Our Clinic's diverse healthcare team members provide our patients with access to an integrative health approach in treating a wide range of health issues.
We are able to provide patients with an individualized treatment plan to address their specific healthcare needs. Our practitioners work as colleagues and work in partnership to benefit your health.
Click on the various services on the left menu to learn more.
Naturopathic medicine is the art and science of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease using natural therapies, with a focus on promoting health and well-being through individualized patient care and public education.
The primary goal of a naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors that impact on their health. Naturopathic treatment addresses the cause of illness, rather than simply suppressing symptoms. Virtually all chronic and most acute conditions can benefit from treatment by Naturopathic Doctors.
Treatment strategies focus on prevention, and stimulating the body's ability to heal itself. Naturopathic treatment can complement conventional medical treatment.
Naturopathic doctors use a variety of treatment modalities including clinical nutrition, Chinese medicine and Acupuncture, homeopathy, botanical medicines and lifestyle counseling.
We treat patients who experience health concerns as listed below.
If you have a specific condition that is not listed feel free to contact our staff either by phone or e-mail to find out more information.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. The basis of Acupuncture is that the body has an energy force within it known as Qi (pronounced Chee). Qi travels through the body along special pathways known as Meridians. These pathways can become obstructed, deficient, or excessive.
This creates an irregular energy flow in the body, causing illness and pain. Acupuncture effectively reduces inflammation that causes pain and improves Qi and blood circulation to promote healing and maintain good health.
Acupuncture itself is the insertion of very fine, sterile, steel needles into specific points along these meridians. The effect of the needles is to restore the balance of the patient's energy, thereby improving health.
Insertion of the needles goes unnoticed to some, while others may feel a slight pinch followed by a warm or dull sensation. Our clinic uses only disposable acupuncture needles and they are appropriately disposed of after each treatment.
Acupuncture can benefit a variety of health conditions:
Osteopathy is a gentle form of manual therapy which aims to re-introduce motion in areas where motion has been lost. Motion loss results in a loss of health, or disease, as it disrupts the natural flow of the arteries, veins, and lymphatics of the body, and impedes nerve function. Osteopathic treatment uses a variety of gentle principle-based manual techniques to encourage the body’s innate self-healing capacity by restoring proper mechanics and removing obstructions.
Osteopathy follows three main principles:
- The body is a dynamic unit of function. Every part of the body has a role in health, and failure of any part affects the entire body. Because the body functions as a unit, Osteopathy doesn’t treat any one part in isolation. An ankle problem may actually be a resultant of the low back or pelvis, affecting how you weight-bear on that ankle. Treating the ankle in isolation may provide some relief, but if the lines of force to that ankle are not addressed, the body will not work as a unit.
- The body has the capacity to self-heal and self-regulate. This is proven daily as we overcome viruses, and recover from bumps, cuts and bruises. However, sometimes the body needs help from manual therapy. Osteopathic treatment frees obstructions so that the nerves, arteries, veins, and lymphatics can properly function.
- Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated. When the body’s structures are free from obstruction, proper function will follow.
Osteopathic treatment can help with musculoskeletal, nervous, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and reproductive issues. By removing mechanical restrictions, the physiology will follow as we open the pathway for the nerves, arteries, veins, and lymphatics to heal the body.
Psychotherapy is one of the most effective and efficient ways to facilitate personal growth and sustainable life changes. Some reasons individuals may seek individual therapy may include feelings of being hopeless, lack of motivation or ability to change, constant worry, crisis/ transition, depression, anxiety, recent divorce, past trauma, family conflicts and anger. And while we all face challenges in life, identifying where we are getting stuck is important in understanding how we organize our inner world: the place where we experience doubt, fear, guilt, shame, anxiety, grief, anger, and hopelessness.
