Vital Force Naturopathic Health Centre www.vitalforcenhc.ca
Welcome to Vital Force Naturopathic Health Centre

Services Offered

***HOMEOPATHIC FLU VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE***


Healthy Living Programs Available Include:

Weight Management & Smoking Cessation: utilizing Clinical Nutrition, Homeopathics, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Counseling

www.partnersinmotionpt.com

Detoxification: Utilizing Homeopathics, Herbal medicine, Hydrotherapy, Clinical Nutrition, Osteopathy, Massage and Reflexology

- Breast Thermography Clinic: Check back soon - Coming in Spring 2008!!!


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Naturopathic Medicine

Botanical Medicine

Plant based medicine including teas, tinctures, capsules and creams to support and heal the body.

For more information, visit:

http://www.herbological.com/whatisherbalmed.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botanical_medicine

http://ferlowbotanicals.com

Homeopathy

Medicine used for over 200 years derived from very small doses of the preparation of plants, animals, and minerals. Homeopathy can stimulate self-healing on the physical and emotional level. Before prescribing a remedy, there is an extensive intake which enables the doctor to choose the best remedy for each patient, based on specific symptoms in order to re-establish health.

For more information, visit:

http://www.homeopathy.edu/abouthom.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeopathy


Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

TCM Diagnosis, Acupuncture, Cupping, Chinese herbal medicine and nutrition are used to rebalance the vital energy (Qi) in our bodies.

For more information, visit:

http://www.holistic-online.com/Acupuncture/acp_home.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupuncture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_medicine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupping


Clinical Nutrition

The therapeutic use of food and nutraceuticals to treat as well as prevent illness. Dietary consultation, including nutritional intake, evaluation of nutritional deficiencies, and detoxification.


Biotherapeutic Drainage

Natural and energetic medicine to stimulate self-healing on the physical and emotional levels, by supporting the innate healing power of the body, as well as aiding the elimination of toxins at a cellular level.


Hydrotherapy

The therapeutic use of differing temperatures of water to stimulate the lymphatic and vascular systems, in order to activate detoxification processes, restore energy and increase immunity.

For more information, visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrotherapy


Lifestyle Counselling

Mental and emotional aspects of health are addressed in order to heal the body. Recognizing how our internal and external environments impact our health and its role in disease prevention. Education as an integral tool to empower individuals in their goal of optimal health.


Laboratory Testing

Administration and analysis of diagnostic tests of blood, urine, saliva, stool, and hair. Blood tests include complete blood count, glucose, cholesterol, immunologic, as well as liver, iron and hormone panels. Urine testing for bacteria, blood, glucose, protein, and kidney function. Saliva tests include hormone, pH, food & environmental sensitivity. Stool tests include occult blood and parasites. Hair tests include heavy metal toxicity. Services are provided by Gamma-Dynacare. Vitamin B12 and folic acid injections are also available. OHIP does not cover laboratory services requested by Naturopathic Doctors, thus a fee applies based on each test.

Food Sensitivities

It is common for people to have an altered response to something in the air, a specific food, or even certain smells.  This is an automatic response by the immune system, intended for your body to alert you to an unpleasant invader, usually referred to as a sensitivity or intolerance.  These sensitivities can manifest as Gastrointestinal complaints (stomach ache, cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea), Headaches, Skin rashes (eczema, acne), Asthma, Sinusitis, Depression and Anxiety, ADD, Insomnia, Joint and Muscle pain, and Difficulty Losing Weight.  Through an in-depth diet examination as well as specified blood and saliva testing, hidden sensitivities can be uncovered.


Natural Health Products Dispensary

Professional high quality supplements, Homeopathic remedies, Herbal teas and tinctures, Organic Skin and Hair care, and Make-Up. Re-fills can be phoned in with 24 hr. notice of desired pick-up time, or mailed with a shipping and handling charge.

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REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY

Relaxational Massage

A gentle, rhythmic massage offered to those clients wishing to relax and/or reduce physical stress, including tension in tired, aching muscles. 30 minute, 60 minute or 90 minute treatments are available. *Covered under R.M.T. by most insurance companies.

