InnerGlow Skin Care FAQ's
Micro-Current Therapy
Is it okay to do micro-current therapy soon after using Juvederm?
Naturopathic Medicine FAQ's
How are Naturopathic Doctors Trained?
What is the difference between Naturopathy and Homeopathy?
What can I expect from my first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor at your clinic?
Are Naturopathic Doctors regulated in Ontario?
How can I tell if someone is qualified as a Naturopathic doctor?
Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP?
Are there Naturopathic Doctors who are also Medical Doctors?
Are Naturopathic therapies scientific?
Do Naturopathic doctors ever work with medical doctors?
Micro-Current Therapy
- Is this treatment safe?
Absolutely. Micro-current is a safe and non-invasive treatment that works in synergy with your body’s natural energy system. - How many sessions are recommended?
To achieve optimal effect we suggest a course of 12 consecutive treatments. Smokers may require double the number of sessions. Treatments can be done 1 to 3 times per week, with a non treatment day between sessions. - How many treatments does it take to see a difference?
A difference can be seen during the first treatment. One half of your face is treated first, then the practitioner gives you a mirror and points out the changes that have already taken place. The most significant changes occur around the 6th treatment. Photos are taken at the first, sixth, and final treatment. - Are there any needles or injections or discomfort involved?
Absolutely not. If you feel anything at all it will be mild tingling in your facial muscles. - What can patients expect the result to be?
Many patients have reported a sensation of firmness and lift on their face after their treatments. Lines, wrinkles, sagging, bags and dark circles can be wonderfully improved and even eliminated in this facelift process. - Will the results be immediately noticeable like Botox injections?
Some changes are immediately evident. How much immediate change depends on the patient’s skin condition, general health and wrinkle depth. What can be expected from our facial rejuvenation program is a gradual transition to a more natural, healthier and toned facial appearance. - Is this procedure used only for cosmetic purposes?
No. It is used for treatment of Temperomandibular Syndrome (TMJ) and Bell’s Palsy. Patients with TMJ syndrome experience a reduction (relief) of headaches, facial/ear pain, ringing in the ears, pain with chewing etc. Bell’s Palsy patients experience enhanced recovery of the paralyzed side of their face. - Is there scientific evidence of the benefits of Micro current?
Yes. Many researchers have proven that Micro-current stimulation increases ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) resulting in improved cell metabolism, injury repair, and soft tissue cell regeneration (Cheng et al. 1982). Specific research on micro current and skin by Dr. Chi (2003, U of Washington’ s Pathology Department) showed: 10% increase in collagen thickness in connective tissue, 35% increase in the number of blood vessels, 45% increase in number of elastin fibers in the dermis, 35% increase in blood circulation in the tissues (improving the health, condition and colour of the skin). - What is unique about your program?
It is a completely painless, relaxing holistic multi-procedural approach that produces gradual long term changes. The tone and texture of the skin is improved, giving a more youthful glow. This does not occur with plastic surgery. The advantage of our rejuvenation program lies in its holistic approach that addresses the actual causes of skin aging due to aging factors as opposed to procedures like plastic surgery which masks without correcting the underlying imbalances. (The Natural Facelift technique can also be used as an adjunct to surgical facelift to facilitate healing and improve skin tone and texture). - I have already had cosmetic surgery and/or botox injections, can I still use this technique?
Yes, most definitely, this technique would be of great benefit to you, as it would improve your skin texture, and underlying muscles would be toned giving you a more natural and youthful appearance. - Are follow treatments recommended after my initial course of treatments?
In order to protect your investment, follow up treatments are recommended. The frequency depends on each individual but usually one session every one to four months is sufficient.
Is it okay to do micro-current therapy soon after using Juvederm?
With an injectable collagen filler such as Juvederm, the goal is to keep the filler in place and intact as long as possible. Our technique MAY cause the filler to dissipate more quickly. Our instructor consulted with Dr Tanya Pentelichuk on this question and her reply was "It will likely make the filler dissipate at a faster rate, however, the client may not notice because the facial rejuvenation will be kicking in." We have had other practitioners comment that the client is quite happy with the microcurrent protocol together with the filler and they felt that the area that received the filler looked better and smoother after the microcurrent protocol was applied.
So, we could do one of two things:
1) Provide our protocol but just avoid the immediate areas where the filler has been injected (i.e. nasalabial folds). Having said this, the area where the filler has been injected is also the area where our protocol has the most benefit, by causing the body to naturally fill in these areas. So if we want to prevent needing future filler injections we would want this area to be treated.
OR
2) Do not perform our protocol until you are near to needing the repeat collagen filler treatment (injections last 3 -6 -12 months depending on type of filler and your individual physiology).
The ideal scenario would be for you to avoid the need for repeat injectable fillers by building your own collagen. With regular treatments the full microcurrent protocol (local treatment, nutrition, topical skin care products, acupuncture etc) facilitates this.
