Digestive Health: Acupuncture & Naturopathic Medicine Solutions
Introduction
Digestive health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. It’s the system that transforms the food we eat into the nutrients our bodies need. But when digestive issues arise, they can significantly impact our quality of life. This is where holistic approaches like acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, and other specialized treatments come into play.
The Importance of Digestive Health
The digestive system is a complex network that not only processes food but also influences various other bodily functions. An imbalance in digestive health can lead to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and even cognitive issues. Therefore, maintaining a healthy digestive system is crucial for overall health.
Common Digestive Health Concerns
Understanding the specific digestive issues you’re facing—be it IBS, GERD, or gastroparesis—can help in selecting the most appropriate treatment modalities for you. Common concerns include:
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits.
- GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Involves acid reflux and heartburn.
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach can’t empty itself in the normal way, often found in diabetes patients.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
- Crohn’s Disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
The Role Acupuncture plays in Digestive Health
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It’s a technique that has been increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in treating various digestive disorders.
How It Works
Acupuncture targets specific meridian points related to digestive health. By stimulating these points, it aims to balance the flow of energy or “Qi,” thereby improving digestive functions. This can be beneficial for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, and constipation.
Benefits
-
- Non-Invasive: Acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment that poses minimal risks.
- Complementary Therapy: It can be used alongside conventional treatments for enhanced effectiveness.
- Holistic Approach: Acupuncture considers the body as a whole, aiming to treat the root cause of the issue rather than just the symptoms.
Naturopathic Medicine for Proper Digestive Function
Naturopathic medicine is another holistic approach that focuses on natural remedies and lifestyle changes to improve health.
Natural Remedies
Herbs like peppermint and ginger have been shown to alleviate digestive symptoms. These natural remedies can be consumed in various forms, such as teas or supplements.
Nutritional Guidance
Diet plays a significant role in digestive health. Naturopathic doctors often provide personalized dietary plans to address individual digestive issues.
Stress Management
Stress is a known aggravator of digestive problems. Techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness can be part of a naturopathic approach to digestive health.
Herbal Medicine as a Supporting Tool
Herbal medicine employs plant-based remedies to treat various conditions. In the realm of digestive health, herbs like chamomile, fennel, and turmeric are often used to alleviate symptoms such as inflammation and indigestion.
Functional Medicine Accurate Diagnosis
Functional medicine takes a systems-oriented approach, looking at the underlying causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It often involves a deep dive into a patient’s history and lifestyle, followed by personalized treatment plans that may include nutritional changes and stress management techniques.
Massage Therapy to Improve Motility
Massage therapy can be particularly effective for digestive issues related to muscle tension and stress. Techniques like abdominal massage can stimulate the digestive organs, improve circulation, and facilitate better digestion.
Manual Osteopathy for Digestive Health
Manual osteopathy involves hands-on techniques to improve physiological function. For digestive health, it can help in relieving tension in the abdominal area, thereby improving digestive function.
Nutritional Consulting: Food as Medicine
Nutritional consulting focuses on diet modification to improve health. For digestive issues, this could mean identifying food intolerances or deficiencies and recommending a diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and essential nutrients.
Clinical Hypnotherapy to Harness the Power of your Mind
Clinical hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and intense concentration to help individuals gain control over their digestive symptoms. It’s often used for conditions like IBS and has shown promise in various studies.
Energy Medicine for Digestive Health Balance
Energy medicine, such as Reiki, aims to balance the body’s energy fields. While more research is needed, some individuals report improvement in digestive symptoms after undergoing energy healing sessions.
Tying it all Together
Digestive health is integral to our overall well-being, affecting everything from our daily comfort to our long-term health. From acupuncture and naturopathic medicine to more specialized treatments like manual osteopathy and clinical hypnotherapy, a range of options exists to help you achieve optimal digestive health.
Holistic treatments for digestive health can vary significantly in their approach and effectiveness. While acupuncture focuses on balancing energy flow, functional medicine aims to address the root causes of digestive issues. Nutritional consulting, on the other hand, emphasizes dietary changes. Understanding the underlying issues you’re facing can help you choose the most appropriate treatment.
Herbal remedies can often be used alongside conventional treatments, but it’s crucial to consult with healthcare providers to avoid potential interactions. Some herbs can interfere with medications or exacerbate certain conditions.
Stress is a known aggravator of many digestive issues, including IBS and GERD. Stress management techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and even clinical hypnotherapy can be effective components of a holistic treatment plan for digestive health.
Holistic nutritional consulting can provide personalized dietary plans based on your specific digestive issues. This could involve identifying food intolerances, recommending probiotic-rich foods, or creating a high-fiber diet plan.
