Rebecca Kellerstein, B.Sc., N.D.
Naturopathic Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What can you expect when you visit the Naturopathic Doctor?
A. My goal is to understand you and all the factors which impact on your health. When you see me initially, I first take an in-depth health history, which lasts about 1 to 1-1/2 hours. I then perform a physical exam, and may request certain laboratory tests to assist in my making an assessment and diagnosis. I then propose a personalized treatment plan to help facilitate your healing process. On subsequent 1/2 hour visits, I review your progress, and modify your treatment plan as is appropriate.
Q. What treatments do you use?
A. I will use one or a combination of the following treatments in order to help my patients kick-start their own healing processes:
Clinical Nutrition:
Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between what you eat, and your health. I may recommend for you to alter your diet slightly, and I may ask you to start taking certain nutritional supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, or enzymes.
Homeopathy
Based on the principle of "like cures like", homeopathic medicine was developed in the 18th century. Tiny amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body's own healing power.
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Based on balancing the flow of energy through the body, Chinese Medicine includes the use of acupuncture, as well as herbs.
Botanical Medicine
The use of plants for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization, and is the basis for modern pharmacology. Plants from around the world are used for their specific healing effects.
Physical Medicine
Physical Medicine includes a variety of hands-on techniques to soothe and ease pain or discomfort in the spine, joints, and soft tissues. It also includes hydrotherapy, which is the use of hot and cold water applied to a body part in order to affect circulation and promote healing.
Lifestyle Counselling
Physical, nutritional, environmental, and emotional factors affect health. I try to help my patients make effective lifestyle choices.
Q. Who benefits from seeing a Naturopathic Doctor?
A. A person of any age, from infancy to the elderly, with any health concern can benefit from Naturopathic Medical care. I see people of all ages - babies, children, teens, adults, pregnant mom's-to-be, and the elderly. These people see me for various reasons. They may be healthy, but looking to improve their state of health and well-being, in order to prevent any future diseases. Or, they may be suffering from an acute illness, such as a cold, flu, or headache, and want to kick-start their own healing processes naturally. Finally, they may have a chronic, degenerative illness, and are either looking for alternatives, or are looking for a more natural approach to their treatments which can work in conjunction with their conventional medical care.
Q. What kinds of health problems can be treated? Back to Top
A. A person of any age, with virtually any chronic or acute condition may benefit from Naturopathic treatment. The most common list (which is certainly not exclusive) of health conditions brought to me include:
Chronic Illnesses:
Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, fatigue, Allergies,
asthma & environmental illnesses
Constipation, digestive disturbances, skin problems, bladder infections,
prostate problems, sexual dysfunction, infertility issues
Acute Conditions:
Colds and flus
Ear and throat infections
Headaches
Intestinal upsets
Women's Conditions:
Enhancing health throughout pregnancy
Enhancing health throughout perimenopause and menopause
PMS, menstrual disorders
Fibrocystic breast disease
Endometriosis, uterine fibroids
Other:
Mental or emotional stress
Anxiety, depression
Insomnia
Behavioural disorders, hyperactivity
Q. Do you interact with other health-care
professionals? Back
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A. Yes. Naturopathic treatments are often combined
with conventional medical treatments for the good of
my patients. I may also refer to other practitioners,
such as medical doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists,
and midwives.
Q. Do I need a referral to see you?
A. No. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I am a primary
health-care provider. That means that anyone can see
me at any time.
Q. What's the difference between a Homeopath
and a Naturopathic Doctor?
A. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I use homeopathy
as one of the therapies that I integrate into a total
treatment plan. A Homeopathic Practitioner, on the other
hand, would use only homeopathy.
Q. Are you covered by OHIP?
A. While Naturopathic Medical care is not covered
by OHIP, it is covered by many extended health-care
plans. My patients are encouraged to request that their
policy include coverage of all Naturopathic services.
Q. How long are the visits?
A. The initial visit for an adult, student or
senior lasts approximately 2 hours. For a child, it
takes about 1-1/2 hours. Subsequent visits are 1/2 hour
long, regardless of age.
Q. What are your office hours?
A. I see patients on Monday and Wednesday 9am - 8pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 5pm. If you need me for any reason during the rest of the
work-week, just leave me a message, and I will return
your call promptly.
Q. Where are you located?
A. My office is located within the Centre Street Healing Centre. Its address is at 1136 Centre Street, Suite 207, in Thornhill, Ontario. The closest major intersection is Highway 407, between Bathurst Street and Dufferin Street.
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