Basics of Naturopathic Care

Our bodies have an innate ability to heal.  When we cut ourselves, we don't need to think about our blood clotting and our tissue healing; when we eat, we don't need to think about our stomach and digestive system working to break down and absorb nutrients from food.

My role as your Naturopathic Doctor is to investigate barriers or obstacles to health -- be that a genetic concern, an infection, a hormonal or biochemical imbalance, a habitually destructive lifestyle or dietary habit, or something as objectively simple as "stress" -- and work with you to correct that imbalance and teach healthy choices for living well into your own age.

The cornerstones of Naturopathic care are a thorough health investigation and clinical assessment with nutrition and lifestyle counselling for every patient.  Treatment is tailored to treat the root cause of your health concern.  

Treatment is individualized and developed according to the needs of each patient.  

Therapies and treatments used include:

My aim is to use education, food, and movement (exercise and bodywork) as the basis of treatment as much as possible.  When our bodies are in balance and receive proper exercise and nutrition, we don’t have a lot of need for supplements or drugs.  However, I will always assess or request general blood work to examine parameters of health (body chemistry, hormone, neurotransmitter balance) and will prescribe supplements and vitamins/minerals as needed to help regain, support, and maintain wellbeing.  

Laboratory and Functional Testing

Blood work and other laboratory testing helps us understand your individual biochemistry and highlights any imbalances that may require treatment.  It can also provide an important tool for monitoring progress of treatment.  

Laboratory testing that may be used include:

• Assessment of general blood work from your MD - eg. TSH/thyroid function, ferritin/iron, CBC, cholesterol, etc.

• Hormone testing - dried urine hormone (DUTCH testing) and organic acid testing - including adrenal and cortisol/stress hormone testing; sex hormones; and neurotransmitter metabolites - useful for women's health concerns (fertility, menopause, PSM, mood and energy concerns), men's health (mood and energy; sexual health concerns), optimal aging and overall wellbeing.

• Food allergy/sensitivity

• SIBO testing, Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis

• Neurotransmitter Assessment - via Organic acid testing - to assess urinary metabolites for mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, overall wellbeing)

More lab testing available -- ask for more information.

Bodywork

We all know we hold tension in our bodies.  This is exacerbated by sitting at a desk for work or long commutes in the car, muscular injury, habitual poor posture and shallow breathing.  Bodywork, including massage, Bowen Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, and acupuncture can help release stored muscular tension to help rebalance blood flow and nutrient supply to muscles, tissues and organs.

Dr. Lantz practices acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy and is a certified Bowen Therapist and may incorporate bodywork into your treatment plan as needed or requested.