Specialists on our Team:
Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧
Caring for people is my passion and one of the greatest callings life has to offer. I am a seasoned Paramedic and Acupuncturist with extensive experience assisting patients as they cope with obvious and invisible injuries. I have been there for those in desperate medical, psychological or traumatic situations, delivered beautiful babies in vehicles parked along the side of the road, and administered care in such odd locations as on a domestic airliner at 30,000 feet or when flying emergency medevacs over Arabian desertscapes. I know full well how to care for those in true crisis but have also witnessed so many more whose illnesses and injuries could be traced back to their treatment of the body as a whole, whether through their diet, fitness levels, or neglect. As my career has evolved, so has my focus, which has shifted to helping a greater number of people early on to prevent minor issues from evolving into larger and costlier illnesses. In my practice I have found a niche offering by pairing these strengths in emergency care and women’s health with the respected skills and techniques from top practitioners in oriental medicine. All care is focused on returning the body, mind, and spirit to a whole.
My academic preparation closely incorporates oriental medicine with Western healthcare. My passions build on natural strengths in highly stressful complex interactions, care management, and treatment of anxiety, depression and PTSD – particularly amongst Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. Within North America and the Middle East I have enjoyed a long standing career as a respected clinician, clinical educator, fire and emergency medical dispatcher. I hold active licensure/registration with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the California Acupuncture Board, and the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA). I am a past Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and a present member of the CAA Competence Committee.
Education:
- Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, cum laude, South Baylo University
- Bachelor of Science (BS) – Holistic Science, South Baylo University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
Licensure
- RAc – Registered Acupuncturist of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RH – Registered Herbalist of the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA)
- LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist of the California Acupuncture Board
- Dipl.Ac – Diplomate of Acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Dr. Michelle Winton 🇬🇧
Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Advanced Care Paramedic she is widely recognized for developing unique care plans which draw on her knowledge and therapeutic touch gained across each of these specialized disciplines. Having over twenty years of combined expertise in caring for her patients, Michelle has had a front row seat to observe how stress and emotion affect the mind and body. Complementing her acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness, Michelle offers a variety of therapeutic and relaxation massage therapies, including pregnancy massage, myofascial release and myofascial cupping.
Michelle began her health career as a massage therapist, graduating the 2200hr Massage Program at Macewan University in 2001. Being active in competitive sport in her youth, Michelle understood the benefits of massage on sport performance, recovery and injury prevention. She subsequently branched into emergency care and became an Advanced Care Paramedic where she was able to offer a calming presence in stressful, emergent situations. Michelle has always believed that soft skills, an extra moment spent with family, or a hand to hold on the way to the hospital, can be as healing as the specific medical interventions themselves. Working as a Paramedic Michelle saw, and began to question, how it is that people differ in disease and the aging process and why the same drug benefited one person, but not the other. Her lifelong learning journey had her begin to look for these answers in the time-tested practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, thus kicking off another quest for knowledge at MacEwan University’s Acupuncture Program.
Education:
- Diploma – Acupuncture, Macewan University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
- Honors standings
- Certificate – Massage Therapy Grant MacEwan College
Licensure:
- RAc, College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RMT, National Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
- ACP, Alberta College of Paramedics
Dr. Ciara Moynihan 🇬🇧
Dr. Ciara Moynihan, a distinguished graduate from the Acupuncture Program at Reeves College. With nearly two decades of experience as a Personal Fitness Trainer, she possesses a profound understanding of the human body and its intricate workings. Dr. Moynihan’s career in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture is anchored by her unwavering commitment to holistic healing—addressing not just the physical, but also the emotional and mental dimensions of her patients’ well-being.
In today’s fast-paced society, Dr. Moynihan is a strong proponent of adopting a gentle, compassionate approach to self-care. She firmly believes that this foundation of self-compassion is essential for achieving optimal health and vitality. Specializing in acupuncture, she employs this ancient technique as a primary tool for delving into and resolving her patients’ deeper health challenges, empowering them to lead flourishing lives.
Certified in Reiki and Crystal Healing, and holding a Doctorate in Acupuncture, Dr. Moynihan synthesizes her diverse expertise to cultivate a nurturing and empathetic therapeutic environment. She is highly regarded for her skillful touch, compassionate demeanour, and her knack for demystifying complex medical jargon, thereby instilling confidence in her patients as they navigate their unique paths to healing.
Dr. Moynihan’s clinical acumen spans a broad spectrum of health issues, ranging from stress and emotional disorders to digestive problems and headaches. She has a particular zeal for addressing fertility issues and women’s health, and her proficiency in pediatric acupuncture, Reiki, Fire Cupping, and other TCM modalities has solidified her standing in the holistic health community.
Trained by some of the foremost experts in Oriental Medicine, Dr. Moynihan is also a recognized authority in Cosmetic and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. Additionally, she holds a certification in Subconscious Imprinting, a technique she employs to identify and eradicate subconscious patterns that could adversely affect her patients’ overall health and life quality.
At the core of Dr. Moynihan’s practice is her holistic philosophy that every individual is entitled to a vibrant, fulfilling life. She is passionately devoted to turning this philosophy into a lived reality for all her patients.