By taking the time to understand our thoughts, feelings, and choices, we may begin to quiet the past and change how we address the future. Psychotherapy can be a challenging process at times, but in return, a sense of energy and vitality occurs when we are in harmony with our values, purpose, and actions. Psychotherapy offers the possibility of real and lasting change, a reduction in suffering, and an increase in the understanding of life challenges. Therapy is a space just for you, so you can focus on yourself and what you need, which can be both strange and liberating.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help individuals with hormonal imbalances. Our Naturopathic Doctor is trained in the use of BHRT and has the knowledge and experience of how to use it effectively. BHRT can be used to relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalances or deficiencies. Safe prescribing is of utmost importance. Our Naturopathic Doctor is able to offer this therapy to you using local compounding pharmacies. BHRT comes as gels or cream and is delivered to the body topically. Hormonal imbalances can occur at any time in a woman’s life. The use of bioidentical hormones can result in a dramatic improvement in quality of life, particularly with menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability and mood chances can all be symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. Other hormonal imbalances in younger women include PMS, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and menstrual cramps.
What is BHRT?
Bio-identical hormones are hormones that have the same molecular structure as our own. Our bodies are able to fully recognize these compounds and can readily metabolize them. The optimal goal with BHRT is to help individuals maintain appropriate levels of hormones in the body. As we age, our hormones tend to decline, causing imbalances and unpleasant side effects. Bio-identical hormones can help to restore our hormones back to optimal levels resulting in more energy, better memory and cognitive function, stronger bones, improved metabolism and a youthful glow.
Non-Bioidentical hormones, also referred to as conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as Premarin or Provera, are synthetic hormones that are structurally different than naturally occurring human hormones. As such, our bodies aren't equipped with the enzymes to properly metabolize them and health risks with their use may be higher compared with the bioidentical forms.
Why choose BHRT versus HRT?
Bioidentical hormones have an excellent safety profile and do not carry the same risks that have been documented with synthetic hormone therapy. Synthetic estrogens and progestins are structurally different than the hormones naturally produced by the body. Studies on bioidentical hormone therapy, particularly bioidentical progesterone, have shown that it may reduce disease risk. (1, 2) With respect to the risk for breast cancer, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, substantial scientific and medical evidence demonstrates that bioidentical hormones are safer and more efficacious forms of HRT than commonly used synthetic versions (3).
Some Advantages of Bioidentical Hormones:
- Each formula is customized to your individual, unique physiology using compounded forms of hormone
- The body can utilize and metabolize them in a similar way to our natural hormones
- Regular testing & evaluation will help determine what dosage and formulation is best for you
When should BHRT be considered?
Naturopathic doctors recommend dietary changes, lifestyle recommendations, supplements and herbal medicines to help restore hormonal imbalances. There are instances where these therapies do not provide sufficient relief, and BHRT can be beneficial. Your naturopathic doctor may recommend specific lab testing to determine if BHRT is appropriate for your care.
Health conditions that may benefit from BHRT include:
- PMS
- Painful periods
- Heavy periods or irregular periods
- Menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats
- Endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Low libido
- Cognitive decline
- Anxiety and depression
- Vaginal dryness and atrophy
All patients that are on BHRT are regularly monitored using blood tests, saliva hormone tests and other hormone specific testing.
References
- Holtorf K. The bioidentical hormone debate: are bioidentical hormones (estradiol, estriol, and progesterone) safer or more efficacious than commonly used synthetic versions in hormone replacement therapy? Postgrad Med. 2009 Jan;121(1)73-85, URL http//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19179815
- Fournier A, Berrino F, Clavel-Chapelon F. Unequal risks for breast cancer associated with different hormone replacement therapies: results from the E3N cohort study. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008. Jan;107(1)103-11
- Moskowitz D. A comprehensive review of the safety and efficacy of bioidentical hormones for the management of menopause and related health risks. Altern Med Rev. 2006 Sep; 11(3) 208-23.
Naturopathic Doctors who have completed the Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics Exam are authorized to therapeutically prescribe bio-identical hormones (eg. Estrogen and Progesterone), thyroid medications (natural desiccated thyroid/NDT/ERFA) and higher doses of specific nutrients.
Dr. Alene Falomo ND has completed these requirements and is authorized to therapeutically prescribe these medications.
