Health & Wisdom Naturopathic Medical Clinic

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a form of primary medicine that defines itself by thoroughly investigating & treating the root causes of disease rather than cleverly making symptoms disappear while leaving the actual reasons for the disease process untouched.

Honest, comprehensive clinical problem-solving is the cornerstone to this form of medicine, and it is supported by the use of naturopathic tools that are undeniably powerful in the clinical setting.

Naturopathic doctors (ND) are recognized as “primary health care providers” in the province of Ontario, a role that they only share with family medical doctors (MD’s/GP’s). Within this role ND’s are responsible for the overall health of their patients in terms of providing a valid medical diagnosis & effective treatment. Their scope of practice includes all conditions that would be treated by family MD’s.

However, patients will experience that more time is being spent with them, and that a single prescription is not being offered as the solution to their health needs.

While the provincially licensed naturopathic doctor will always provide a medical diagnosis for the patient, that diagnosis will be explained in the context of the processes that established it in the first place and that currently underpin it.

It is our belief that medical care is at its best when it assists people in identifying the actual reasons for why their ailments exist, and then intelligently helps them in addressing the root causes that are underpinning their medical condition.

Meet the Doctors

While both David and Leah maintain their general practice, they also have their clinical specialities

Leah Mollohan Oster, BSc, ND (Naturopathic Doctor) Co-founder/owner of Health & Wisdom Naturopathic Family Clinic.

She is originally from Peterborough, Ontario. Leah completed her post-secondary education in Rochester, NY at Roberts Wesleyan College where she attended for 3 years. Leah graduated Magna Cum Laude (Honours) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She continued her studies in the four year medical program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, one of only 6 accredited Naturopathic colleges in North America. While in her fourth year of residency, she was selected as a primary clinician at the Anishnabe Native Health Centre in Downtown Toronto. Leah graduated as a Doctor of Naturopathy. Leah has completed her Licensing Exams for North America and the Regulatory Board examinations for the province of Ontario and for her Professional Association. She is fully licensed to practice in regulated states & provinces.

Leah has been working as a Birth Doula since August 2007 and has been a certified Birth Doula through Doulas of North America (DONA) since April 2010. A Doula is a birth assistant that helps during labour with pain management, emotional support for both parents, and encourages informed decisions along with helping initiate breastfeeding and adjustment of the new family post-birth.

David Oster, BSc, ND (Naturopathic Doctor) Co-founder/owner of Health & Wisdom Naturopathic Family Clinic.

He originates from Midland, Ontario. David attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He completed the 4-year pre-medical program and graduated (with Honours) with a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Life Sciences. After a year of living in Germany, David returned to Canada to continue his professional pursuits and attended the four-year medical program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. David was also selected to be a primary clinician at the Anishnabe Native Health Centre in Toronto during his year of clinical residency at CCNM. After graduating, David completed his Licensing Exams for North America and the Regulatory Board examinations for the province of Ontario and for his Professional association. He is fully licensed to practice in regulated states and provinces.

Leah and David were married in May of 2006 & welcomed their daughter Aowyn into the world on March 14, 2011.

These two professionals have each dedicated their lives to the profession of Naturopathic Medicine.

Conditions Effectively Treated by Naturopathic Medicine:

Provincially Licensed ND’s treat all conditions that one would typically consider going to their family GP to receive treatment for. Full medical intakes, complete physical exams, and appropriate diagnostic testing are performed for all medical conditions.

• Acne
• ADHD
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Autism
• Autoimmune Conditions (Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus, etc.)
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Cancer (all forms)
• Celiac Disease
• Cholesterol Levels
• Colds & Flu
• Depression
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Digestive Complaints (constipation, indigestion, gas & bloating, etc.)
• Eczema
• Endometriosis
• Fatigue
• Gallbladder Disease & Stones
• Gout
• Heartburn (GERD)
• Hepatitis
• Hives (urticaria)
• Hypertension (elevated blood pressure)
• Infertility
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis)
• Insomnia
• Kidney Stones
• Menopause
• Menstrual Irregularities
• Migraines & other headaches
• Osteoporosis
• Paediatric Concerns (Childhood Illnesses)
• Prostate Enlargement (BPH)
• Psoriasis
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Stroke Prevention
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Weight Loss
• Yeast Infections

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Naturopathic Medicine all about?

Naturopathic medicine is a powerful and distinct approach in addressing illness and improving the health of individuals. Its primary focus is to intelligently search for and address the root cause of disease as opposed to suppressing or silencing symptoms while the disease process is allowed to remain untouched.

