Treatment & Services

Dr. Gordon Sims, Dr. Sara Korsunsky, Dr. Lauren Cottom, and Dr. Leanne Florence are trained in acupuncture at the Centre for Natural Medicine.  Acupuncture, Chinese botanical medicine, and cupping are useful strategies in the treatment of a variety of conditions. Acupuncture is used to treat pain, fertility, hormone balance, mood regulations, and digestive issues.  Additionally, Dr. Korsunsky has a special interest and training in cosmetic acupuncture.

Acupuncture as a Modern Procedure

Acupuncture is a medical procedure that consists of the gentle insertion of hair-thin, disposable sterile needles at strategic body points to treat various health conditions, stimulate the body’s healing response, and promote physical and emotional well-being. Chinese Medicine (or Oriental Medicine) originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, making Acupuncture one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system

Understanding Classical Chinese Medicine

Classical Chinese Medicine can be divided into two disciplines: Acupuncture and Botanical Medicine.

The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) present in every living creature. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. The body is divided into a system of twelve meridians. Each meridian must be open and flowing for proper health. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness occur.

The job of an Acupuncturist is to identify the meridians that are “blocked” and choose the appropriate acupuncture points to release them.

Classical Chinese botanical medicine also boasts a two-thousand-year history of service to humanity. Medicinal plants are combined in a very specific way to treat each condition. The combination of botanicals (plants) is called a “formula”. Formulas can be used in combination with acupuncture.

The Doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine have extensive training in the use of botanical (herbal) medicine.  Importantly, the doctors are trained to recognize drug/botanical interactions.  Botanical medicine can be used in a variety of forms ranging from standardized extracts to tinctures.

Please refer to Botanical (Herbal) Medicine for more information.

The Bowen Technique is a soft-tissue manipulation modality. It comprises a specific series of muscle and connective tissue movements used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, sports injuries, as well as other conditions such as asthma, hay fever, kidney problems, and TMJ dysfunction.

These gentle, yet powerful moves send a neurological impulse to the muscles and the brain, which help realign and restore balance to the muscles, joints, and nerves. Many of the moves are located along acupuncture meridians or on specific acupuncture points that are known to stimulate and balance the body’s energy. The moves are thought to stimulate the Golgi tendon apparatus and the muscle spindles, resulting in the relaxation of the muscle. The resulting relaxation leads to increased blood and lymphatic flow, better nervous conduction, and consequently, rapid healing.

Bowen therapy’s effectiveness is particularly evident when the cause of the musculoskeletal issue is due to a muscle, tendon, or ligament issue. Bowen therapy has proved to be effective for many patients including those that have not responded to other physical therapies. Sciatica, frozen shoulder, TMJ disorders, back (lower, mid, and neck) pain, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, headaches, post-concussion symptoms, fibromyalgia, and asthma are among the conditions that most often improve with Bowen therapy.

Please visit the articles section of the website for other conditions that benefit from Bowen Therapy.

There are several supervised cleansing programs available at the Centre for Natural Medicine. Each of the detoxification routes (liver, skin, kidney, gastrointestinal) is stimulated during a cleanse.

Cleansing and supporting the body’s capacity to detoxify harmful substances can be a useful part of a thorough treatment plan for many issues, such as weight loss, pain management, improved concentration and energy, and removing environmental toxins that are absorbed day-to-day from food, water, or air.

Cleansing programs are not recommended in acute illness or inflammation, or when the body’s vitality or strength is low.

Primary Health Care

The naturopathic doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine are trained and licensed as primary care providers.  The doctors diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions from pediatric to geriatric care.  The majority of patients at the Centre for Natural Medicine have been referred by other patients or by their health care professionals (MD, DC, Psychologists, Massage Therapists). For those not familiar with the scope of practice, please find a list of commonly treated conditions by the doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine.

