Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that merges modern scientific knowledge with natural and traditional forms of medicine. It is based on the philosophy that stimulating the healing potential of the body, and treating the underlying cause, the body can return to a state of balance and health. Symptoms are viewed as warning signs of imbalance or improper function that need to be corrected. By addressing root cause(s) of disease many patients with chronic illness have found tremendous benefit. Although naturopathic medicine is a distinct health care system, treatments run in conjunction or support of your current medical plan.
WHAT NEUROPATHIC MEDICINE CAN DO FOR YOU
Naturopathic medicine addresses many health concerns — pediatric – geriatric, from acute symptoms – chronic illness, and from physical – psychological concerns. They are able to treat a wide variety of patients with a variety of therapeutic tools. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture. Naturopathic doctors also have access to a variety of special tests to help identify any underlying issues, and create a plan specifically for you. Naturopathic doctors are able to treat you as an individual not a condition with a single course of action.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
The digestive tract and the microbiome influence every aspect of our health. These effects can promote health or promote disease depending on the health of the microbiome. Naturopathic medicine has long valued the importance of digestive health and the microbiome, and have a variety of tools to repair a damaged digestive tract and improve the health of the microbiome. Diet and targeted supplementation, healing herbs, pre and probiotics are among the more common interventions. The food that we eat is more than enjoyment and calories. It is information and fuel for our microbiome and is the source material for every cell in our bodies.
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE DIGESTIVE TRACT
Nearly every system in the body can be impacted because of the damage done to the digestive tract and the liver. In large amounts, alcohol can devastate the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and liver which results in direct damage to the digestive tract and other organs. Alcohol can cause inflammation through a variety of mechanisms. Chronic alcohol intake leads to intestinal inflammation by: altering intestinal microbiota composition and function, increasing the permeability of the intestinal lining, and affecting the intestinal immune balance.
Changes to the digestive tract create a vicious loop of inflammation and tissue destruction eventually leading chronic inflammation and tissue destruction. This can lead to a wide variety of systemic conditions like: malnutrition, liver disease, altered immune function, altered sugar metabolism, neuroinflammation and psychiatric disorders. In fact the three leading causes of death attributed to alcoholism are liver disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
HOW NEUROPATHIC MEDICINE CAN HELP
Naturopathic medicine is an excellent fit because Naturopathic medicine takes a whole-person approach to addiction management and recovery with treatment plans varying depending on the specific needs of the patient. Naturopathic interventions include but are not limited to counselling, lab testing, herbal medicine, orthomolecular interventions (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) and acupuncture. Choosing a treatment regime for any patient is influenced by the patient history, the amount of time used, type of drugs used and the impact the addiction has had on the body
Editorial – Dr Andrew Byrk, ND.

Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is crucial in assessing the risk of developing osteoporosis or fractures. Women and men over 65 and those with risk factors for fracture should get a BMD test. Combining BMD tests with clinical risk factors can determine fracture risk and inform treatment decisions. Protect your ability to live your best life with Echolight™, the new ultrasound bone density measurement scanner that takes 15 minutes to do. First time in Manitoba. You have the option of either having the scan in our office or in the comfort of your home since we have a portable one. Echolight™ is radiation-free, safe, accurate as well as Health Canada and FDA approved.

Physical activity should be considered as a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, according to a scientific review that analysed more than 95 scientific reviews involving 128,000 participants. The study found that physical activity was more effective than counselling or medication in some cases, and provided positive impacts across all studies. Shorter exercise interventions of 12 weeks or less were found to be the most effective in reducing mental health symptoms. The research highlights the need for exercise to be prioritised as a mainstay approach for managing depression and anxiety, particularly as it can make a positive change to mental health quickly. Study found in The British Journal of Sports Medicine – https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2023/03/02/bjsports-2022-106195

Migraines impact one billion people across the globe and is recognized as the #2 cause of disability worldwide. While a migraine is a headache, a headache isn’t always a migraine. Headaches cause pain in the neck, sinuses, face, and head. Migraines, however, cause debilitating pain, visual disturbances, or both. They can last for hours or days and are often chronic. Without relief, migraines can cause other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and can also lead to depression. Some of the most common triggers include stress, bright lights, sleep changes, alcohol, foods such as aged cheeses, and changes in exercise habits. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on prevention and treatment.

Horses are a flight animal meaning that they are hyper-aware and observant of their environment. A horse can sense a person’s emotions and is highly attuned to things such as stress or anxiety. Horses are capable of sensing a person’s feelings instantly and giving feedback such as moving toward or away from the client (Emerge Equine, 2023). A horse can move off of the intention and energy alone creating a symbiotic relationship. Additionally, horses are large and powerful animals that have the ability to support and encourage participants as they overcome fear, gain confidence and self-esteem in this healing process.

EAL seeks to help facilitate building upon coping skills and strategies through the use of equine supports. EAL uses experiential learning techniques such as role-playing, role-reversal, and mirroring, combined with equine-based activities including grooming, walking and sometimes riding a horse. The session begins with defining the session objectives, and co-creating a safe environment for participants, horses and facilitator. The facilitator guides participants to support them in meeting objectives by facilitating communication, and asking open ended questions to engage participants. After the activity, participants then process and debrief feelings and behaviors associated with the activities within the session (Emerge Equine, 2023).

Eqine Assisted Learning seeks to help facilitate building upon coping skills and strategies through the use of equine supports. EAL uses experiential learning techniques such as role-playing, role-reversal, and mirroring, combined with equine-based activities including grooming, walking and sometimes riding a horse. The session begins with defining the session objectives, and co-creating a safe environment for participants, horses and facilitator. The facilitator guides participants to support them in meeting objectives by facilitating communication, and asking open ended questions to engage participants. After the activity, participants then process and debrief feelings and behaviors associated with the activities within the session.

CONTACT US: Call SRWC at (204) 956-6650 or email info@srwc-mb.ca to make an appointment or get more information about our programs. DONATE TODAY: SRWC 2nd. flr. 225 Vaughan St. Winnipeg, Mb., R3C 1T7. DONATIONS can be made on line at srwc-mb.ca. For Credit Card, call (204)956-6650.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Equine Assisted Learning Contact Meghan Wilson, SRWC Family Program Coordinator at (204) 956-6650 and/or visit sagehillstables.com for more information.

SRWC is a unique community-based recovery-oriented agency that offers a holistic approach to recovery from addiction and substance abuse problems, encompassing physical, mental, spiritual and sexual health. We have short wait times for intakes and entering co-ed and gender specific programs for men, women and moms in recovery, morning, afternoon, and early evening, providing individual and group counselling, and family support. SRWC is committed to a flexible schedule in order to meet your recovery needs. SRWC supports health enhancing activities such as, exercise, mindfulness, nutrition, and gardening. This month we are illustrating the recovery and healing benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy.