By: Courtney Holmberg, ND

July 1st 2015, marks a big day for all Naturopathic Doctors as they not only do get to celebrate the birth of our great nation, but also a huge step forward for the profession of Naturopathic Medicine in Ontario. 

  The Naturopathic Profession transitions from the Drugless Practitioners Act to the Regulated Health Professions Act, which has been underway for nearly two decades. Today, Naturopaths join nearly 300,000 other health professionals as equal partners in the management and care of Ontarians' health. Today, Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario gain the official DR. title under the Naturopathy Act, 2007.

       This would not have been possible without the advocacy of patients who participated in the email campaigns and who spoke the their MPPs and the Ministry of Health about the importance of Naturopathic Medicine to their health care. Your efforts have helped not only advance the profession, but also ensure that there were no limitation to the scope of practice for Naturopaths in Ontario, and the profession thanks you.

A more detailed overview of the laboratory testing available to naturopathic doctors, and the list of restricted substances may be accessed by clicking the associated links.

A NOTE TO MY PATIENTS:
Changes to scope means a new set of regulations and examinations. Be assured that I am working hard to complete all necessary examinations to ensure continuity of care to my patients. For the time being, intramuscular injections will not be offered within the clinic, but may still be available for self injection if required.

I look forward to a future where holistic and allopathic medicine functions in complement to one another, as we are one step closer to inter-professional collaboration. 

Please stay connected for more information as it becomes available. See the OAND's new release here. For any outstanding questions, you may contact me here.

Here's to stepping forwards, together.
Sincerely,
Courtney Holmberg, ND

By: Erin Ziprick, RMT

At Platinum Health & Wellnes we offer pre-natal as well as post-natal massage. Erin is trained in pregnancy massage and understands the needs for a pregnant body, what techniques to use and how to safely massage to alleviate any discomfort. When looking for a massage treatment during pregnancy, the massage therapist must be aware of the normal and potentially abnormal changes during pregnancy, with a view to preventative treatment, referrals to other health practitioners when necessary and maintenance of the patient’s wellness. It is the utmost importance that you do your research when looking for a massage to make sure you and your baby are safe.

During pregnancy, the women’s body goes through many changes. As the uterus expands with the weight of the growing baby, there is added stress on the women’s neck, shoulders, lower back, and abdominal muscles. An aching lower back is the most common complaint for most pregnant women, while some other symptoms are swollen legs, sore hips, swelling and/or insomnia.

The following are many benefits of receiving massage during the pregnancy:

* Relieves muscle cramps, spasms, and tension in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs
* Decrease the release of stress hormones
* Improves blood and lymph circulation, which helps decrease swelling (lymph)
* Improves sleep
* Soothes tired and tense muscles
* Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
* Can improve labor outcome and ease pain

During a massage the primary treatment goal is to promote a healthy pregnancy by including relaxation techniques and providing a supportive environment. During the first couple of trimesters we offer pregnancy pillows so that the women is laying on her stomach. In the later months, the most common position is on her side with pillows supporting her for extra support.

For more information regarding pregnancy massage, you can contact your doctor or midwife.