Programs

Programs

Allergy ReliefBrain HealthFatigueHormone BalancingIntegrated AestheticsNutrition And Healthy EatingPain/Injury ManagementStress ManagementWeight LossComplete List Of Programs

What is an Allergy?

Allergies occur when the body mounts an immune response to some foreign particle that is generally harmless.  The particle is called an allergen.  These allergens can be from one or more of any number of sources including foods, food additives, dust, pollens or chemicals.  Some allergies occur in response to items that you come into contact with rarely (maybe you avoid them) or items to which you have had an overexposure.

Types of allergies

The most dangerous type of allergy is termed type 1 or anaphylactic. With this type, the body’s response is life-threatening.  There are other types of allergies that are not as dangerous but they are life altering as they can affect a person’s quality of life on a daily basis.  The difficulty with non-anaphylactic types of allergies is the response to the allergens can often be delayed making it is much more difficult to identify the allergen.

For most people with troublesome allergies, we find that the lining of either the respiratory or digestive tract is not forming a complete barrier.  Without one or both of these crucial barriers functioning properly small particles are able to enter the bloodstream.  When this occurs the immune system assumes that they are part of an invading organism and attacks them.   Sadly, there is a chemical miscommunication that must be corrected.

Treatment

Mainstream medicine’s approach to treating allergies is simply to suppress the immune response or the entire immune system.  This approach does decrease the symptoms caused by the allergy, but it may generate new problems (headaches, fatigue, nausea, nose bleeds, dry mouth and asthma – depending on what drug is used).   Beyond that, mainstream medicine does not recognize delayed response allergies as allergies at all; in that case, there is no immune treatment provided only system specific treatment (for eczema or digestive upset) which fails to resolve the cause of the symptoms.  The naturopathic approach is to identify the allergen and treat the reason that you are reacting to it.

The best way to treat allergies is desensitization.  Here at SCIMEDICA we have several ways of managing the condition.  Like most Naturopathic Physicians, we can assess your status using an IgG panel blood test.  In most cases, this will reveal the allergen and will allow us to develop a plan that will lead to relief from your symptoms.

Beyond Allergies

There are many people who suffer from allergy-like symptoms who do not have an immune response.  These people have sensitivities or intolerances.  If this is the case, we may consider ordering a test which measures your blood’s response to potential sensitivity activators.

Whatever it is that you are reactive to we have the knowledge and skills to help alleviate this challenge.  At SCIMEDICA, our Naturopathic Physicians will direct your healing process and allow you to have better days ahead.

Human history contains mainly generations of living on a pristine self-cleaning planet. Over the past handful of generations we have managed to overwhelm both the planets ability to self-clean and our own. We survive in a habitat that contains chemicals and toxins that we don’t have the capacity to break down and excrete chemicals and toxins fast enough to rid ourselves. This means that we are storing and functioning with high levels of toxic residues in our bodies. These chemicals come from almost all our interactions with the modern world:

  • exhaust in the air
  • pesticides and herbicides on our fruits and vegetables
  • hormones and antibiotics in our meat, eggs and dairy products
  • preservatives, colorings and processing agents in the food supply
  • hydrocarbons, formaldehydes and who knows what else in cosmetics and perfumes
  • endocrine disruptors in plastics
  • pharmaceuticals and excipients in prescription drugs
  • heavy metals in our teeth, air, building materials, fungicides and industrial run off

It was not that long ago (only 150 to 200 years), none of the above were present in our daily lives.

Modern medicine does not recognize the danger or problem that these exposures represent but naturopathic medicine does. It is best to address these chemicals several times a year with a thorough detoxification. This is a short period of time (from a week to a month) where we allow our overstressed liver, spleen, digestive tract and body as a whole to rejuvenate itself by minimizing the intake of hazardous pollutants and provide maximal supplementation for rebuilding and replenishing.

At SCIMEDICA, the Naturopathic Physicians use drainage therapy extensively when treating our patients. Drainage therapy is treatment targeted at removing chemicals, toxins and other residue from the matrix between the cells. In many cases, this is enough to relieve the stress on the tissues and allow it to regain a healthy functional state. It is one of our principles to prevent disease and it is much easier on your body if you detoxify before disease develops. As well, the Naturopathic Doctors at SCIMEDICA have developed a IV Detoxification program to help patients who are overburdened with toxins. When the body has excessive interference from toxins, it is sometimes necessary to boost the performance of its depleted elimination systems by supporting them with regular doses of relatively high levels of vitamins and minerals. These systems have been overextended so it is prudent to replenish quickly so the body has a chance to return to health quickly. A Chelation program is necessary if the toxins are primarily from exposure to heavy metals. You may not know what the source of your toxins is but, with the appropriate testing, we can determine what the burden is and come up with a strategy for optimizing how you feel and function.

