine, I have seen my fair share of patients struggle with pain and the abundant obstacles faced as a result of this struggle. There is hope. This blog will aspire to enlighten you to the different ways that Naturopathic Medicine can help with pain, and what the research says. I should caution you that pain is a very broad topic, and so with this article, I will focus more on arthritis, though this is not the be all and end all when it comes to pain.

What is Arthritis?

The word “arthritis”, when taken from its Greek context, clearly sums up what arthritis entails: “arthro” means “joint”, and “it is” means “inflammation”. Therefore, arthritis indicates really any condition where there is inflammation in the joint. There are various different classifications of arthritis, including, but not limited to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Septic Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Lupus. Many other conditions may involve arthritis or arthritic changes, but these are the primary stand – alone classifications of arthritis. Based on these different types of arthritis, there may be different causes of origins. For example, osteoarthritis may be caused by excessive use of the joint, where as rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by autoimmune destruction of the joint. As a result, the approach that would be taken for each of these different forms of arthritis would be different based on their mechanism of destruction. That being said, some of the approaches listed below may be effective for some forms of pain and not others. This speaks to the importance of consulting with your Naturopathic Doctor for an individualized treatment plan that specifically fits your symptom picture.

Based on the research, the following treatment options may be helpful for pain and arthritis:

  • Traditional Asian Medicine and Acupuncture
  • Botanical Medicine
  • Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Homeopathy
  • Physical Medicine

Ultimately, the goal of treatment will be to treat the root cause of the pain. As mentioned above, based on the specific type of arthritis you may be suffering with, the root cause may be different for you versus another. As a result, the following list offers examples as to what goals might be developed for a treatment plan for an individual:

  • Correct for deficiencies
  • Reduce pain and manage it effectively
  • Improve mood (often individuals experience depression because of their chronic pain)
  • Decrease inflammation
  • Address and eliminate any triggers to inflammation that may be present in the diet
  • Improve immune functioning
  • Alter lifestyle and diet to decrease pain

How can Traditional Asian Medicine help?

Traditional Asian Medicine views the body differently than western medicine. Its theory suggests that when there is an imbalance in the body system, disease manifests. Each “organ” is associated with an emotion, and individualized functions in the body. For example, the liver and spleen control the functioning of the muscles, joints, and ligaments. In addition, one of the primary functions of the spleen is to Transform and Transport water. This could lead to an excess amount of fluid in various areas of the body including the joints. These organs may play a role in arthritis but this is truly dependent on your individualized presentation. Once a specific diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is created, and may involve using acupuncture, herbal formulas, diet, or lifestyle, all with the purpose of bringing the body back into a state of balance.

Specifically regarding acupuncture, acupuncture has been shown in some studies to be beneficial Rheumatoid Arthritis when combined with electroacupuncture. One particular study found that knee pain was relieved within 24 hours of treatment; and the acupuncture was found to have benefits that last up to 4 months in some. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003788.pub2/abstract;jsessionid=67DB60F605B9F7B238341B5CCA2C903A.f02t03?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false

Another study found that acupuncture was beneficial for osteoarthritis of the knee; specifically for pain an physical functioning.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2810544/

Finally, in a study specific for patients suffering from gouty arthritis, individuals experienced decreased pain and decreased uric acid levels when treated with acupuncture for 1 month.

http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-ZGZE200203002.htm

How can Botanical Medicine help?

Botanical formulas have similar effects to medications, often without the side effects, however this is not true for all herbs and plants. Specific herbs or plants will be selected based on their properties and combined based on the specific individual’s presentation and symptoms associated with their pain. For example, one person may benefit from decreased inflammation, where as another may need help with immune functioning. Some beneficial properties that some useful herbs may have include: anti – inflammatory, rubefacient, immunomodulating, and adaptogenic.

Much research has revolved around the anti-inflammatory effects of various herbs including some lesser thought of herbs such as stinging nettle and black cohosh (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22700248). A commonly discussed herb when pain is mentioned is turmeric. Turmeric has been shown to decrease inflammation, prevent inflammation, and decrease swelling (http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/guide/turmeric.php).

How can Nutrition and Diet help?

Many different foods can contribute to inflammation in the body as a whole. The Standard American Diet (SAD) often promotes inflammation in itself, and so, can contribute to increased pain in individuals with arthritis. If an individual is eating relatively healthy, inflammation can still present itself. For some individuals, night shade vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, zucchini and eggplant can contribute to increased inflammation.