Injection therapy involves using a needle and syringe to inject vitamins such as vitamin B12, vitamin D and folic acid directly into the muscle. In order to receive vitamin injections, individuals must be patients of the naturopathic doctor.
Assessments and Laboratory Testing
The College of Naturopaths of Ontario does not permit any testing to be ordered to individuals that are not Naturopathic patients. If you are interested in any testing, you must first become a patient of Dr. Alene Falomo ND and have an initial assessment, before any testing can be performed. Fees for testing are in addition to the cost of the initial visit and are priced according to the tests ordered.
Conventional Blood Tests
Patients at our clinic have access to conventional blood testing (eg. cholesterol, blood sugar levels, CBC, etc.). Naturopathic Doctors can perform these tests but are unable, at the current time, to have the costs covered by OHIP. Therefore, patients ordering lab testing through our clinic must pay for each test out of pocket. If they wish they can request these tests from their family doctor.
IgE / IgG Testing
At our clinic we offer IgG sensitivity testing. The IgG testing differs from conventional "skin prick" testing as it will detect reactions to allergens which may occur up to two days after being exposed to that allergen. Many allergies (food and inhalants) are 'delayed' in that symptoms appear hours to days after coming into contact with the allergen. In these cases, you may eat a certain food and the next day (or the day after that) you have loose stools, sinus congestion and other symptoms, which make it very difficult for the patient to figure out the 'culprit'.
Saliva Hormone Tests
This non-invasive diagnostic tool consists of analyzing various female and male hormones, including adrenal function, to determine deficiencies or excesses. Common hormone imbalances include weight gain, depression/irritability, bone loss, sleep disturbances, fatigue and memory loss. This test measures the bioavailability of hormones in your body and the hormone quantities reaching your tissues. As a result, you are provided with an indication of how much of your hormones your body can use, not just what it has produced.
DUTCH® Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones
This test measures levels of hormones and their metabolites from urine that is collected at four specific times in the day. This testing helps to identify hormone imbalances that may contribute to certain health conditions. Androgens, estrogens, cortisol, progesterone and melatonin can be measured using this type of testing.
Thyroid Blood Tests
Some symptoms of improper thyroid function include weight gain, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, thinning hair and eyebrows, constipation and easily feeling cold or chilled. Comprehensive thyroid blood testing including TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies is available for patients with thyroid imbalances.
Hair Analysis
Hair analysis may be used to determine whether a person has had excessive exposure to toxic elements such as lead, mercury, arsenic or other heavy metals. Heavy metals are known to cause serious health problems. These toxic elements concentrate in soft tissue rather than in blood or urine. Hair analysis metal concentrations in tissues.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis detects kidney function and provides your Naturopathic Doctor with information such as blood, protein or glucose levels in the urine. This will enable your doctor to assess and diagnose diabetes, kidney disease or whether a urinary tract infection is evident. We offer a urinalysis test as part of the initial visit.
Facial Rejuvenation Treatments
These treatments are a naturopathic skin treatment that include masks. It is advisable to not wear any make-up on treatment days. Treatments are 1 hour in length and are typically performed biweekly or monthly. Approximately 5-7 sessions are recommended for optimal results. All treatments are individualized for the patient’s specific skin care needs and our clinic uses only high-quality natural vitamins and minerals. All facial rejuvenation treatments are provided by a licensed naturopathic doctor.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is available at the Integrative and Naturopathic Health Clinic of Mississauga. This treatment is a non-invasive approach to minimize fine lines and wrinkles from the face. It has been commonly referred to as an "acupuncture facelift". The ideal candidate for facial rejuvenation acupuncture is between 20-60 years of age.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture may:
Massage Therapy increases local blood flow throughout the body and calms the nervous system, while reducing soft tissue pain, tension and discomfort from occupational and everyday stress. Many of today's health problems arise from stress.
Because stress upsets the delicate integral balance of all your body's functions, regaining this balance requires a holistic approach. Massage therapy treatments can decrease both pain and recovery time.
Therapeutic Massage Therapy plays an important role and a pro-active approach in maintaining your health by:
Registered Massage Therapy may benefit: