Frequently Asked Questions On Holistic Health & Natural Healing
Here's a few of the more popular questions heard on a regular basis. If you can't find the answer to your question here, then we invite you to write or call us for clarification.
- What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietician?
- Is a consultation with a holistic health practitioner like a visit to my doctor?
- Are you available to answer questions between appointments?
- Are there counselling packages available that help me save money?
- How quickly can I expect improvement?
- Are all the Nutritional Supplements and herbal remedies the same?
- Can Herbal Remedies or Chinese Herbs be used to address all kinds of conditions?
- Can Herbal Remedies help with chronic disease?
- Are herbs safe for pregnant women, babies and children?
- Should I tell my doctor I am seeing a natural health practitioner?
- Can I take herbal remedies and prescription medicines together?
- What happens after my 90-day natural health program is complete?
What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietician
A nutritionist will in part consider the effects of diet on the body as a whole whereas the dietician will respond more in line with western medicine and related standards. Neither is right or wrong however the nutritionist is concerned with creating a balanced body which is more in line with both today's nutritional technology and recognized traditional approaches.
Is a consultation with a holistic practitioner like a visit to my doctor?
No. The intention is typically to resolve the cause of a symptom, not mask the symptom with a prescription. Because of this approach, on your initial visit your natural health practitioner needs to obtain a rather large amount of information from you, which typically requires a longer consultation time. You will be asked many questions about yourself, your lifestyle, your illness and also about the health of your family, both past and present so it is helpful to think about these things before your arrive. There are also several questionnaires that you will complete and Iridology examination that helps in the analysis of your needs and development of your 90-day program..
A basic program is included with this first consultation that is based on a) your goals and b) your body's state of health. This program is refined on your second visit. Typical 90-day programs include an initial consultation, two subsequent consultations and a follow-up at the end of the 90-day program.
Subsequent consultations tend to be about 50 minutes about every 4 weeks and follow-up appointments are normally under 25 minutes.
Are you available to answer questions between appointments?
Yes. Unlike most doctors, our service are fully available to you by phone or email throughout your program during normal business hours. We're here to answer your questions and support you.
Are there counselling packages that can help me save money?
Yes. Packages are available that are designed to both save you money and prioritize schedule times throughout your program. Counselling Packages may be 90, 120 days or even longer, but you always have the option to purchase one consultation at a time.
Counselling is available in-office or by-phone.
How quickly can I expect improvement?
Rapidly, in many cases. The answer to this question is entirely dependant on your particular situation and each individual is unique. We have easy to apply everyday solutions that quickly minimize the effects of stress, fatigue, weight, sprains, joint and muscle pain, headaches, cold sores, colds, flu, heartburn, gas, constipation and so on.
Where the body has gradually fallen into a weakened state of health and lost its balance over a period of time, addressing that condition will typically require nurturing the afflicted body systems back to a state of normal health and function so timelines will vary by individual.
Unlike western medications that essentially mask symptoms without treating the underlying cause, herbal medicines are used to specifically target the body systems exhibiting the symptoms. In a majority of situations, clients with noticeably weakened body systems will experience a marked improvement in a 90-day program.
In more severe cases, it can certainly take longer though it's not unusual for clients to notice substantial improvement within just days of starting a new program.
Are all the nutritional supplements and herbal remedies the same?
No. Unfortunately, quality, contents, strength, science and manufacturing processes vary greatly and the strength of a marketing program and its claims are no guarantee of value. In fact, just a 10% plant composition is required for a product to be labeled "all natural". In beauty products it's 4%.
We only use premium products manufactured by Nature's Sunshine, the supplier of choice to professional natural health practitioners since 1972 in Canada and the USA.
This market leadership has been earned through an extensive and well researched product-line, 100% plant-based content, strict pharmaceutical grade manufacturing disciplines, uniformity of content, consistency of strength, unequalled quality assurance practices including unprecedented testing of every batch (vs. 1 in 5) and a history of product innovation, science and leadership since 1972. Free Memberships are available with attractive savings so ask your practitioner for details.
Can herbal remedies & Herbs be used to address of conditions ?
Yes. There is no class of disease in which Herbs and Chinese Herbs cannot be used. Depending on how much irreversible damage has, or has not, occurred, the results of herbal remedies may range from minimal to extensive. In injuries and accidents, herbal remedies can be of immense value.
Can herbal remedies help with chronic disease?
Yes. In many cases the herbs when properly selected will help to nourish, strengthen and fortify the body thus helping it to establish or in some cases, re-establish it natural defenses and lessen symptoms.
Are herbs safe for pregnant women, babies and children?
Yes ... usually. Since the herb or herb combinations we utilize are entirely plant-based, there are no toxic effects like drugs but these herbs have active ingredients so caution is necessary. We will advise you of any specific issues to be aware of and the labeling of a few products will be specific in advising certain people not to use them under specific conditions. All products be kept out of children's reach.
Should I tell my doctor I am seeing a natural health practitioner?
Yes. If you are being treated for any conditions, it is only right that your doctor should know. If there is any significant change in your condition as a result of your holistic health program, she/he will need to modify your medical treatment accordingly.
Be aware that few doctors are trained in traditional medicines and more often than not, doctors are almost exclusively trained to administer pharmaceutical treatments. Advances in medical technology and pharmaceutical treatments have proven to be life saving for those suffering from acute life threatening situations but results are proving to be far less effective for non-life threatening conditions.
If you are unsure, be sure to talk it over with your holistic health practitioner, as in most cases. she can give you clear guidance.
Can I take herbal remedies and prescription medicines together?
Probably. Herbal remedies are plant-based "food" but caution is necessary. A few can react with prescription medicines and you should ensure your Natural Health Practitioner is aware of your meds. You should never stop your doctor prescribed treatment, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
What happens after my 90-day natural health program is complete?
That depends on you. If you've achieved your objectives then we would recommend a high quality daily nutritional supplement, continuance of the recommended diet and a brief seasonal cleanse to keep your body in a healthy state of balance. If you have not achieved your objectives you can choose to extend your program by fine-tuning it till you have achieved your objectives.
Want clarifications or have questions of your own, write us today ...