Common Conditions Treated

• Acne
• ADD
• ADHD
• Addictions
• Adrenal fatigue/dysfunction
• Allergies
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Autism
• Autoimmune disorders (ie. Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus [SLE])
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cancer
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Detoxification
• Diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance
• Digestive disorders (IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), Irritable bowel syndrome, Gerd/reflux)(IBS)
• Eczema
• Elevated cholesterol
• Environmental and food allergies/intolerances
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Female disorders (PMS, menopause, PCOS)
• Fertility
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Healthy aging
• Healthy body composition and metabolism
• Heart health
• High blood pressure
• Hormone balance (male and female)
• Infections (acute and chronic; ie. colds, flus, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections)
• Interstitial cystitis (IC)
• Infertility
• Injuries
• Liver disease
• Lyme disease  Dr.Dean Schrader ND, Dr. Gordon Sims ND, LAc
• Medication side effects
• Mercury and heavy metal toxicity
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Migraines
• Nephritis
• Neurological conditions
• Osteoporosis
• Pain (acute and chronic; ie. Neck and low back pain, shingles, joint pain-including shoulder, knee, hip and TMJ, etc)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Pregnancy-related complaints
• Prostate enlargements
• Restless leg syndrome
• Respiratory conditions
• Sleep issues/insomnia
• Surgical preparation/recovery
• Smoking cessation
• Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, sub-clinical hypothyroidism)
• Urinary complaints
• Visual complaints
• Weight management

Cosmetic Acupuncture and Facial Health Treatments

Cosmetic Acupuncture is a safe and effective strategy for addressing anti-aging.  This gentle treatment is suitable for anyone from ages 30-85, male or female.

Benefits:

• Reduces signs of aging; wrinkles, fine lines, puffy eyes, dark circles
• Brightens face, treats acne, dryness, or oiliness
• Tightens pores, raises droopy eyelids
• Can be used to lift breasts as well
• Is safe, sterile, and gentle with no recovery time

How does it work?

• Increases blood flow, oxygenation, collagen, and elastin production
• Tones facial muscles, lifts tissue

Systemic actions:

• Balances flow of Qi or energy, relaxes, enhances body’s immunity, water balance, hormone balance, and elimination and regulation by tapping into Traditional Chinese energy meridians

Does it hurt?

• Some people experience mild discomfort at some points, which resolves in several minutes and is considered ideal because it signifies a connection with the Qi in the body.  Insertion of some of the points does yield a fine pricking sensation, which resolves in seconds.
• All acupuncture needles are disposable(single-use) surgical-grade stainless steel

Additional health benefits are usually experienced with the program since the energy flow in the whole body is treated and corrected

Treatment structure:

• Relaxation with needles for 30-40 minutes.
• Facial care recommendations are given
• Monthly masks/peels are recommended to enhance treatments
• Supplementation, exercise, and nutritional recommendations must be adhered to for best results.

Compared to traditional facelift surgery, this effective treatment is a fraction of the cost. This naturopathic service may be covered by private insurance.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Skin

Dr. Lauren Cottom provides facial rejuvenation treatments via micro-needling (SkinPen) with PRP. If you are interested in this therapy, please schedule a consultation to find out if this treatment is right for you.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

PRP is a regenerative therapy that uses the patient’s own blood to create an injectable solution containing a high concentration of platelets. To concentrate the platelets, the blood sample drawn from the patient is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. The platelets along with some plasma (PRP) are then removed and injected back into the treatment area. PRP contains nutrients such as growth factors which can encourage cell reproduction and tissue regeneration and healing. PRP can help increase blood flow and circulation to the tissue, improve tissue repair and wound healing, and encourages collagen and elastin production.

HAIR LOSS

As Naturopathic doctors, our first goal is to find the root cause of your hair loss including hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune disease, and other causes while working to correct the underlying problem.

If you’d like to learn more about how PRP can help, and if this therapy is appropriate for you, please schedule an appointment with either Dr. Leanne Florence, ND or Dr. Lauren Cottom, ND.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

PRP is a regenerative therapy that uses the patient’s own blood to create an injectable solution containing a high concentration of platelets. To concentrate the platelets, the blood sample drawn from the patient is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. The platelets along with some plasma (PRP) are then removed and injected back into the treatment area. PRP contains nutrients such as growth factors which can encourage cell reproduction and tissue regeneration and healing. PRP can help increase blood flow and circulation to the tissue, improve tissue repair and wound healing, and encourages collagen and elastin production.

How many treatments will I need?

Optimal results occur with a series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart, depending on the target area.

The naturopathic doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine are trained in homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy is a system of medicine that involves treating the individual with dilute substances, typically dispensed in tablet form, with the intent of stimulating the body’s inherent and natural system of healing. Homeopathy is often used during pregnancy and pediatrics because of its gentle safety record.

