PREVENTATIVE CARE

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Annual physical and gynecological exams are provided to all patients to ensure maintenance of their health.
 

ACUPUNCTURE

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been in existence for over 5,000 years. This ancient medicine uses sterilized fine needles, which are inserted through the skin to stimulate the body's healing process. There are over 2,000 acupuncture points each with different indications. Evaluation of symptoms is different than conventional evaluation. TCM recognizes 3 pulses on each wrist. The pulse in combination with the appearance of the tongue, chief health concern, and health history are used to establish a TCM diagnosis. The art and skill of acupuncture lies in identifying an accurate diagnosis and determining the corresponding points that are specific for your health condition.

TCM is a complete system that corrects imbalances in the body and mind by creating balance of energy, and in turn, restoring health and well-being.

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An acupuncture treatment can last from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the condition of the patient being treated. The number of treatments is dependent on the severity of the problem and an individual's response.

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Acupuncture has been researched as effective for:

• Pain due to childbirth, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), headaches, migraines, tension headaches, chronic pain

• Respiratory disorders such as allergic rhinitis

• Gynecological and obstetric disorders such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility, stimulation of milk secretion after birth

• Psychiatric disorders such as depression, smoking cessation, substance-abuse (as adjunctive therapy)

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BOTANICAL MEDICINE

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Dr. Giard enjoys working with botanical (herbal) medicines. These powerful plants contain important constituents that as a whole work to increase health. Many herbs are powerful medicines that are safe and effective when used properly. A resurgence of scientific research in Europe and Asia is demonstrating that some plant substances are superior to synthetic drugs in clinical conditions. You may be prescribed Western botanical medicines or Chinese herbal formulations in the form of liquid tinctures, capsules, creams, or ointments. By using the healing power of nature through the medicinal properties of plants, many health conditions can be treated with few or relatively no side effects.

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Remember - many drugs originate from plants. Herbs can have a significant effect on the body. A trained Naturopathic Doctor is familiar with the pharmacology of nutrient and herb interactions, herbal and drug interactions, and the potential toxicity of herbs alone or herbs in combination with other medications. Consultation with Dr. Giard ensures you are using the healing power of botanicals to enhance, rather than negatively affect your health.

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MEDICATION EVALUATION

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Assessment and evaluation of medication(s) to determine current health needs, compliance and recommendations.

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LAB TESTING

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In addition to Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp’s services for routine panels such as thyroid, cholesterol, cardiovascular, Dr. Giard relies on a number of specialty labs to help structure individual treatment plans. Specialty labs may be used to identify food allergy/sensitivity, cortisol levels, imbalances in nutrition and amino acids for proper neurotransmitter function, hormonal panels for andropause in males, menstruating and menopausal females and adrenal function. Some labs rely on serum while others are simple salivary collections.

Labs used: 

• IGeneX: a reference lab specializing in State-of-the-Art Clinical and Research Testing for Lyme Disease and Associated Tick-borne Diseases.

• Cell Science Systems: Cell Science Systems Corp. is a specialty clinical laboratory that develops and performs laboratory testing in immunology and cell biology supporting the personalized treatment and prevention of chronic disease. 

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HOMEOPATHY

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Homeopathy works in accordance with natural laws of healing. The process a Naturopathic Doctor uses to choose a homeopathic medicine takes into account the whole person, and not just the illness or disease. During a homeopathic intake, physical symptoms are evaluated, as well as, the patient's mental and emotional well-being.

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Homeopathy is a medical system more than 200 years old, which uses highly diluted substances that act to enhance the body's innate healing response.

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Homeopathy is based on the "Law of Similars." It follows observations in nature and is different from the notion of opposing or killing invading illness. The theory of curing by similars dates back to 5 BC to Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine. It was familiar to Paracelsus, the renowned 16th century Swiss physician, and formalized by Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. Dr. Hahnemann tested the "laws of similars" and established it as the cornerstone of a system of medicine he named homeopathy. Dr. Hahnemann stated: "Any substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person when given in full-strength form, will cure a sick person with the same symptoms when given in a more diluted minute form."

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For example, when cutting an onion, the eyes may tear and the nose may run, producing a clear thin discharge in a healthy person. However, it can be used to treat someone suffering from a runny nose and tearing eyes when given in a small homeopathic dose. This is different from using a anti-histamine to stop the tearing eyes and runny nose.

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Homeopathy does not interfere with other forms of medication, is non-toxic, and has little to no side effects. Homeopathic medicines treat a variety of health concerns, including emotional disturbances such as anxiety and depression. It does this my addressing the source of illness not just the symptoms. Homeopathic medicine treats the vital force (known as Qi in Chinese medicine).

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NUTRITION

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Nutrition is more than just a means of energy for the body. Nutrition can serve as a medicinal benefit to the body. Improved nutrition through knowledge and healthy food choices can give the body the tools it needs to heal itself. Our providers will work with you to create an individual eating plan that moves you toward better health. She can assist you by identifying food allergies and sensitivities, balancing blood sugar problems, and using nutrition to address many health concerns, including mood disorders and chronic illnesses. Nutrition, through diet, supplementation, and even intravenous therapies, can have a significant impact on your current health, today and long-term.

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HYDROTHERAPY

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A core naturopathic therapy that stimulates and strengthens the immune system using various forms of alternating hot and cold applications on specific areas of the body. This can range from ending your hot shower with several seconds of cold water to having alternating hot and cold towels placed on your chest and abdomen, and back several times as you rest comfortably under warm wool blankets. These treatments are helpful for many conditions, helped by increasing circulation and immune response.

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HORMONE REPLACEMENT

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Many women are looking for alternatives to traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The media has picked up recent studies which showed an increased risk of stroke, blood clots, heart disease, and dementia with the 5-year use of two common synthetic HRT drugs, Premarin and Provera. Traditional HRT uses the strongest form of estrogen, estradiol, which is associated with more risk of side effects and disease. There are other alternatives for the management of menopausal symptoms, including bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical hormones are derived from natural sources, such as, soybean, yam, or other plants, and identical to human hormones, unlike synthetic hormones. Bio-identical hormones use the weaker form of estrogen, estradiol, to provide symptomatic relief without the associated risk of disease. Bio-identical hormones can be individualized to meet the needs of the patient versus the "one size fits all" approach of common HRT drugs. Bio-identical hormones provide women with a safer alternative to traditional HRT and provide symptomatic relief of common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, low libido, low energy, and vaginal dryness.