Similar to how many foods can promote inflammation, there are many foods that can decrease inflammation. These foods can include those higher in omega 3 fatty acids such as flax seed, hemp seed, and fatty fish such as salmon.

One study has shown how diet and supplementation can both by themselves or in combination help improve outcomes for those suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0049017205000879). A naturopathic doctor can help you to develop a diet that best suits your individual needs, including developing strategies to motivate you to eat a proper diet. In addition, they can correct for any nutritional deficiencies that may be aggravating your stress and overall health.

How can Hydrotherapy help?

Hydrotherapy involves alternating hot and cold water applications to achieve the following goals: promote detoxification and relaxation, increase circulation, improve immune system functioning, promote digestion, and decrease pain. Based on all of the following actions, hydrotherapy could be beneficial for pain based on the different root causes. Hydrotherapy can be performed via a number of methods: constitutional hydrotherapy, sauna, peat bath, Epsom salt baths, or alternating hot and cold showers. In one study looking into hydrotherapy and rheumatoid arthritis, the participants experienced decreased joint tenderness and improved range of motion of the knees with warm water immersion (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1529-0131(199606)9:3%3C206::AID-ANR1790090309%3E3.0.CO;2-J/abstract).

How can Homeopathy help?

Homeopathy is an energy medicine that involves finite doses of a substance that are diluted in water, which amount to a higher therapeutic dose overall. In this form of medicine, individualized remedies are chosen based on the individual’s specific symptoms and presentation. Each person requires a different remedy based on their unique presentation. Homeopathy does not interact with any medications, making it quite useful especially if you are taking other medications.

Homeopathy is challenging to study in research, but research does exist. In one particular study, the process of conducting a homeopathic interview is where some individuals saw relief from pain for their rheumatoid arthritis (http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2010/11/08/rheumatology.keq234.short).  Other studies have shown that homeopathy can be beneficial for osteoarthritis pain and various other symptoms (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1475491699904496).

How can Physical Medicine help?

Physical medicine involves a number of different potential therapies. These therapies might include ultrasound, laser therapy, electroacupuncture, cupping or Gua Sha. The general effect of these therapies includes relaxation, increased circulation, decreased pain, improved wound healing, and decreased inflammation.

For example, some research has shown that cupping in combination with conventional therapy can help to modulate the immune system for the better in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/17977209).

How can Lifestyle changes help?

Various lifestyle factors can play a role in pain. By improving sleep, exercise, scheduling, and coping mechanisms, it is possible that some individuals may have reduced pain. Naturopathic doctors are trained to help individuals through lifestyle counselling, and can use methods use as motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioral therapy to do so.

Research has demonstrated that poor sleep can be quite common in individuals experiencing pain (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399904000327). As a result, this can further increase their pain through being unable to rest and relax.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

 

Naturopathic Approaches for Depression

Depression - Narrative photoDepression can be a very crippling condition to experience despite it being classified as a mental health condition. However, there are treatments that can help, that can be provided through your naturopathic doctor. A Naturopathic doctor can use the following therapies to achieve therapeutic benefits in depression:

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
  • Botanical Medicine
  • Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Homeopathy
  • Physical Medicine

Ultimately, the goal of treatment will be to treat the root cause of disease. This will be different for each individual based on the cause of depression for that specific individual, eg nutrient deficiency vs. grief. As a result, the following list offers examples as to what goals might be developed for a treatment plan for an individual:

  • Correct for deficiencies
  • Reduce stress or Improve stress management
  • Improve coping mechanisms
  • Improve mood
  • Alter lifestyle and diet to increase mood and reduce stress
  • Improve gut microbiology and digestion

How can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) help?

TCM views the body differently than western medicine. TCM theory suggests that when there is an imbalance in the body system, disease manifests. Each “organ” is associated with an emotion: Heart with joy and is the center of one’s personality, liver with anger, spleen with worry, lungs with grief, and kidneys with fear. As one can see, all of these organs could play a part in depression, and so, individual cases are taken, and the root cause is determined. Once a specific diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is created, and may involve using acupuncture, herbal formulas, diet, or lifestyle, all with the purpose of bringing the body back into a state of balance.

Specifically regarding acupuncture, acupuncture has been shown in some studies to be beneficial for depression and decreasing symptoms associated with depression. The following link offers one such study where benefits were received from acupuncture. http://www.i-healthbenelux.nl/pages/comp.concept/Clin_Psychiatry_2006.pdf

How can Botanical Medicine help?