Homeopathy originated in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann and is based on the premise of “like curing like”, whereby a substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy individuals will cure similar symptoms in sick individuals.  As a result, the prescribing naturopathic doctor will prescribe a homeopathic medicine based on the patient’s presenting constellation of symptoms. In homeopathy, it is vital to obtain as much information from the patient pertaining to their illness, whether the illness may be acute or chronic. Depending on the individual’s situation, the doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine may or may not use homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy is one of several forms of natural medicine that naturopaths are trained to prescribe.

IV Therapies are available at The Centre for Natural Medicine.   

Health Canada designates IV Therapy Vitamins as compounded drugs and therefore, a Naturopathic Doctor appointment is required to appropriately screen, discuss the options and to determine what is best for your medical concerns. 

IV treatments provide the body with the essential vitamins, minerals and compounds by injecting the solution directly into the bloodstream.

Book an ND appointment to discuss options available and to determine the most beneficial IV Therapy for you.

Most Common IV Therapy formulas

IVC – Intravenous Vitamin C
IV Glutathione
IV Meyers Cocktail
IV Hydration

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia, transmitted primarily by certain types of ticks.  Initial symptoms are often similar to a flu-like illness.  More often than not, patients will experience an increasing number of symptoms along with the original symptoms.  Most standard lab tests, along with the screening test for Lyme disease are often normal.  Although there is an extremely long list of symptoms that may occur with Lyme disease, the following four are often present:

1. Fatigue
2. Muscle/joint/tendon pain
3. Depression/concentration issues
4. Sleep impairment. 

To learn more about Lyme disease, click on the following article:

LYME DISEASE: NEW OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT

The Center for Natural Medicine has partnered with Massage at the Center to offer massage for clients at our facility. Please go to their website for details on their staff and to contact them to book your massages.

Mercier therapy is a soft tissue (visceral) manipulative therapy used to help restore and improve movement of the pelvis and the organs within. Where there is more movement there is better blood flow, and where there is better blood flow, there is better function.

This is a hands on non-invasive pelvic release therapy designed to allow you to reconnect to your pelvis, and to facilitate healing and balance.

This therapy is indicated for those who experience chronic pelvic pain, which may be stemming from structures surrounding the reproductive organs. The large focus is improving the function of your reproductive organs (the uterus and ovaries), however the benefits are also shared by the other structures and organs of the pelvis including the urinary bladder, bowel, musculature, ligaments, and bones. It is a wonderful tool for those experiencing fertility challenges, as well as for healing postpartum in both c section and vaginal deliveries. Mercier therapy may also help reduce formation of post-surgical adhesions.

Mercier therapy is indicated for the following as adjunctive care:

Fertility support
Post surgery: laparoscopy, laparotomy, D&C, LEEP, prolapse repair, c-section, hysterectomy etc.
Postpartum- vaginal or c section deliveries
Chronic urinary tract or yeast infections
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Painful periods

Contraindications: pregnancy, devices/implants such as IUD, Essure, tubal clips, active pelvic infection (bladder/vaginal/STI), surgical mesh or bladder sling, colostomy

Mercier therapy is performed in 6x 60 minute sessions within a 4-6 week timeframe. The treatment is external only, requiring no intravaginal work. An initial consultation with Dr. Lauren is required prior to treatment. 

What is Microneedling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy)?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic treatment that uses several thin needles to create controlled micro-injuries of the skin. This stimulates the body to release cytokines and growth factors that lead to the remodeling of collagen and elastin, two proteins that provide structure to the skin. Growth factors also support tissue healing and new blood vessel formation, producing a healthy glow and rejuvenated look. Microneedling is used for the treatment of acne scars, melasma, and surgical scars. It can also improve hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone (redness, sunspots), fine lines, wrinkles, or other signs of aging in the face, chest, décolletage, and other areas of the body. It is safe for most skin types. Dr. Cottom is also trained in manual facial injections of PRP, which can be combined with SkinPen micro-needling treatments.

At CFNM we use the SkinPen, the only micro-needling device that is approved by both the FDA and Health Canada and is classified as a class II medical device with validated studies for the treatment of acne scars and wrinkles. The tip contains 14 sterile needles in a self-contained closed system. A numbing cream is applied on the treatment area making any discomfort minimal, with most reporting no sensation during treatment. After the procedure, the skin will appear pink/red, like a mild to moderate sunburn, possibly with mild swelling. Typically this lasts for less than 24 hours but varies per skin tone and individual.