Fatigue is a greater problem today than it has ever been before. People are strung out and overwhelmed with their lives and they don’t know what to do about it. Fatigue arises when the complex systems of the human body does not have the means to recuperate. If you are experiencing this, you probably know that modern society is filled with things that interrupt either our physical, mental or emotional well being; very often, unsatisfactory rest and restoration are the first things that we notice.

What causes fatigue?

Lack of sleep seems obvious, but what is the cause of sleep loss? The list is long but may include noise and light pollution, shift work, lifestyle choices, disruptive bedmates, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, stress or depression, side effects of drugs and chronic pain. Hormonal imbalances can be another common cause – this may occur in hypothyroid patients, at menopause, with adrenal insufficiency or in conjunction with neurotransmitter deficiencies such as melatonin. There may be an underlying infection. It could be a nutritional deficiency (iron or vitamin B12) or it could be a toxic overload that is draining energy from your body. This list is in no way complete.

What is the treatment

At SCIMEDICA, let us sit down with you and take an objective view of your situation. Some of these items can easily be ruled out, while some may need laboratory tests to determine if they are a factor. Whilst others may be determined using Autonomic Response Testing. At the end of the day, you will be able to relax comfortably and function fully once our Naturopathic Doctors have solved your Health Puzzle.

Hormonal imbalances are widespread in modern society. Most people know this but do not realize how extensive a problem it really is and how many people are being affected – it’s not just PMS, irregular periods, . For example, androgens (primary male hormones) in excess in females can lead to acne or hair loss. Men are not exempt either; moodiness (aggression, depression and irritability) in men can be the result of hormonal imbalance.

The symptoms of menopause and the analogous decrease of in androgen levels are very real and treatable concerns. When we see these patients we treat all the body systems involved. The key is to understand the timing and sequencing of treatment. Hormone stabilization often requires treatment of not only the reproductive system but also possibly the nervous, endocrine, digestive, hepatic, cardiovascular and other systems. When a complex systemic approach is required it is important to use the correct timing and sequencing in the therapeutic care to optimize results.

At SCIMEDICA, the knowledgeable Naturopathic Doctors have answer to your hormonal Health Puzzle. If you suffer from any of the following conditions or symptoms, make an appointment with us.

  • Hot flashes, flushes, night sweats
  • Mood swings, sudden tears, anxiety
  • Irregular periods; shorter, lighter periods; heavier periods, flooding; phantom periods, shorter cycles, longer cycles
  • Loss of libido
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Polycystic ovaries
  • Yeast infection
  • Increase in facial hair
  • Breast tenderness (women and men)
  • Infertility (women and men)
  • Erectile disfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating, disorientation, confusion, memory lapses
  • Itchy or dry skin
  • Aching, sore joints, muscles and tendons
  • Increased tension in muscles
  • Headaches
  • Allergies
  • Weight gain
  • Hair thinning
  • Changes in body odor
  • Bad taste or odor in mouth
  • Fingernails: soft, crack or break easily
  • Ringing/buzzing in ears
  • Arthritis
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Sugar cravings
  • Osteoporosis
  • Skin: Rosacea, rashes, and dermatitis

Bioactive Cellular Facial Rejuvenation

Cosmetic facial rejuvenation by use of concentrated bioactive cells

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) use in cosmetic facial rejuvenation has hit mainstream as a natural and effective alternative to surgery or BOTOXto improve skin texture, elasticity and tone, reduce wrinkles and renew damaged tissue. The technique reverses the signs of aging by using concentrated bioactive cells and growth factors from one’s own blood to stimulate new collagen formation and skin regeneration.

What are PRP and growth factors?

PRP is a mix of concentrated platelets and serum from the patient’s own blood. These blood components are rich in growth factors, which are important parts of the wound healing and building processes because they bring in stem cells and new blood vessels to stop bleeding and start tissue regeneration.

How are SCIMEDICA techniques more advanced?

