More information about some of the naturopathic treatments we offer at The Natural Path Clinic.

Naturopathic Pharmacy

In addition to pharmaceutical prescriptions, Naturopathic Physicians can offer a wide variety of natural treatments that have minimal side effects and maximum efficacy.  At The Natural Path Clinic, we start treatment with natural therapies if possible.  After your symptoms have been addressed with a uniquely tailored treatment, our long-term goal is to have you on the least amount of supplements to maintain optimal health.  Once your symptoms have been addressed, some people may do well without any supplements and some people may continue on one or two supplements to maintain their symptom-free state.  This will be discussed between you and Dr. Chay to determine the best short and long-term health plans for you.

Herbal/Botanical Medicine

Herbal medicine uses plants or plant extracts that may be taken orally by capsule, tincture or tea. There are many traditional and researched uses for various herbal remedies.  Herbal medicine is an ancient medicine that forms the backbone of many pharmaceuticals we are familiar with today (for example, Aspirin was created from extracts of willow bark).  Naturopathic doctors are trained extensively in herbal medicine and the interaction between pharmaceutical drugs and herbal remedies.  Not all herbal products are safe for every person—it is important to check with your Naturopathic or Medical doctor before taking certain herbal remedies to ensure they are safe for you personally.

Supplements (nutraceuticals)

Our Naturopathic Pharmacy sells professional grade supplements that are routinely tested to ensure superior quality and practitioner strength.  Many of the vitamins, minerals, and herbs used in our supplements have been researched to prove efficacy and safety.  Professional grade supplements make it easier for you to get the dose you need in a convenient capsule.  Dr. Chay adds supplements to many naturopathic treatment plans to optimize and speed the healing process.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a form of medicine that was widely practiced by medical doctors in the 19^th century.  Naturopathic physicians learn about homeopathy, but it is only one of the many naturopathic treatments that we can offer (ie. we are NOT homeopaths).  At The Natural Path Clinic, we use homeopathy supplementary to other treatments.  Homeopathy is inherently safe and many patients experience a significant shift in their mental and emotional health with the addition of a personalized remedy. 

Lifestyle and Nutrition Planning

“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food” -Hippocrates

At The Natural Path Clinic, we have seen time and time again the incredible health benefit of a simple diet change.  We have seen autoimmune joint pain disappear after decreasing refined sugar, chronic acid reflux end with the elimination of gluten and altered liquid intake, tenosynovitis (trigger finger) resolve after removing food intolerances, among many other success stories.

Dr. Chay believes in living a balanced life and does NOT want you to eliminate everything you love indefinitely.  At The Natural Path Clinic you and Dr. Chay will work together to create a nutrition plan that works best and is most attainable for you. 

Acupuncture and Cupping

For thousands of years, acupuncture has been practiced with significant benefit.  In medicine systems that use acupuncture, the belief is that many common symptoms are due to a blockage in the proper flow of energy in the body.  Acupuncture works on different energy meridians in the body, with the goal of releasing congestion in these systems.  Dr. Chay has used acupuncture successfully for pain management, interstitial cystitis, headache management, and pregnancy-related conditions.

Dr. Chay often adds electroacupuncture and cupping to traditional acupuncture treatments.  Electroacupuncture uses an electrostimulation machine that adds electrical impulses to stimulate the points more deeply.  Electroacupuncture is also an excellent way to relax tight muscles associated with headaches and pain.  Cupping is the treatment celebrities and athletes have received when you see dark circles on their back.  Cupping increases circulation, thus decreasing pain and quickening healing.

VEGA testing

VEGA testing is a technique that combines the energy of ancient eastern medicine with computerization of the western world. VEGA testing is a non-invasive (no needles!), immediate technique used to assess your vitamin and mineral levels, and food and environmental intolerances.  The VEGA machine measures the electricity of your body in the same way an electrocardiogram (ECG) or electroencephalogram (EEG) does. It works with the same energy systems as acupuncture to determine what foods aren’t tolerated well by your body and which vitamins you may need more of. 

The VEGA machine measures the flow of energy via the electricity in your skin.  It can be challenged by adding certain foods and vitamins to the machine to see if they match your energy flow or disrupt it.  By adding potential disruptors (certain foods, environmental allergies, and vitamins) to the machine, we can test your body’s reaction to them.  If a certain food is not tolerated well by your body, the electrodermal frequency of your skin will change, resulting in a quantifiable change on the machine that is visualized and heard by both the practitioner and patient. 

In addition, VEGA testing can also be used to determine optimal supplements and supplement doses for your personal healthcare plan.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is a cutting-edge, painless, fast, and effective tool for pain relief and accelerated healing.  The Theralase machine stimulates mitochondria in our cells to produce energy, and facilitate the repair of muscles and ligaments.  The Theralase activates three main pathways: the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) pathway, accelerating healing; the Nitric Oxide pathway, decreasing inflammation; and the Lipid absorption pathway, removing pain.   A laser is an excellent option for any muscle, ligament, and joint problems.

Cold laser therapy is effective and safe for the following:

. Low back pain

. Cervical pain

. Knee pain

. Frozen shoulder

. Rotator Cuff Tears

. Tennis elbow

. Golfer’s elbow

. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

. Plantar fasciitis

. TMJ syndrome

. Arthritis

Laser therapy contraindications:

. Pregnancy (directly over the uterus only, it can be used in other areas)

. Directly over the eyes

. People with cancer (directly over the carcinoma)

. People on immune suppressant drugs

. Directly over the thyroid or pancreas

. Directly over tattoos

B12 injection

This is a quick and easy injection of vitamin B12 and B9.  Vitamin B12 performs many functions in your body, such as making: blood cells, DNA, and SAM-e; homocysteine metabolism; and is involved in the function of both the nervous and immune systems. It is excellent for vegetarians and vegans (as it is almost exclusively found in animal products), people with pernicious anemia and anyone with poor absorption. B12 levels can be checked with a blood test prior to administering injections.

Lab Work

Naturopathic physicians are trained to use both conventional and naturopathic labs to assess your health and determine the best naturopathic treatment for your concerns.  At this time lab tests for NDs are not covered, and are paid for by the patient.  Dr. Chay will work with you to determine if you need blood testing and if so what labs are necessary to determine the cause of your symptoms.   Please see our labs section for more on specific tests.

Intravenous (IV) therapy (*Not currently offered, but may be considered on request)

IV therapy delivers more nutrients to your body than possible with diet or supplements alone.  The nutrients go directly into your blood, bypassing digestion, for immediate increases in energy. IV therapy can be modified to suit each person’s unique needs. IV therapy will provide the nutrients your body is craving, giving you more vitality.

IV therapy is especially beneficial for the following:

. Mood disorders (generalized anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and alcoholism)

. Thyroid disorders

. Exercise performance and recovery

. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

. Migraines and other headaches

. Asthma

. People who suffer from malabsorption (For example celiac disease, bowel resection, irritable bowel disease (IBD))

. Immune support (upper respiratory tract infections, seasonal allergies, chronic sinusitis)

. Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)

. Diabetes mellitus

. Cardiovascular disease

. General or mental fatigue

IV therapy can be used in addition to other treatments or simply as a boost when needed.  Ask Dr. Chay if IV therapy is right for you.

*A complete medical history and some lab tests are mandatory before starting IV therapy to ensure your safety and for maximum benefit