Botanical formulas have similar effects to medications, often without the side effects, however this is not true for all herbs and plants. Specific herbs or plants will be selected based on their properties and combined based on the specific individual’s presentation of depression. For example, one person may need help with sleep, where as one may need help with stress, both in combination with needing help with mood. Some beneficial properties that some useful herbs may have include: nervine, anti – depressant effect, sedative and adaptogenic.

There are several plants that have more research behind them in regards to their use in depression, but other plants exist that are effective as well. Research has shown that such plants are beneficial for various degrees of depression. The following link offers one such study where the benefits of various plants were outlined: http://www.europeanneuropsychopharmacology.com/article/S0924-977X(11)00071-X/abstract

How can Nutrition and Diet help?

Depression can be aggravated or caused by various nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it may be necessary to correct for these deficiencies in order to treat the root cause of the depression. In addition, various changes to one’s diet can help to improve mood and decrease inflammation (and thereby decrease inflammation in the body, which may contribute to the depression). Based on your specific case, several classes of action may be recommended for you, and thus foods or supplements recommended. These actions might include: anti-oxidant, mood – boosting, or anti – inflammatory.

Research has shown that not only are nutritional deficiencies associated with depressive symptoms, but specific dietary patterns can be associated with depression. For example, diets that were higher in fruits and vegetables were associated with less depressive symptoms, where as diets that were deemed lower in fruits and vegetables were more likely to be associated with depression (http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1475-2891-8-31.pdf).

How can Hydrotherapy help?

Hydrotherapy involves alternating hot and cold water applications to achieve the following goals: promote detoxification and relaxation, increase circulation, improve immune system functioning, promote digestion, and decrease pain. Based on all of the following actions, hydrotherapy could be beneficial for depression based on different root causes. For example, if an individual is depressed because they are stressed, hydrotherapy may be beneficial by helping the individual to relax.

Hydrotherapy can be performed via a number of methods: constitutional hydrotherapy, sauna, peat bath, Epsom salt baths, or alternating hot and cold showers. These therapies may not be available at every naturopathic doctor’s clinic, but if you are interested in these therapies, they can be performed by myself, Elisha Cook, at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (416-498-9763).

Very little evidence has surfaced for the efficacy of hydrotherapy to treat depression, however, the research that has surfaced has been quite promising. The article link provided below shows a study where depressed patients were given hydrotherapy treatments ending in cold (most hydrotherapy ends in cold for approximately 30 seconds), that caused anti – depressive effects soon following treatment (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030698770700566X).

How can Homeopathy help?

Homeopathy is an energy medicine that involves finite doses of a substance that are diluted in water, which amount to a higher therapeutic dose overall. In this form of medicine, individualized remedies are chosen based on the individual’s specific symptoms and presentation. Each person requires a different remedy based on their unique presentation. Homeopathy does not interact with any medications, making it quite useful especially if you are taking other medications.

In recent studies, homeopathy has been shown to be just as effective as anti – depressant medication in the relief of depressive symptoms. In addition, other studies have shown homeopathy to be 58% effective (http://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1111%2Fj.20427166.2012.01163_5.x?r3_referer=wol&show_checkout=1).

How can Physical Medicine help?

Physical medicine involves a number of different potential therapies. These therapies might include massage, naturopathic manipulation, ultrasound, laser therapy, electroacupuncture, or Gua Sha. The general effect of these therapies includes relaxation, increased circulation, decreased pain, and decreased inflammation. Similar to what was mentioned above, depression may be decreased or alleviated based on these potential effects.

Research has shown that patients with depression may benefit from massage therapy (http://journals.lww.com/jnrtwna/Abstract/2004/03000/The_Effect_of_Acupressure_With_Massage_on_Fatigue.7.aspx).

How can Lifestyle changes help?

Various lifestyle factors can play a role in depression. By improving sleep, exercise, scheduling, and stress management, it is possible that some individuals may have reduced depressive episodes. In addition, the way that an individual thinks can influence mood. By addressing negative thought patterns, poor sleep patterns, lack of exercise, or stress management concerns, one may experience decreased depressive episodes. Naturopathic doctors are trained to help individuals through lifestyle counselling, and can use methods use as motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioural therapy to do so.

Research is quite extensive regarding exercise and its benefit on depression. Even as little as two times per week has been shown to benefit depression (http://condor.depaul.edu/hstein/NEMSSAH.pdf).

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.