This approach to medicine differs from traditional medicine (allopathic medicine) in regards to the tools used as well as the fundamental principles which it stands upon.

Naturopathic doctors are trained in the skills of traditionally accepted methods of diagnosis, however the tools they use are not centered around synthetic pharmacological drugs. Rather, ND’s focus on essentials such as dietary practices & lifestyle, and utilize tools from the natural world such as herbs, high-dose nutrients, and plant extracts to treat conditions.

Finally, prevention and the embrace of necessary lifestyle changes are paramount to the naturopathic approach. Changes made for our betterment and for a brighter future are not only empowering but bring about the freedom that is experienced when we are healthy.

What treatments do Naturopathic Doctors use? Naturopathic Doctors are fully trained in a number of modalities. They are as follows:
• Clinical Nutrition
• Botanical medicines (medicinal plants)
• Lifestyle Assessment & Correction
• Orthomolecular Medicine (high-dose supplementation working at the cellular level)
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (including herbs and acupuncture)
• Hydrotherapy (the use of hot and cold water)
• Homeopathy
• Counseling

Which health concerns and conditions can Naturopathic Medicine address?

Conditions ranging from most acute concerns to almost all chronic illness can benefit from naturopathic treatments. Age groups from pediatrics to geriatrics, as well as special life stages such as obstetrics and reproductive issues, can be approached effectively through naturopathic medicine. Their scope of practice includes all conditions that would be treated by family MD’s. What can I expect from my visits to Health & Wisdom Naturopathic Family Clinic?

Individuals seeking assistance from this clinic will quickly come to see that the primary goal of the doctors on staff is to get to know their patients as individuals and to attempt to address all of the factors that are involved with their state of health.

A thorough medical history of chief and secondary concerns and/or health goals will be taken, and further investigation via a detailed physical exam and laboratory testing (blood work) will be used to make a clear diagnosis and help direct treatment.

In contrast to most traditional medical centers and practices, you will begin to appreciate that more time is being given to you as the patient, and that effort will be taken to teach you about the many factors of health and the principles of naturopathic medicine in the aim to empower our patients to take their next step in improving themselves. Beginning with your first visit to the clinic and continuing throughout your relationship with us, the foundational principles of naturopathic medicine will be shared with you and put into practice. These principles being:
• Treating patients as individuals
• Discovering and treating the root causes of illness
• Doctor = Teacher
• Embracing beneficial change
• Empowerment of patients
• Prevention-based medicine

How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?

Naturopathic doctors are trained solely at accredited colleges and institutes (of which there are only six in North America). Acceptance to these colleges is dependent on the applicants completing a university undergraduate degree (3-4 years). The course itself is a four year program consisting of both classroom teaching, practical instruction, and a clinical internship. The first year’s emphasis is on basic medical sciences and is followed by an ever increasing instruction in the modalities and principles of naturopathic medicine throughout years two and three. The fourth and final year is a clinical internship where interns interact directly with patients under the close guidance of licensed naturopathic, chiropractic, and medical doctors for a minimum of 1,500 hours. Continuing education requirements are also mandatory throughout the professional career of naturopathic doctors.

Is Naturopathy regulated by the province?

Naturopathic medicine is regulated (licensed) in certain provinces and states, however not in all. To practice in regulated areas, doctors must have a university undergraduate degree, have graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical college (3 year program + 1 year of residency), and also must have passed the rigorous standardized board exams for North America & the province they are practicing in. Provinces that currently regulate naturopathic medicine include British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.

What will I receive as a patient and customer?

Patients of this clinic can expect to receive comprehensive medical care through complete & thorough medical assessments. Individualized treatment plans are then presented to all patients clearly outlining the details of their health concern as well as the specific reasons to the therapies selected. Patients will receive the due time necessary to properly assess their health and the time necessary to listen to questions, explain particulars of their medical case, and to teach the “how’s” & “why’s” needed for patients to make sense of their health care. Prevention-based recommendations will also be outlined for all patients in reference to the major diseases of our culture and in regards to individuals’ medical family history.

All recommendations and lifestyle changes will be supported by this clinic in the form of follow-up appointments and resources that the doctors will provide to better encourage the efforts of their patients.

Will my naturopathic visits be covered by OHIP?

Visits and treatments are not covered under OHIP, however some major health insurance carriers do cover naturopathic treatments in their packages. Check with your insurance carrier about the options in your package.

Doula

What is a Doula?

A doula provides support for a woman and her husband or partner during and after childbirth.

What type of support is provided?