Therapeutic Massage

A focused, deep tissue technique aimed at decreasing muscle knots, spasms and pain, as well as increasing range of motion and stimulating circulation. It is also very useful in treating chronic pain, as many people feel the benefits after the very first treatment. 30 minute, 60 minute or 90 minute treatments are available. *Covered under R.M.T. by most insurance companies

       
Hot Stone Massage Therapy



The origins of Hot Stone Therapy date back more than 5,000 years and can be found in many different cultures. In India, the ancient healing tradition known as Ayur Veda, or Ayurvedic medicine, incorporated herbs, flowers, crystals and heated stones. Stones were used to massage the body to relieve muscle pain and discomfort.

It was also commonly used among Native American cultures. They used heliotherapy (sun therapy) by first heating a stone in the sun’s rays and then placing it upon the body to ease pain. The heated stones were often placed upon a woman’s abdomen to reduce pain and cramping during menstruation.

Hot stone therapy involves the therapeutic use of basalt stones that are heated or cooled in water. Basalt stones are ideal for hot stone therapy because of their smoothness and ability to retain heat.  Hot stone therapy combines massage with the application of hot or cold stones which are either massaged over the body or placed upon specific areas. 

The benefits of Hot Stone Therapy include:

•    Improves back/shoulder/neck pain
•    Improves lymphatic circulation
•    Increases circulation
•    Decreases menstrual pain
•    Decreases joint pain
•    Decreases tension headaches
•    Decreases sciatic pain
•    Promotes increased well-being and vitality
•    Reduces overall stress

Cold Stone Therapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with Hot Stone Therapy. Cold Stone Therapy can be used to help treat the following conditions:

•    Any local swelling, inflammation or redness
•    Acute injuries
•    Tension headaches
•    Sinus congestion
•    Tone and stimulate the body

Hot Stone Therapy is contraindicated, meaning it is not at all safe, for some conditions, such as severe hypertension, high fever or infectious conditions. It is important to fill out an accurate Health History form so your therapist knows if Hot Stone Therapy is indicated.


Massage Therapy and Pregnancy

Changes that occur during pregnancy are physiological, affecting the musculoskeletal system and virtually every organ system. They are also emotional, with the woman adjusting to her changing body and lifestyle. The role of the Massage Therapist is to be aware of these changes with a view to preventative treatment, referrals to other health practitioners when necessary and maintenance of the client’s wellness.

The primary treatment goal is to promote a healthy pregnancy by including relaxation techniques and providing a supportive environment as part of every massage. The Massage Therapist can also teach breathing and relaxation techniques, teach exercises useful in Prenatal and Labour preparation ie:, stretches, and can help the client integrate physical changes by encouraging postural awareness.

The benefits of Massage Therapy for pregnancy include the following:

•    Relieves stress and promotes relaxation
•    Relieves muscle spasms, cramping and myofascial pain
•    Increases circulation or blood and lymph
•    Relieves stress on weight-bearing joints
•    Provides emotional support and a nurturing touch
•    Educates the client about relaxation which will help facilitate the future birthing process

The contraindications of Massage Therapy for pregnancy vary with the trimesters, for example abdominal work during the first trimester. It is important to fill out an accurate Health History Form so your therapist can provide the best treatment geared towards your needs.


Myofascial Release Therapy

What is Fascia?

Fascia, or connective tissue is the dense, tough tissue which surrounds and covers all of your muscles, muscle groups.., bones and organs - holding them in place.  This outer covering is very strong and very flexible.  It runs from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.  Your entire body is connected to every other part of the body by the fascia - it is a continuous weave of material.  And, like a pull in a sweater, damage to an area of fascia can effect other distant areas in your body even years later.

In the normal healthy state the fascia is relaxed and soft.  It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction.  When you experience physical trauma or inflammation the fascia loses it's pliability.  It can become tight , restricted and a source of tension throughout the rest of the body.  Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or habitual poor posture has a cumulative effect over time and myofascial release can help.

When fascia is damaged or traumatized it can become too tight and cause a number of problems such as:

  • headaches
  • neck stiffness
  • muscle pain and spasms
  • arthritic pain
  • breathing difficulties
What does a Myofascial Release feel like?

The pressure may vary from deep to a more gentle pressure, but should mot go over and individual's pain tolerance.  Some patients may experience a slight tingling or burning sensation in the skin, which is perfectly normal and safe.  Others may feel a gentle to deep stretch on the area being treated.  It is important to communicate with your therapist to receive the best treatment for your needs.

The myofascial techniques are incorporated into the Swedish Massage and will help to reorganize and lengthen the tight tissue allowing for better movement and health.

Laura is currently certified in Cervical (neck region) Myofascial Release Therapy but is looking to take the Masters course in the Spring of 2009.


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