Hi Everyone!

So it’s been a really busy summer for me. Everyone at clinic has fallen into the groove of a post Covid world, which now does, because of the city bylaw, include mandatory masks during visits. I myself had one potential exposure outside of clinic (which turned out to not be positive after all), which required me to cancel all appointments for a few days. Thank you to everyone who rescheduled.

As always I cannot guarantee that such things won’t need to occur again. I am very grateful to all of my patients who stick with me, despite any needed schedule changes.

I’ve been taking advantage of the covid boom of online training by taking courses that had previously required long distance travel. One course in particular which I have had great fun with is on acupuncture for trauma, a technique developed in Germany that seems to aid in the identification and processing of traumatic experiences through a combination of ear acupuncture and flower essences. I FINALLY got all the supplies, and so began practicing the technique. I have to say, I am finding great success with it, both in terms of psychological health and in terms of freeing up the vitality to work on other physical, mental or emotional problems the person may have, unconnected to any particular trauma.

If you would like to experience this, please do book in for an acupuncture session!

I’ve also begun a meditation blog on my Youtube channel. I upload about 1 session per week. I’ve been focusing on flowers and plants lately, but likely will focus on other topics soon. You can find this playlist by clicking here. I hope you all enjoy it!

And finally, it’s August, and we’re all trying to beat the heat, especially in clinic! Like many of you, I don’t have air conditioning, and am boiling. But I thought I would share a technique that got me through summer in Toronto when I was in school, without air conditioning. The technique is simple. Dunk a t-shirt in tepid water and put it on. It will cool you for about an hour, and will also stimulate your healing processes, in general.

Anyway, I hope you all are having a delightful summer!

Much love!

Dr. Paul

Image Credit: Cornelisus383. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yoga_Meditation_Pos-410px.png

Hi Everybody! It is once again #Natmedweek 2020 in Canada. I apologize for the lateness of this post, I have been greatly occupied.

As always, I will conclude the week with a blog post detailing the research into Naturopathic Medicine. There was not a great deal of difference from the research review last year, but each year seems to bring new advances, which I am immensely grateful for. To begin with, we should discuss Naturopathic regulation globally, something that the World Naturopathic Federation has done wonderfully in the following paper. One of my own teachers, Dr. Mike Prytula, ND, has also made a lovely introductory video on Naturopathic Medicine.

To begin with, two reviews of all clinical trials on Naturopathic medicine have been conducted. The first was done in 2015, and found clinical trials on 13 conditions, finding statistically significant results in 10 of them. A second review conducted in 2019 found 33 trials, with Naturopathic medicine being found effective in pain, cardiovascular illness, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, depression and anxiety. A newer review was also performed, specifically in regard to side effects of Naturopathic medicine and surgical practice. The reviewers found a number of potential benefits naturopathic treatment could have in relation to surgery that demand further study, and no reports of serious side effects present.

In this newer small prospective cohort Study, Naturopathic and Yoga care was observed to reduce postprandial blood glucose, and Hemoglobin A1C.

A newer review was also performed, specifically in regard to side effects of Naturopathic medicine and surgical practice. The reviewers found a number of potential benefits naturopathic treatment could have in relation to surgery that demand further study, and no reports of serious side effects present.

Naturopathic care in Cardiovascular disease was recently examined in a clinical trial. 246 postal workers received Naturopathic care (207 completed the study) in addition to normal family medicine from their MD. Lab chemistry was taken before and after Naturopathic care,and their risk of a major cardiovascular even was computed using the Framingham Risk Score method of computing the likelihood of a Cardiovascular event,  and the Adult Risk Panel III to compute the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. One group in the study received Naturopathic care plus normal medical care, and another received only normal medical care. In this study a highly significantly reduced risk of a major cardiovascular event (risk reduction in control group of 10.81, risk in Naturopathic group of 7.74% for a reduction of 3.07%) and a reduction of metabolic syndrome (48.48% control group, 31.58% Naturopathic group for a reduction 16.9%).Naturopathic care in Cardiovascular disease was recently examined in a clinical trial. 246 postal workers received Naturopathic care (207 completed the study) in addition to normal family medicine from their MD. Lab chemistry was taken before and after Naturopathic care,and their risk of a major cardiovascular even was computed using the Framingham Risk Score method of computing the likelihood of a Cardiovascular event,  and the Adult Risk Panel III to compute the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. One group in the study received Naturopathic care plus normal medical care, and another received only normal medical care. In this study a highly significantly reduced risk of a major cardiovascular event (risk reduction in control group of 10.81, risk in Naturopathic group of 7.74% for a reduction of 3.07%) and a reduction of metabolic syndrome (48.48% control group, 31.58% Naturopathic group for a reduction 16.9%).

