Naturopathic Medicine and Preconception Counselling

If you are planning on having a child, have you considered your overall health status or that of your partner’s? There are many natural approaches and therapies that can assist you and your partner in having a healthy and conscious pregnancy. If you are interested in finding out more information on pregnancy preparation from a naturopathic perspective, then consider Preconception Counselling and meet with our Naturopathic Doctor.

Preconception counselling will assist couples in improving their overall health and therefore the health of their child.

A Naturopathic Approach to preparation for pregnancy provides Individualized care. Visits will be tailored to each couple’s needs.

For the first visit, it is recommended that both partners attend and then individual visits can be planned. Information that will be reviewed in the first visit includes health status (bring a copy of recent bloodwork if available), diet, lifestyle and environmental factors, along with a complete medical history and review of organ systems.

There are many lifestyle choices that can have an impact on fertility. Our environment has increased pollutants which can affect every organ in the body, including the reproductive organs. Reproductive health is sensitive to the nature of an individuals environment. Therefore, the second visit will include a detailed discussion of the most common pollutants found at home and in the environment. Recommendations for lifestyle alternatives will be discussed. Depending on the planned conception date, a detoxification protocol may be considered.

A naturopathic treatment approach may employ one or several forms of therapy, such as: herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, the Bowen technique, nutrition, dietary and lifestyle modifications.

If required, further lab testing is also available at The Wellness Institute. Tests that have an impact on overall health and fertility include: hair analysis (assessing for heavy metals), bloodwork (CBC, liver and kidney function tests, mercury and lead levels), and vitamin status. Specialized testing such as Bio Energetic Meridian Stress Testing or Electro Dermal Screening (EDS) may be used to measure your body’s energetic imbalances and to determine appropriate means for restoring balance and equilibrium.

Oriental medicine includes the use of acupuncture and oriental herbs to balance the flow of Chi (energy) through meridian pathways in order to achieve optimum health.

A variety of hands on and trigger point techniques used for the health of the spine, joints and soft tissue. Physical treatments also include the therapeutic use of hydrotherapy, light, massage, Bowen technique, magnetic fields, traction table, and ultrasound.

Plant substances from around the world are used for their healing effects and nutritional value.

Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Special diets may be recommended, and treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other nutraceuticals.

Based on the principle of “like cures like” homeopathic medicine was developed in the 1700s. Minute amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body’s self healing abilities.

Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. NDs help patients make effective lifestyle choices.