Emotional Support
• Encouragement, Reassurance, Continuous physical presence
Informational Support
• Assistance to families in gathering information about the course of their labor & their options, Explanations, Non-medical advice
Physical Support
• Comfort measures, Positioning, Massage, Breathing, Relaxation, & other Non-pharmacological pain relief measures
Advocacy
• Advocates for the client’s wishes as expressed in her birth plan, in prenatal conversations, and intrapartum discussion. Doulas encourage the mother & partner to ask questions of the caregiver and to express their preferences and concerns. A doula does not speak for or make decisions for the mother and partner.
Partner Support
• Role modeling, Encouragement, Reassurance, Extra Set of Hands

What are the Benefits of Continuous Support During Labour?

A review of 15 studies with 13,000 women found that women with continuous supportive care from a companion were more likely to avoid cesarean birth and other major medical interventions and were more satisfied with their birth experience. These results were even greater when the continuous care was a non-hospital staff and a non-family member. These women were:
• 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
• 41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
• 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia
• 33% less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their birth experience

What outcomes have been noticed in the weeks following labour?

Six trials compared postpartum outcomes of women who had doulas and those that did not. The results showed that women who had doulas experienced more positive outcomes between weeks 4-8 than those without doulas. The results were:
• Enhanced breastfeeding
• Better maternal-infant interaction
• Less postpartum depression, anxiety, & greater self-esteem
• Higher maternal assessments of their baby when compared to the “standard baby”
• Greater satisfaction with their birth experience

Why Can’t a Nurse Provide Continuous Support?

Nurses along with all hospital staff are subject to hospital policies and regulations limiting their duties. There are also shift changes, diverse staff responsibilities, and staff shortages.

Where can I read more about Doula Support?

The Doula Book, 2002 by Klaus, Kennell, & Klaus The Birth partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman through Childbirth, 2nd Ed, 2001 by Simkin

Pre-natal Post-natal

Comprehensive pre-natal & post-natal care is now available at Health & Wisdom Naturopathic Medical Clinic through the clinical office of Doctor Leah Oster. Her medical practice has focused over the last few years towards the field of paediatrics & care surrounding pregnancy. Her passion for assisting women in achieving the best possible pregnancy that they can, and for the care of women who are having difficulties during child-bearing, is easily seen and conveyed to all of her patients during this special moment of life. Her skill and expertise are well rooted in clinical experience & on-going education within this field of medicine.

Pre-natal Care

Pre-natal care is a clinical focus directed towards assisting women once they have become pregnant, as well as assisting those who have difficulty conceiving.

Clinical Pregnancy Preparation Topics Include:
• Dietary guidelines
• Targeted nutritional & herbal supplementation
• Social resources & groups
• A specific clinic focus of assisting women with infertility and/or a history of chronic miscarriage is also provided.

Post-natal Care

Post-natal care is a clinical focus directed towards assisting women after they have delivered a child. • Clinical Focus Includes:
• Tissue healing (for both vaginal & Caesarean births)
• Lactation assistance/resources
• Hormone Balancing
• Fatigue & Recovery
• Postpartum depression
• Varicose veins & haemorrhoids

Well-Child Program

The Well Child Program is an initiative of Health & Wisdom that has been developed to help parents put their children’s best feet forward. The program consists of an initial assessment of your child’s developmental & physical health, as well as an analysis of lifestyle & dietary practices. Necessary treatment of any pre-existing condition will be included in your child’s visits, and time will always be given for any questions or topics your may have concerning your little one’s health.

The scheduling of the follow-up visits is designed to help your child as they pass through the different developmental stages that arise, and to touch base with the clinic frequently enough to keep your child’s care consistent.

Leah’s familiarity with paediatric care, brought forth from her years of clinical practice as well as her experience as a certified birthing doula, will be evident and prove the difference-maker in your child’s health. Common topics that arise include:
• Growth assessments
• Immunization education
• Childhood illness treatment & prevention plans
• Infant food introduction guidelines
• Expertise on Nutritional supplements most recommended for your child

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and treatment are possibly the most important focus that the field of medicine can have in our time. Death from heart attacks & strokes is still the #1 killer in our nation, carrying with it sorrow too far spread to measure. Encouragingly, the processes & molecular components needed for the development of CVD have been well established in the scientific literature, and with it the insight into how these factors can be profoundly countered. It is now clinically possible to have a tremendous influence on these damaging ingredients of arterial blockages & CVD for the prevention, and even the reversal, of this global killer. Sadly, this information is largely left untaught to patients in the clinical setting, and the life-giving interventions that have proven themselves true in the most recent double-blind population studies are unknown by most.