This data was further analyzed in another paper for the economic impact of Naturopathic treatment. The above trial resulted in (corresponding to a 3.3% decreased risk of a Cardiovascular event) in a savings of $1138 in costs to society and $1187 in employer costs per year of Naturopathic treatment. The cost savings of livelong Naturopathic care that could be speculated on based on this remain staggering.

In response to this trial, this MD in CMAJ endorsed the idea of delegating some aspects of Cardiovascular care from Medical to Naturopathic Doctors. Many MDs would oppose this, but a significant minority of our Allopathic cousins would gladly cooperate with us in patient management.

Another Clinical trial on the Naturopathic treatment of rotator cuff tendonitis was recently published. In it, a group of postal workers with diagnosed rotator cuff tendontis received either a standard set of physiotherapy exercises to do on their own (an approach not unlike that which many MDs in family practice will use before a physiotherapy referral) as well as a matched placebo. Pain was measured using Shoulder pain and disability index scores, visual analogue pain score, Short form 36, and MYMOP. 87% of participants completed 8 weeks of treatment, SPADI scores decreased by 54.5% (p<0.0001) in the Naturopathic care group and 18% (p<0.0241) in the Exercise group. All measures showed significant differences in favor of Naturopathic care, with SPADI showing a difference probability of <0.0001 and no major adverse outcomes reported.

In a similar trial 75 postal employees with back pain greater than 6 weeks duration were given either Naturopathic medicine or standardized exercises ( again similar to what they might recieve at an MD practice) for 12 weeks. Progress was measured using the Oswestry disability questionaire, as well as the SF-36, lower back range of motion, weight loss and BMI. 92% completed at least 8 weeks of treatment. Back pain reduced significantly in the Naturopathic group (-6.92 on Oswestry, p<0.0001) and all other measure improved significantly as well.

The above trial was analyzed for economic impact. In the analysis, employees experienced 9.4 more perfect health days and reduced societal ( read employer) costs of $1212 per participant over the course of the study. The intervention cost $154 per day, compared with lost productivity costs of $178 per day, representing a return on investment of7.9%. Individuals participating saved $1096 each. Again this was from a single course of treatment. Imagine the cost savings applied society wide, particularly in countries like Canada with socialized medicine.

Another small Indian study showed significant improvements in PEFR, VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV/FEC%, MVV< ESR and Absolute Eosinophil count in Asthma patients undergoing a Naturopathic and Yogic treatment regimen.

In another study, patient outcomes from Naturopathic and Allopathic medical practices were compared in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Consistent with other research, Naturopathic patients reported higher income, lower rates of smoking, higher rates of exercise, but interestingly, greater rates of fatigue, insomnia and hot flashes. Both patient groups resulted in improvements in anxiety, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and menstrual changes. Significantly better results were found in insomnia and fatigue.

One study was done on patients with Autism, 67 patients ranging from 3-58 years were given supplementation, with additional naturopathic treatments, such as enzymes, carnitine, epsom salts baths and a diet free of gluten, casein and soy. Lab results show a significant improvement of blood nutrient levels, and nonverbal IQ and autism symptoms also significantly improved.

Another study examines Polycystic ovarian syndrome patients who had undergone a Naturopathic and Yogic regimen for 12 weeks. 25 patients were given the intervention, while 25 others were placed on a wait list. Significant changes were observed in ovarian morphology and body measurements.

Recent Indian research has focused on a number of areas of integration of Naturopathic medicine and conventional care. This paper reviews the multiple ways many Naturopathic agents can aid in modulating cell signalling pathways in cancer. Another paper shows a similar conclusion, with Natural compounds showing great promise in decreasing resistance to one method of cell self destruction in cancers.

Much recent research has focused on the types of patients Naturopathic Doctors see. In one recent study a survey of 300483 visits to a Naturopathic teaching clinic was examined. It was found that Naturopathic clinics saw a similar range of problems to other primary care practices, that patients paid out of pocket more (unsurprisingly) and that Naturopathic clinics offered discounted care far more often.