Platelet Rich Plasma for Facial Rejuvenation (PRP Facial)

Dr. Lauren Cottom ND is also trained in PRP facials, which can include manual injection of PRP. Please schedule a consultation to find out if this therapy is right for you.

How many treatments will I need?

We recommend between 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Nutrition

Nutrition and the therapeutic use of foods are cornerstones of naturopathic medicine. Food intolerances, deficiencies, dietary imbalances, or nutritional excesses have been associated with many medical conditions. A naturopathic doctor is trained to understand the impact that your diet is having on your health. Health concerns can be treated with appropriate dietary modifications and nutritional supplements. 

The doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine are trained to evaluate nutritional status by using a variety of blood tests and diet-diary analyses. Likewise, the doctors may also recommend food allergy testing to fully address nutritional concerns. Intramuscular injections and intravenous nutrition may be suggested for certain patients.

Weight Loss

Medically supervised by the doctors at the Centre for Natural Medicine, First Line Therapy (FLT)  is a therapeutic lifestyle program that focuses on healthy weight management. It consists of ongoing body composition testing to monitor your health and weight loss progress, simplified nutritionally-based menu planning, exercise guidance, and stress management.

Through weekly or bi-weekly counseling sessions with your ND, you will learn the principles and practice of a therapeutic lifestyle, which means living your life in a way that promotes optimal health and longevity.

FirstLine Therapy equips you with the science-based knowledge and skills to make healthy choices daily.  A therapeutic lifestyle is possibly the most important therapy you can use to treat chronic health problems, achieve and maintain a healthy weight and enhance the quality of your life.   For more information click here.

FirstLine Therapy is one program that may be suitable for a patient, there are other supportive programs available.

The Centre for Natural Medicine is proud to offer regenerative injections under ultrasound guidance.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

PRP is a regenerative therapy that utilizes the patient’s own blood to create an injectable solution containing an enhanced concentration of the patient’s own platelets. In order to concentrate the platelets, the whole blood sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the serum. The prepared PRP solution is then injected back into the patient’s body at the target area increasing the concentration of bioactive proteins that act as a catalyst for accelerating the wound healing process. Growth factors released by the platelets stimulate the migration of stem cells to the injured area which can differentiate into chondrocytes, endothelial cells, and other cell types which can help to regenerate your tissue. Dr. Leanne Florence, ND has training in both Prolotherapy and PRP.

How is this procedure performed?

A minimal amount of blood is drawn from the patient and processed in the office to create Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). This solution is then injected into the target area which signals the body to begin the healing cascade.

How many treatments will I need?

Musculoskeletal PRP treatment generally consists of 3 treatments spaced 8 weeks apart. Each patient has a unique history and presents with different symptoms, therefore treatments must be individualized.

Do you want to learn more about the benefits of musculoskeletal PRP treatment? Call to schedule a new patient consultation with Dr. Leanne Florence, ND 

The Centre for Natural Medicine is proud to offer regenerative injections under ultrasound guidance.

Musculoskeletal pain is one of the top reasons that patients seek medical care in North America. As we age, there is a degree of tissue degeneration that occurs resulting in erosion of cartilage, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, and many other chronic conditions that cause pain. Some of our patients have a history of major trauma such as tears, sprains, or fractures. Others have experienced a series of micro-traumas over time such as workplace injuries stemming from repetitive movement or poor posture.  Similarly, sports injuries can cause major trauma or gradual excessive wear and tear on joints.

Prolotherapy is a nutrient-based injectable solution made up of a sugar called dextrose and a local anesthetic such as lidocaine or procaine. It has more recently been called Regenerative Injection Therapy to highlight its anabolic effect. Ligaments are poorly innervated tissues that can generate pain. This therapy aims to increase collagen (proliferation) and strengthen the tendons and ligaments in the body. The glucose component of the Prolotherapy solution helps to trigger the body’s natural healing cascade consisting of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. This process acts to attract platelets that signal growth factors and increase fibroblastic activity, ultimately resulting in collagen deposition. The net effect is increased tensile strength of the tissue, increased joint stability, and decreased pain. Dr. Leanne Florence ND has training in both Prolotherapy and PRP.

How many Prolotherapy (RIT) treatments will I need?

Prolotherapy treatment generally consists of 3-5 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart. Each patient has a unique history and presents with different symptoms, therefore treatments must be individualized.