At Health & Wisdom Naturopathic Medical Clinic CVD is possibly the most common medical concern that comes through our doors. Full assessments are done for all patients including complete physical exams supported by the foremost accepted laboratory testing to establish where they stand in terms of their cardiovascular status. We then work with you to put forward the best strategies that fit into your lifestyle, and follow through with you to make these changes a part of your daily life. Cholesterol is hardly the full story. Through targeted high-dose nutritional supplementation, clearly defined dietary influences, and herbal medicines a dramatic influence can be made over the central disease processes & factors that govern the development of CVD.
1. Micro-damage to the side walls of the arteries (the pivotal initiatory step in arterial plaque formation)
2. Inflammation within the arteries
3. Cholesterol metabolism & elimination from the body
4. Additional known lifestyle & dietary factors that aid in the reversal of CVD

All medical conditions demand a thorough approach of treatment, and perhaps none deserve this more than CVD. Explore what comprehensive CVD prevention & treatment look like at Health & Wisdom Naturopathic Medical Clinic.

Auto-Immune Conditions

(Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Autoimmune conditions vary in their clinical presentation but all of them have the same abnormal disease process taking place; an individual’s own immune cells mistaking self tissue as something foreign and as something to be attacked.

At Health & Wisdom Naturopathic Medical Clinic we began taking a novel approach to the treatment of these conditions a handful of years ago. The early clinical successes that David achieved were initially surprising to us, but the effectiveness of his treatment protocols continue to dramatically help the patients of this clinic today.

The treatment protocols that David uses focus on the overall reduction of inflammation in the body & supporting the tissues that are being damaged by the immune system. The primary and most noteworthy aspect of our treatment method, however, is how we address the root cause of the problem. Healing the integrity of the small intestinal lining along the digestive tract is the key. The research supporting a strong link between small intestinal integrity problems in individuals with autoimmunity is substantial. In brief, when small intestinal integrity is compromised the immune system “waiting in the wings” on the other side of this lining is exposed to larger molecules from the digestive tract than it normally would see. The immune system then predictably searches the body to see if these “abnormal” molecules are entering anywhere else. In doing so, the immune system can mistake similar-looking molecules of our own tissue and begin attacking them. This defines autoimmunity. Again, the immune system is working well & predictably. This is an issue of “mistake-in-identity”. Treatment, therefore, is directed towards improving small intestinal integrity in the effort of reducing the abnormal exposure that the intestinal immune system faces. In doing so, immune suppression is not needed and the disease process is significantly extinguished.

Immune system suppression is not the answer to autoimmune disease. The long term health risks associated with this type of treatment are serious and in our professional opinion disqualify their use. The argument is that it is the only answer for such debilitating conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. The good news is that immune suppression is not the only answer. It isn’t even the best answer.

The treatment protocols that David uses have been developed by merging the results & observations from the latest medical research on the topic of autoimmunity into a working diagnosis that works clinically in the real world. It paints are far more complete & unifying understanding of these conditions compared to the traditionally held view that immune systems can simply go “haywire” on their own.

Please contact the clinic if you or a loved one would benefit from exploring this approach.

Naturopathic Oncology (Cancer Treatment)

Over the last 5 years an increasing number of patients dealing with a diagnosis of cancer have come to Health & Wisdom Naturopathic Medical Clinic seeking treatment. In response to this need, we have made first-line anti-cancer treatment a primary major focus of the clinic. Though naturopathic medicine can be of great complimentary assistance to those using traditional anti-cancer therapies (chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, etc.), it is also a powerful approach in its own right that extends well beyond the supportive role into first-line aggressive anti-cancer treatment.

The treatment protocols provided at Health & Wisdom can be used safely in conjunction with tradition treatments (with some exceptions), or as stand-alone primary anti-cancer care. The use of traditional oncology will never by discouraged, however all treatment options will be presented in an informed manner that will outline the risks, side-effects, and reported effectiveness of each.

The naturopathic treatments provided are strongly backed by large amounts of scientific & clinical research, and address fundamental aspects of cancer cell growth that are commonly left as wildcards by traditional oncology.

With specific dietary guidance, high-dose supplementation, targeted plant extracts, & important lifestyle strategies our treatment plans are broad, aggressive, and thorough, providing anti-cancer care tailored for various types of cancer cell lines.

We understand that these approaches to addressing cancer, though well recognized in the scientific literature, are unfortunately not as well known in the public domain. We will gladly spend the time with patients, prior to any commitment on their part, to introduce them to the general principles, logic, and efficacy of this approach.

Expect from us the sensitivity & professionalism that is demanded from such a medical condition.