At SCIMEDICA we use second generation PRP technology to improve the concentration of the bioactive component (CD34+) and fully activate the platelets to release all the growth factors needed for optimal facial rejuvenation.

This means we use the most advanced technique available for natural facial PRP rejuvenation.

Bio-matrix Gel Filler (BMGF):

At SCIMEDICA, we also employ the use of a natural gel filler that can be created from the patients own blood to provide additional filling for deep wrinkles in problematic areas such as laugh and frown lines.

How are PRP and bioactive cells obtained?

The doctor takes blood from a vein and places it in a special centrifuge to concentrate platelets and CD34+ bioactive cells (usually 3-5 times their normal concentration). Advanced techniques are then deployed to activate the growth factors within the PRP. These activate the vascularization and act primarily on fibroblasts resulting in increased hydration, elasticity, tone and improved skin appearance. Cell regeneration is activated and collagen is produced.

Who are good candidates?

Although this treatment is very effective for people with visible signs of aging, it is also an excellent age-prevention procedure.

Is it safe?

Because this procedure uses an autologous (blood from the patient) preparation, it is inherently safe and free of transmittable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, etc. In addition, advanced techniques at SCIMEDICA in the preparation process further enhance the safety profile of this process.

How long will the results last for?

Results vary from patient to patient, but in general the results last 8 months to 2 years. Retouches can be done to extend the effects.

How many sessions will I need?

The requirements of each patient vary depending on age, skin type, and lifestyle. In general 2 to 3 sessions are needed to obtain the desired results.

Eating a healthy diet is crucial to attaining vibrant health. With all the hustle and bustle of the today’s busy lifestyles, however, nutrition is often sacrificed for convenience. In addition, there is so much misinformation out there that many people don’t know where to start when it comes to healthy eating. As a result, many people suffer the health consequences of diets that are nutrient-deficient, high in processed foods and refined sugars, or are causing sensitivity reactions. Our team at SCIMEDICA Health Group can help you identify and implement a whole foods diet that is ideally suited for you.

Identifying Which Foods Are Right For You

Under the guidance of our licensed naturopathic physicians at SCIMEDICA Health Group, we have various assessment methods to determine which foods should (or should not) be part of your healthy diet.

Autonomic Response Testing

Biofeedback-enhanced physical examination which utilizes changes in muscle tone to screen for dietary and other factors that affect a patient’s overall health.

Food Sensitivity Testing

Conventional allergy testing is best suited to detecting true food allergies which occur when the immune system produces antibodies to certain foods and a noticeable reaction occurs. For many people, however, food sensitivities caused by delayed immune system response, enzyme deficiencies, and inflammation will go undetected by conventional allergy tests. Our wide range of laboratory tests can capture these other elements of food sensitivity and more.

Nutrigenomic Testing

Nutrigenomics is the study of how genetic variation affects a person’s specific response to nutrients and impacts the risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases.

Implementing Healthy Foods Into Your Lifestyle

Implementing your ideal diet can seem like hard work but it doesn’t have to be that way. At SCIMEDICA Health Group, our Certified Nutritional Practitioner can help you make healthy eating a part of your everyday life.

Customized Meal Plans

Nutritious and filling breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners that eliminate all the guess work.

One-On-One Nutrition Life Coaching

Support, information and encouragement to help navigate you through the difficulties of your journey to health.

Grocery Store Tours

Dietary restrictions often result in meal plans that have unfamiliar food items to some people. A guided tour of your favourite grocery store will show you how to find these new ‘superfoods” and how to read labels of your favorite foods to find the most nutritious choices. These can be done individually or in small groups.

In-Home Cooking Session

If you want a little more direction with preparing your food for the week, our Certified Nutritional Practitioner will come to your home and help you cook enough food and snacks for the work week. It’s fun, informative and will help get you on the right track to eating whole foods. This can be done individually or in small groups.

We have all experienced pain at one point or many during our lives. But there are some people for whom pain is a daily burden. If you are one of these unfortunate people the Naturopathic Doctors at SCIMEDICA are here to help you. It doesn’t matter if your pain is from joints, muscles, nerves, organs, emotional trauma or even an unknown origin there is a almost always something that can be done to decrease or remove the pain.