Education:
- Diploma of Acupuncture (Dipl.Ac) Reeves College
Licensure:
- RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Shannon Camarta 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
With a foundation in Psychology and a certification in Holistic Nutrition, Shannon is also a level III Reiki practitioner and an aspiring Registered Massage Therapist. Her diverse skill set allows her to adopt an integrative approach to promote holistic well-being for her clients.
Currently, in the final year of her massage therapy studies, Shannon is committed to creating an environment where clients feel safe and free from judgment as they embark on their healing journey. She customizes each session to meet individual needs, drawing upon a wide array of techniques she has acquired through her educational journey. Whether you’re seeking therapeutic relief or relaxation, Shannon employs a variety of massage methods, with a special affinity for fascial and non-Swedish modalities. She eagerly anticipates the mutual learning experience that each session brings.
Education:
- CERT – Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant
Licensure:
- C.H.N.C, Canadian School of Natural Nutrition
Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where they can relax and rejuvenate. As a dedicated somatic practitioner, she believes in the body’s inherent wisdom and intelligence. Her compassionate approach and healing touch set the stage for relaxation, vitality, and energy flow. She is committed to optimizing your health in the most effective ways possible.
The therapeutic techniques Manuela specializes in—Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Qigong—emphasize the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional states. Through her gentle Craniosacral touch, she helps to release long-standing tensions and restrictions. She places a special focus on balancing the central nervous system, enabling your body to achieve a state of rest, recovery, and optimal functioning.
Having recently graduated from the 2200-hour Massage Therapy Program at Reflexacademy in Sherwood Park, Manuela has broadened her range of services. She now offers Massage Therapy as a standalone treatment or in combination with Craniosacral Therapy. Her nurturing touch and massage skills work to dissolve muscle tightness and tension, restoring your energy and vitality to a harmonious state.
Beyond her hands-on treatments, Manuela offers additional resources to support your well-being. She consistently provides body meditations, exercises, and practical tips to help you maintain your health between sessions. Her extensive background in somatic techniques, which focus on the internal experience of movement and bodily awareness, equips her with invaluable tools to help you manage day-to-day stress and self-regulate both body and mind.
Schedule an appointment with Manuela to experience a range of benefits: from stress and anxiety reduction, pain and muscle stiffness alleviation, to enhanced relaxation and improvements in digestive, respiratory, and joint health, as well as circulation, energy flow, and immune system function. Her treatments aim to deepen your connection with your body, leaving you feeling peaceful and revitalized.
Education:
- Somatic Movement Therapist (SMT), Moving On Center, Oakland, USA
- Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (BCST), BodyIntelligence, Canada
- Qigong Instructor Certification (ASS Institute, Germany)
- Training in Continuum Movement (USA)
- Massage Therapy at Reflexacademy Sherwood Park, AB, Canada 2200hrs
Licensure:
- RBCST, Pacific Association of Craniosacral Therapists (PACT)
- Natural Health Practitioner Canada / NHPC (RMT)
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇩🇪 – German
Dr. Lorraine McCarthy 🇬🇧
Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor who has been serving the communities of Ottawa and Edmonton since her graduation from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004. Her extensive background in Naturopathic Medicine has paved the way for diverse opportunities, including her involvement in the regulation of natural health products at Health Canada and her roles as a health advisor and physiology instructor at the Guanacaste Waldorf School in Costa Rica. Her current residence is in Rio Terrace, situated in the west end of Edmonton, where she lives with her husband and three children.
Dr. McCarthy’s utmost dedication lies in fostering the health and well-being of families. As a mother herself, she deeply understands the profound concern parents hold for the health of their children, and she shares the common desire of many parents to seek natural remedies and approaches. Dr. McCarthy also acknowledges the responsibility many individuals feel in providing care for their aging parents, which fuels her commitment to advocating for complementary health practices for seniors. Her extensive experience in administering Naturopathic Medicine to patients, as well as addressing the health issues of her own family, positions Dr. McCarthy to offer invaluable counsel and support.
Expanding beyond family health, Dr. McCarthy’s expertise extends to addressing a diverse range of health matters for individuals of all ages. Her particular areas of interest and proficiency encompass:
- Offering solutions for behavioural concerns in children
- Assisting seniors in achieving improved aging, increased energy, and overall well-being
- Implementing biotherapeutic drainage to reduce individuals’ toxic load
- Providing treatment for digestive ailments
- Utilizing the Bowen Technique to facilitate healing for pain and various injuries, including concussions
Dr. McCarthy’s legacy as a dedicated advocate for holistic wellness and an accomplished Naturopathic Doctor ensures that her patients receive comprehensive support and guidance towards optimal health.
Education:
- Naturopathic Doctor, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Licensure:
- Registered Naturopathic Doctor, College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta
Kristie Harrison 🇬🇧
Education
- Manual Osteopath, Manual Osteopathic College of Canada
- Advanced Massage Therapy, CDI College
- Diploma – Addictions and Community Service Worker, CDI College
Certifications/Licensure
- Manual Osteopath, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association
- RMT, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association