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Dr. Alexis Blanks | Dr. Shannon Sarrasin
What is Naturopathic Medicine? | Naturopathic Services | Download Forms
WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. Naturopathic doctors assess the whole person, taking into consideration physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. They combine a holistic perspective with knowledge of physiology and biochemistry and modern diagnostic tools including physical exam, lab tests and imaging, to identify the sources of dis-ease.
Naturopathic doctors employ tools such as: mind body medicine, clinical nutritional, botanical and homeopathic medicines, and hydrotherapy to re-establish health by stimulating the immune system and detoxification pathways, by directly fighting infections, or by promoting specific hormone or neurotransmitter synthesis. When necessary, CSV Health Centre’s naturopathic doctors can also prescribe from a wide array of pharmaceuticals to shift the body toward better health.
IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE APPROPRIATE FOR YOU?
Naturopathic medicine is a whole person, primary care approach to health care that can benefit anyone of any age in search of improved and sustained health.
Naturopathic interventions can be used effectively for chronic conditions such as arthritis, allergies, depression, anxiety, diabetes, chronic fatigue, stress reaction, digestive problems, headaches, skin problems, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms, menstrual problems, cancer and many more. In some cases they are best used in conjunction with conventional medications. Naturopathic medicine can also be an appropriate choice for treating non-life-threatening acute ailments such as colds and flus.
Naturopathic doctors can also complement and enhance health care services provided by other health care professionals. They cooperate with other health care practitioners by consulting and referring when appropriate. They can act as health advocates by helping patients to better understand different aspects of their care (for example, explaining medications, laboratory tests and other procedures). Naturopathic doctors provide patients with a truly integrative form of health care.
If you still have questions about whether naturopathic medicine fits your needs, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with either of our naturopathic doctors.
NATUROPATHIC SERVICES
Modalities | Dispensary | Pharmaceuticals | Women's Health | Hormone Balance | Postmenopausal Women | Allergy Testing | Other Tests | Bowen Therapy | Acupuncture
Naturopathic Modalities
Dr. Blanks and Dr. Williams both provide foundational naturopathic modalities: therapeutic nutrition including diet and supplements, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathic medicine, and lifestyle counseling. They are also trained in diagnostic physical exam and interpretation of laboratory exams.
Naturopathic Dispensary
Our dispensary carries a wide array of natural health products for use exclusively by our patients. Numerous studies have found that many commercial products have inaccurate labeling regarding ingredients and amounts. We firmly believe that your health care money is best spent on top quality nutritional and herbal supplements that are independently tested for quality and meet the highest professional standards.
Naturopathic doctors must consider the quality of ingredients, the processing of those ingredients, their bioavailability (rate at which a substance is absorbed or becomes available for use in the body) and the dose required for benefits to be achieved. Drs. Williams and Blanks have carefully researched the companies whose products they carry in their dispensary.
We carry supplements from the following manufacturers:
Avicenna, St. Francis Herbs, MediHerb, Wise Woman Herbals, Allergy Research, Thorne, NFH, Seroyal/Genestra, Pure Encapsulations, Vital Nutrients, Metagenics and Integrative Therapeutics. The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre is also available to the general public in our reception area.
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Prescription Pharmaceuticals
Recently, Drs. Blanks and Williams, along with many other BC naturopathic doctors, completed a rigorous pharmacy course and certification exam in order to add a long list of prescription drugs to their scope of practice. These expanded privileges allow our naturopathic doctors to function more broadly as primary care physicians. We continue to employ our traditional therapeutic tools with every patient but we can now also help patients make decisions about the appropriate and judicious use of prescription drugs. In addition, these prescriptive rights give us access to therapeutics that have historically been used by naturopathic doctors but have become restricted in recent years, such as some high-dose vitamins, some amino acids, bio-identical hormones and some botanicals. To ensure safe and appropriate use of any prescription laboratory investigation may be needed to asses progress, and patients are expected to be seen in office for refills and medication changes.
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Women’s Health
Physical exams and PAP tests:
Our naturopathic doctors are pleased to offer female physical exams and PAP tests. Interested? Here’s what you need to know:
To have your Pap done with either of our NDs, you are not required to be a patient of theirs but you will be required to fill out a short intake and consent form. A copy of your results will be sent to your regular primary care provider.
The exam will include a breast exam, Pap smear and pelvic exam. There will also be time for Dr. Blanks or Dr. Williams to answer any general questions that you might have about female health.
- If you would like to receive naturopathic medical care, you will be required to have a full intake visit and fill out the appropriate forms.
The fee for the exam starts at $30 (check with your extended health plan to see about your coverage for naturopathic medicine).
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Hormone Balance
Naturopathic medicine is especially well suited for helping to restore balance in the female hormone milieu. Our naturopathic doctors work with nutrition, herbal medicines, and homeopathy to bring about a positive shift in women struggling with PMS, fibroids, irregular cycles, and in the peri- and post-menopause. Our naturopathic doctors can help you with hormone testing, hormone balancing and, when indicated, the use of bio-identical hormones.
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Medical Care for Postmenopausal Women
Our naturopathic doctors are experts in preventive medicine. Whether your concerns include breast cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease or others, Drs. Blanks and Williams are able to provide guidance for prevention and treatment of conditions specific to postmenopausal women.
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Allergy Testing
Food sensitivities
Sometimes the most innocent of foods can be the root of chronic discomfort and poor health. Drs. Williams and Blanks can help you identify food sensitivities through diet and/or blood tests taken in the office and performed by an accredited Canadian laboratory.
Environmental Allergies
You might know it’s something in the air, but is it tree pollen or grass? Dust mites or cat dander? Our naturopathic doctors provide in-office “skin scratch” testing to find the answers. And, once you know your allergens, we can prescribe individualized immunotherapy drops to reduce your reactivity and relieve your symptoms. For more information please see Dr. Blanks' article entitled “Get on Top of Your Allergies Before They Get You!”
Click Here to download information about Sublingual Immunotherapy or SLIT (pdf)
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Other Tests
Laboratory testing is sometimes suggested in order to gain further understanding of a particular health concern. Please note that at this time, laboratory tests ordered by naturopathic doctors are not covered by MSP; however, Drs. Blanks and Williams are open to collaborating with your medical doctor to help you access any tests you might need.
Naturopathic doctors sometimes recommend special tests such as salivary hormone tests and comprehensive stool tests. We use the following specialized accredited laboratories:
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Bowen Therapy
Dr. Blanks is a certified Bowen practitioner. Bowen therapy is a gentle, non-invasive hands-on manual therapy that works to coordinate the communication of the brain, nerves and muscles and stimulate the body to heal itself. Bowen therapy has many uses and Dr. Blanks has seen particular success with if for issues such as back and neck pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, sciatic issues, and pain and tension in the jaw.
During a Bowen therapy session the patient lies relaxed on the treatment table while a series of gentle moves are applied to specific areas of the body, often areas where the nerves and muscles communicate. The moves are performed in a specific sequence that varies depending on the issue or area of concern. The session takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to complete. Results can sometimes be immediate, but they may take up to a few days to be fully realized. In either case, most Bowen therapy patients leave the treatment feeling a deep sense of relaxation.
For more information on this gentle, relaxing therapy, please feel free to book a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Blanks.
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Acupuncture
When indicated, Dr. Blanks is certified to provide acupuncture to her patients as a part of their treatment plan.
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Forms
Click here to download our intake form (pdf format) |