Another recent study discussed characteristics of Pediatric patients coming to CCNM, a Naturopathic college in Toronto. Furthermore, a cross section of Naturopathic patients as a whole at CCNM was done, showing the incredibly wide variety of issues people come to Naturopathic Doctors with.

Another fascinating direction of research has emerged in the applications of Public health models of research to Naturopathic care, rather than more allopathic models a potential research enterprise with much potential. Another study measured the characteristics of rural Naturopathic practice in Australia, showing the important role played by naturopaths in the provision of underserved rural populations. Another study showed a high level of patient and staff satisfaction resulting from integration of Naturopathic medicine into an acute care hospital.

Perhaps most intriguingly in our survey of research is this paper, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics. India is in the slow process of constructing a healthcare system of Universal coverage (often jokingly termed Modicare after the Indian Prime Minister Narendera Modi). Unlike in Countries such as Canada which have  long traditions of public medicine that were built during the low point of Holistic medicine, in the 1960s, India likely will be including all systems of medicine in it’s public scheme, along with allopathic care. AYUSH is the term in India used for such systems, including Ayurveda, Therapeutic Yoga, Unani, Sidda, Homeopathy and Naturopathy. The above mentioned paper examined the AYUSH systems in light of a report on the Principles of Universal Care produced by the Planning Commission of India. In that paper, the authors conclude that not only does AYUSH meet the standards the India government wishes to see in it’s Universal system, they would actually further it’s goals more effectively in many cases than Allopathic care alone would be able to.

Finally, there is a free documentary showing Naturopathic medicine being practiced in India, to fully scope, in in-patient facilities. I encourage you to watch it. It is my hope that the example of India in medical equality and non discrimination will be followed by Canada and other Western countries, giving all citizens the potential for access to the benefits of Naturopathic Treatment.

Happy Naturopathic Medicine Week Everyone!

Hello Everyone!

As I’m sure many of you have noticed, a wave of protest and awareness of the persistent racism facing black individuals has swept the globe, triggers by the brutal filmed murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis by police forces. Though focused largely in the US, we in Canada also need to address this topic, as we have a long history of police violence and indifference towards people of color, and Indigenous people.

The persistent racism of our society is a large barrier to health in these individuals and communities. The highest practice of Naturopathic Medicine involves working towards a world in which racism is no longer a factor in anyone’s lives, or in their health.

Vitalistic Naturopathic medicine brings many tools to this struggle that other disciplines may lack. It is my great hope that our tools may speed this struggle along, and aid in the healing of those individuals affected by structural racism and trauma.

Like many other projects, such as feminism, the rights of sexual minorities, and disability rights, this will be a generational struggle. But it is one that is deeply worth engaging, no matter how long it takes.

If you all perceive me failing in this, please do let me know. I am open to correction.

I would encourage everyone to examine this resource to aid in their own contributions to this generational project.

Much love to all of you. Especially to the people of color and indigenous people struggling through this time.

Image Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_Lives_Matter_(30914307425).jpg

Hi Everyone. So I have done this exercise with many of you, but for some odd reason, have not quite gotten around to actually making recordings of this.

This exercise wonderfully activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It bring sus into a very healthy awareness, and out of our anxieties and mind.

It should be done at least once per day! If you have any kind of mental health issues, please do consult me personally before beginning this exercise.

Here it is!

I hope you enjoy it!

HI Everyone. As many of you know, I, along with every other ND in the province, as well as in Ontario, have been ordered by our regulators to cease nonessential in person visits to slow the spread of Covid-19.

As such I have ceased in person visits as of Wednesday. For the foreseeable future, I will be practicing in my physical office location, through telephone for the most part.

When your insurance accepts this, I will charge my normal fees. If your insurance does not, I will be considerably discounting my fees. I will never under any circumstances cease care with any patient due to a loss of ability to pay.

I am also asking all my patients to email me at drpaultheriault.nd@gmail.com at any signs of an infection as well as AHS at 811.

Due to recent guidelines from the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta, I am unfortunately no longer able to accept new patients via telemedicine. Care will be continued for existing patients only.

Any homeopathics will be mailed out. Larger items can be shipped, or alternately, can be picked up at our offices. We will bring out any prescriptions to the patients waiting car, and take payment remotely, to preserve social distancing.

If anyone needs to talk, I am here for you all. We will be continuing care as much as we can, and I am always available for help dealing with isolation or with anxiety.

