Summit Natural Health Centre

Our Services

Asian Medicine and Acupuncture

Asian Medicine, which includes Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been practiced for thousands of years but is relatively new to North America. Studies undertaken since the 1970s are helping us to understand the science of this mystic healing art.

Western and Asian medicines are often complementary. Sometimes Western medicine has little to offer nagging chronic complaints. Asian Medicine can be very beneficial in these conditions.

Asian Medicine treatments may incorporate acupuncture, herbal remedies, diet, exercise and/or massage. The duration of treatment depends on the nature of the complaint, its severity, and how long it has been present.

The benefits of acupuncture treatment are clearly recognized and well documented in Western medical journals and in medical institutions across Canada. Used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body, it is safe and effective, and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery. Relief is often obtained with acupuncture when traditional medical therapy has failed.

Botanical Medicine

Botanical medicine, also known as phytotherapy, herbal medicine or herbalism, is a branch of naturopathy which uses various types of plants (and occasionally other natural substances) as medicinal agents in the treatment of disease.  The World Health Organization estimates that botanicals are the major form of medicine for two thirds of the world’s population and that 80% use botanicals regularly to some degree.

Botanical medicines can offer an inexpensive and safe alternative to many pharmaceuticals. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that in the U.S. 106,000 patients died from and 2.2 million were seriously injured by adverse effects of pharmaceuticals in 1994. But just as pharmaceuticals have risks and side effects, so do botanicals.

It’s a common misconception that “natural” means “safe”. Botanicals can interact with other substances you may be taking, such as medications, vitamins, and food. Before you take any botanical, check that it’s safe for you by consulting a naturopathic doctor, an accredited herbalist or a pharmacist.

Chiropractic

Manipulation is a high velocity, low amplitude thrust to the synovial joints of the spine or joints of extremities to affect the motion and function of the joint, whereas mobilizations use a low velocity, low amplitude, oscillatory approach. Dr. Lau practices the Diversified Technique which uses specific manual thrusts focused on restoring biomechanical function.

Several scientific studies and systematic reviews suggest that patients with neck or back pain demonstrate clinically important improvements and that spinal manipulation achieves equal or superior improvement in pain and function when compared with other commonly used interventions for short, intermediate, and long-term follow-up.

Other treatments that may be used in conjunction with manipulation include Myofascial Release Technique, Trigger Point Therapy, Kinesio Taping, Graston Technique, and the modalities of Heat Therapy/Cryotherapy, Electrotherapy and Percussive and Vibration Therapy/Thumper.

Clinical Nutrition

Clinical nutrition involves the assessment of your nutritional status through a highly detailed medical history and a physical examination. Dietary assessment will focus on the adequacy of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate and healthy fat), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), special needs (for metabolic and disease-related requirements) and food reactivity. This last area of investigation includes food allergies, food sensitivities and food intolerances.

A customized diet is then constructed to optimize your health.  Sequential therapeutic diets may be necessary when there are coexisting conditions with competing requirements.  IV therapy and supplements may be recommended to jumpstart your progress.

Counselling

You’ve heard the expression “You are what you eat”.  Did you also know that “You are what you think”?

It’s true.  Scientific research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology has helped us to better understand the connection between the mind and the body. Because of the strength of this connection, naturopathic care integrates counseling techniques, stress management and biofeedback with other forms of treatment when indicated.

Naturopathic counseling is usually short-term but proceeds at the client’s pace. Goals for change in behaviours and feelings are identified. Patients learn how feeling states influence their physical symptoms and vice versa; they learn how to become more aware of problematic habitual thoughts and how to reframe those thoughts in more healthy ways. Gradual change in mental patterns can result in long term improvement in general health.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch, generally no greater than 5 grams or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a form of natural, energetic medicine that was developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the 18th century. Homeopathic medicines are made from plant, animal or mineral products which are so diluted that there is no chance of toxicity. Homeopathic remedies are generally considered safe. Current usage around the world varies from two percent of people in the United States using homeopathy in any one year to 15 percent in India, where it is considered part of Indian traditional medicine. Homeopathy is also commonly used throughout Europe.

Homeopathic medicines are intended to be taken for a limited time, i.e. for only as long as the symptoms exist. If the symptoms disappear, it is not necessary to take the medicine any longer. If the symptoms change, a different remedy may be needed to most accurately fit the new set of symptoms.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is the use of water as a healing agent. While it may bring to mind visions of a spa or seaside retreat, hydrotherapy actually comprises a range of procedures that all use water as a therapeutic device.  Water treatments are often seen in physical therapy and physical or sports medicine, where they are used as a cleansing agent, and a medium for delivery of heat and cold to the body.

Physical Medicine

Physical medicine involves the evaluation of patient concerns based on a comprehensive medical history, detailed physical assessment and lab work to yield a diagnosis and recommendations for non-operative treatment.  Physical medicine works by restoring the structural integrity of the bones, joints, and soft tissue. It also builds immunity and promotes healing and detoxification.

Myofascial Release Technique
Myofascial Release Technique is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic dysfunction (i.e. impaired or altered function of bodily structures) and the resulting pain and restriction of motion. This therapy works by releasing the level of tightness or scar tissue formation that has resulted from overuse, injury, or postural imbalances, thereby improving tissue texture, tension, movement, and function.

Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points or "muscle knots" are a common cause of pain Trigger Point therapy uses deep digital pressure held for a period of time to relieve the tension in the muscle that may have resulted from stress, overuse, injury, or postural imbalances. By releasing the tension, this therapy will relieve the pain associated with the tight muscles and improve movement and function.

Kinesio Taping
Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, edema, and to treat pain.

Graston Technique®
Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.

Rehabilitation and Re-Conditioning
This form of therapy is an integral part in achieving full recovery and should be incorporated in all patient treatment care programs.

With specific prescription exercises including stretching and strengthening, as well as cardiovascular exercise, it will not only facilitate any weak or underused muscles, bu condition the body to be stronger, more responsive, and prevent recurrence or persistence of symptoms.

Heat Therapy/Cryrotherapy
Heat is beneficial for relieving tight muscles. This decreases pain caused by muscle tension, and increases blood flow to the area because of vasodilation of the blood vessels. Patients with muscle strains, spasms or arthritis often benefit from heat therapy.

Electrotherapy
This therapy is used to treat variety of conditions ranging from acute sprains/strains to chronic muscle and joint pain and inflammation. By applying special pads to the skin in the proximity of the muscles to be stimulated, therapeutic current is delivered to the tissue causing excitation of the muscle. of treatment, therapeutic current. This therapy is used for pain management, treatment of neuromuscular dysfunction, improving joint and muscle mobility, treatment of acute and chronic edema, and tissue repair.

Percussive and Vibration Therapy/Thumper
Massage enhances two of the main functions of the body, which are the delivery of nutrients to the trillions of cells in the body, and the elimination of waste products from the trillions of cells in the body. The blood and lymph fluid systems facilitate this crucial delivery and elimination activity, upon which all of life depends. Massage aids this process by dilating blood vessels and relaxing muscles, which improves the flow of life-giving blood, and the flow of cleansing lymph fluids throughout the body.