The clinic has the knowledge, skill and experience to treat most pain. When you come to SCIMEDICA you will get a full assessment that can uncover previously overlooked or misunderstood aspects relating contributing to your problem. The Naturopathic Physicians focus on individualized, restorative medicine using all the tools at our clinic. Following your assessment, you will be told what direction your treatment will take helping you to understand how the doctor will assist you and how you can help yourself to a healthier body, mind and spirit.

The Naturopathic physicians at SCIMEDICA can treat you for all types of pain…

  • Trauma related pain
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Fibromyalgia syndrome
  • Abdominal pain
  • Arthritic pain (Osteo and Rheumatoid)
  • Headaches
  • Neurogenic pain

Most of the treatment equipment that SCIMEDICA keeps in the clinic has been brought in specifically to treat some form of pain. Some patients wait until they have exhausted all the mainstream medical options before accessing naturopathic medicine but you don’t have to, call us today so we can help you.

Almost everyone in western society is experiencing some degree of stress. There are many signs of it:

  • Daytime fatigue, insomnia, wakefulness in evening or night, wake up feeling unrested
  • Irritability, lightheadedness, moodiness
  • Weight gain or sugar cravings
  • Frequent colds
  • Loss of libido, erectile dysfunction
  • Unnecessary sweating
  • Heartburn, Gas, Irregular bowel movements
  • Heart palpitations
  • Hair loss

Stress should be reserved for when a lion is hunting in your living room; after all, that is its purpose. Yes, stress has a purpose – to give you an energy boost to get out of danger. The problem is most of our dangers have become virtual – I am going to be late for work, I didn’t finish that assignment, am I going to be able to pay my credit card bill… All of these things are important, but worst case scenario is none of these things will result in your demise. However living with a high stress level can quicken your demise.
The feeling of stress is caused by hormones which come from your adrenal glands. All of the worrying that we find ourselves doing taxes those glands and can result in overworked adrenal glands. Adrenal insufficiency comes in stages:

  1. Immediate hypersecretion – your adrenaline levels are momentarily high and you are on high alert this very short lived and not sustained. The feeling that you have when you are startled
  2. Adaptation – sustained stress, sometimes you have had it so long you have stopped being aware. This also leads to adrenal release of cortisol in high levels. This is the reason you get many of the symptoms listed above and others if left long enough.
  3. Exhaustion – the adrenals are unable to release sufficient hormones for the body to function. The body no longer has an adaptive response leaving one feeling completely mentally, physically and emotionally depleted. This person has no margin between them and collapse.

These stages are not clearly defined and they need to be treated differently. At SCIMEDICA Health Group, we can help you manage your stress no matter what stage you are experiencing. Working out of adrenal fatigue is not easily achieved but with the right strategies and support you can gain control of your life.

It is no secret that North American culture has lead to an average increase in body weight over the last century. At SCIMEDICA the Naturopathic Doctors are not concerned with the weight of the average North American. Our concern is for each individual person – in particular, for you.It is well known that most people who are overweight have, at some point (or many), tried to lose that weight and the truth is most people can lose weight. The problem is keeping the weight off – that is where we specialize and have great success. We have medically supervised many people to successful weight loss and subsequent management. The key is individualized care. Each person ends up where they do because of health concerns, experiences and habits. When these things prevent you from being the healthiest possible you, we help you address them, recover and come out stronger and fitter.

At SCIMEDICA, we don’t simply put you on a standard diet and counsel you through your struggles with it. We help you identify the barriers in your life and physiology that is preventing you from successfully managing your weight. We will work with you to tear down those barriers, so when you lose the weight you are in control. Using the insight provided through Autonomic Response Testing, we will help you overcome your personal hidden health impediments.

Every patient arrived where they are by travelling on their own unique journey. Every patient must continue on their own pathway in order to arrive at a healthy weight. We will not generalize your treatment; your treatment will be specific because you have specific needs. Ultimately, you will be in control, so that your weight will never be a problem for you again.

  • Pre-Conception and Fertility Protocols
  • Biomedical Treatment Approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Menopause Protocols
  • Premenstrual Syndrome Protocols
  • Pain Management
  • Breast Health
  • Heart and Cardiovascular Health
  • Osteoporosis
  • Stress Management
  • Healthy Ageing
  • Immune Health
  • Cancer Prevention
  • Cancer Adjunctive Care
  • Irritable Bowel Disease
  • Kids Health
  • 3 week Cleansing Intensives
  • Lunch and Learns
  • Corporate Wellness