I love you all. We will get through this together.

Hi everyone. As you know, the Covid -19 virus is currently causing a great deal of concern in the world. Some cases have occurred in Alberta, but the current risk, as of the date of this writing (Thursday the 12th of March), is low according to AHS.

Alberta Health Services is now posting daily updates on Covid-19, as well as their current up to date measures. You can find this information by clicking here.

As such, Paul has implemented some new policies in his clinic to deal with this infection. While I normally treat many kinds of acute infections in my office, for the time being I am requesting my beloved patients to stay home if they are acutely ill. We can still have our visits, but they will be conducted over the telephone at the scheduled time, rather than in person. Any needed remedies can  be shipped out via mail.

If Paul himself becomes ill, he or the staff will email you, and we will conduct our visit at the scheduled time via telephone as well.

I know the patients who receive therapies such as cranial work, acupuncture and hydrotherapy will not be as well served by a purely oral discussion, but we should be able to maintain our progress in this way without too severe a disruption.

If you are experiencing any acute illness, email us immediately at drpaultheriault.nd@gmail.com, and call health link at 8-1-1. Health link will assess you, and determine if there is a need for Covid-19 virus testing. Please do remember that there are many infections circulating around Calgary at this time, and becoming ill does not automatically mean you have this particular infection.

I would encourage my patients (and all people in general) to consult with the AHS website on Covid, and follow the instructions given to avoid transmission, including self isolation, if needed. Again, that website can be found my clicking here.

I will be monitoring developments and altering our appointments as needed as this situation develops. I will update you all via this blog, my facebook page and individually if this becomes necessary.

I thank you all for your understanding of this shift during this stressful time.

I am here for you all at any point you need a chat. I will be extending my hours somewhat to expand phone consultations if anyone if feeling stressed or anxious. Please do reach out to me.

Much love to you all in this time.

Hello everyone. Recently I found an old article I wrote on Naturopathic care of HIV. It was an old article and indluded a few phrases I would not now use. I deleted the post (on another website), and edited the original. This is the final version I wish to stand in the public record.

HIV is a contagious disease affecting many Albertans. Since its discovery in the 1980’s HIV and its associated condition AIDS have affected many individuals. With the advent of Antiretroviral therapy, HIV went from a frequently lethal infection to a manageable condition. Now most people with HIV live healthy and long lives. However, considerable gaps in HIV treatment occur. Naturopathic medicine is capable of covering many of these gaps, and improving the quality of life of those living with HIV.

HIV is a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact, tainted blood products, and sharing needles and medical instruments. HIV in Alberta was present in 0.0057% of the population in 2011 with higher rates among both First Nations and Gay men, and higher rates in Calgary and Edmonton compared with rural areas.

HIV as a virus attacks the immune system, specifically the T helper cells, which are responsible for activating the other branches of immune system, such as antibody production and cell specific immunity. The HIV virus attaches to the CD4 molecule on helper T-cells and infects them through that molecule. Because HIV affects T helper cells so profoundly, usually a count of the number of cells with CD4 molecules is taken as a measure of the immune system’s health in an individual with HIV. Normally a CD4 count is between 500-1200 cells per microliter. When CD4 counts drop below a certain level (usually 200 cells per microliter) they are at high risk for acquiring AIDS defining illnesses. HIV infection is also measure by the amount of virus present in a person’s blood. This is termed “viral load” and is a measure of the success of an individual’s immune system controlling the virus.

AIDS stands for “Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome”. It is a state where a person immune system cannot fend off infections any longer, due to their immune system being destroyed by the HIV virus. It usually occurs in people with CD4 counts below 200. Often individuals with AIDS have a number of diseases that are seen very rarely in healthy individuals, such as Pneumocyctis jirovicii Pneumonia (a pneumonia caused by a normally healthy fungus) and Kaposi’s Sarcoma (a very rare skin cancer). Some individuals move from HIV infection to AIDS very quickly, for reasons that remain mysterious in conventional medicine.

Conventional treatment for HIV involves the use of substances called Antiretroviral drugs. These drugs prevent the replication of the HIV virus which allows for the helper T-cells to replicate and resume stimulating and regulating the immune system. Many individuals on medication display levels of HIV in their blood so low as to be completely undetectable by lab studies. Some have received bone marrow transplants from people immune to HIV and have developed extremely low levels of the virus present in their bodies, and have been touted publicly as cures, but such a treatment is unlikely to become widespread due to its cost and the negative side effects of bone marrow transplants, such as graft versus host disease.

The prevention of HIV infection is best done by avoiding unsafe sexual practices such as unprotected sex, by avoiding sharing needles, and by testing supplies of blood donation for the virus. Education, the distribution and encouragement of condoms during sex, and clean needle exchanges have all done their part in reducing HIV infections. Recently the administration of antiretroviral drugs prior to infection, or Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, PREP, commonly, has been show to reduce the rates of infection effectively.  Condom use is the only birth control method that may prevent HIV transmission. Using condoms with antiviral spermicides makes this protection even more effective. Individuals with undetectable viral loads are extremely unlikely to transmit the HIV virus during safe sex when condoms are used.

Naturopathic perspectives on HIV tend to focus on the internal environment of the people who become infected by the virus. Over time Naturopathic Doctors have noticed that people with more toxic internal environments, and who suffer from repeated infections, are more vulnerable to infection. Particularly those with histories of other sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, and who have received repeated courses of antibiotics seem to be more prone to infection.

Gaps in HIV care:
In the initial stages of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s, conventional medicine was limited in its ability to treat the disease. No effective therapeutic measures existed, so care was usually limited to hospital monitoring while the individuals died of AIDS associated infections. As such, many infected people, turned to Naturopathic medicine for care.

Mentors of mine treated these individuals. When faced with an entirely new disease, these brave practitioners used the methods of Naturopathic medicine, and had some amazing successes. Often these early practitioners, knowing little of the disease (not much being known) were able to prevent the development of AIDS, and lower the HIV loads to undetectable levels, once detection of viral levels became available. This was done largely by creating a less toxic internal environment, in which the HIV virus is less capable of replicating, through nutritional and homeopathic means.

As Antiretroviral drugs became widely available, Naturopathic care focused on mitigating the side effect profiles of the early HIV drugs (which were often quite terrible). Managing the chronic diarrhea and nutrient depletion and other side effects become more prominent.

Now in an era where Antiretrovirals are far gentler, Naturopathic medicine tends toward emotional support (rarely addressed in conventional care), and health maintenance, as well as treatment of the far more subtle effects of ARV therapy and PREP, which while not debilitating, can strongly impact individuals using them, and which is poorly addressed by conventional medicine. Naturopathic medicine can, however, play a far larger role in the management and prevention of HIV, as the following section shows.

Naturopathic management of HIV
In my own practice, I have seen a number of people with HIV. Using Naturopathic medicine I have been able to help them lower their viral load,and postpone the need for ARV medication, in the days when ARVs were not begun immediately, several years ago. When individuals are on Antiretroviral medication, I’ve been able to help them manage side effects, and improve effectiveness of the medication.

Furthermore, with Naturopathic methods, I can treat the underlying biochemical environment of the patient. As mentioned above, in Naturopathic medicine it is seen that people with healthier immune systems and less toxic internal environments are less prone to HIV infection, and when infected will progress to HIV much more slowly.

The most effective methods I use to do this are Nutrition, Homeopathy, and Isopathic remedies.

Nutritional support for HIV involves both ensuring a good diet, full of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, protein, low levels of sugars, and unhealthy carbohydrates, as well as removal of one’s food intolerance via the Carroll Method. It also can involve specific supplementation of the nutrients that are depleted by HIV medications, such as N-acetyl cysteine, and various vitamins.

Homeopathy helps patients deal with the HIV infection, keeping viral loads down, raising CD4 counts, and assisting in dealing with acute health issues. Homeopathy also helps the body to clear its internal environment of any toxicity which promotes HIV infection and replication. Emotional issues of HIV infection, such as depression, feeling unloved or hated are also addressed very effectively with Homeopathic treatment.

Using these methods in combination with conventional monitoring procedures (CD4 count, HIV viral load) and referrals to conventional HIV specialists, I have seen wonderful outcomes with my patients.

Naturopathic prevention of HIV:

Naturopathic medicine fully endorses safe sex methods, spermicides, medical hygiene, using clean needles, PREP, and all educational methods to prevent HIV infection.

Naturopathic medicine can wonderfully assist in the management and prevention of HIV infection, both before and after initiation of ARV therapies. If you or someone you know has HIV or is concerned about contracting it, consider adding a Naturopathic Doctor, skilled in Homeopathy, to your healthcare team.