How are Naturopathic Doctors Trained?
Homeopathic medicine was originally developed during the 18th century by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann, and is widely used throughout the world. Based on the principle of "like cures like", minute amounts of plant, animal or mineral substances are used to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities. When carefully matched to the patient they are able to affect the body's "vital force" and to Naturopathic doctors obtain comprehensive and rigorous training in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors. Naturopathic doctors require a minimum of 3 years pre-med undergraduate education, plus 4 years of full-time study at an approved college of naturopathic medicine.
The four-year program incorporates basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapies, as well as problem-based approaches to health issues, and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. In Canada, the only accredited college of naturopathic medicine is the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.
Following the completion of their program, NDs must successfully complete Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America. stimulate the body's innate healing forces on both the physical and emotional levels, with few side effects. Some conditions that do not respond well to conventional medicine respond effectively to homeopathy.
What is the difference between Naturopathy and Homeopathy?
Homeopathy (click on Therapies - Homeopathy, for more information) is 
only one of the "modalities" or forms of treatment that a Naturopathic Doctor is trained in. Naturopathic Medicine is the art of using clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (includes herbs and acupuncture), physical therapies (includes hydrotherapy, massage therapy etc) and counselling together with medical science to create a unique treatment plan for each individual patient. Homeopaths, on the other hand, are trained to practice in ONE discipline – homeopathy. So while a homeopath would prescribe a homeopathic therapy, a naturopathic doctor would use any of the approaches listed above, including homeopathy, in their treatments.
In addition, since homeopathy is not a regulated or licensed health profession in Ontario, it is difficult to assess the qualifications and training of a practicing homeopath. Naturopathic medicine is regulated and licensed in Ontario.
What can I expect from my first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor at your clinic?
A detailed intake form is mailed to and filled out by the patient before the first visit. The initial visit is usually an 75-90 minutes and includes a detailed history taking and a screening physical exam. With the information that is obtained in the first visit, an individual treatment plan is created and explained on the second visit. The second visit is usually 45-60 minutes. If any subsequent or "follow-up" visits are required, they are usually 30 minutes unless the patient requests more time.
Are Naturopathic Doctors regulated in Ontario?
Naturopathic doctors are currently the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors are regulated in Ontario under the 1925 Drugless Therapy Act and are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDTN). The BDDTN functions to ensure that naturopathic doctors are properly qualified to practice naturopathic medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.
On May 19, 2006, the Health Professions Regulation Advisory Council (HPRAC) recommended that the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors be moved under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). This is the same governed body which also regulates Medical Doctors, Chiropractors and Registered Massage Therapists. This change, as defined by the Naturopathy Act (2007) will improve protection for the public and the profession. Currently, the transitional Council of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario actively working towards developing regulations, policies, by-laws and the necessary business operations for a new health regulatory college called the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. The mandate of the new College will be to operate, manage and administer its statutory obligations under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, (RHPA) and the Naturopathy Act, 2007, to regulate the profession of naturopathy in the public interest.
How can I tell if someone is qualified as a Naturopathic doctor?
In Ontario, the public can call the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDTN) at 416-866-8383 to verify that a naturopathic doctor is registered to practice in the province. The BDDTN is the regulatory body that registers naturopathic doctors to practice in Ontario.
In addition, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors only accepts registered naturopathic doctors as members and can also be contacted to verify if an ND is licensed. The OAND can be reached at 416-233-2001 or info@oand.org.
Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP?
At this time, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover naturopathic services. However, most employment insurance providers have naturopathic medicine coverage in their extended health care packages. Insured patients can contact their employer or individual insurance agents to see if they are covered. If not, such coverage can often be included at nominal rates.
Are there Naturopathic Doctors who are also Medical Doctors?
There are no naturopathic doctors in Ontario who are licensed medical doctors. There are a number of naturopathic doctors in Ontario that trained and practiced as medical doctors outside of Canada, and whom decided to train and practice as naturopathic doctors in Canada. These individuals are not licensed as medical doctors in Canada and thus are not covered by OHIP and do not prescribe pharmaceuticals.
Undoubtedly there are medical doctors that have an interest in providing advice on natural therapies. However, these doctors would not be considered naturopathic doctors and do not have the specialized training in each and all of the disciplines of naturopathic medicine.
Are Naturopathic therapies scientific?
Many naturopathic therapies have developed out of a rich history of use and are now being validated by scientific research. For example, many herbs have been used effectively for centuries by varying indigenous civilizations. Research over the past few years have supported the use of such therapeutics as Echinacea and St. John's Wort. The same can be said of acupuncture, homeopathy, and certainly of whole nutrition. As the demand for naturopathic medicine increases, so does the scrutiny of naturopathic therapies. The naturopathic profession supports research into the efficacy of these therapies. For example, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine is currently involved in many studies, many of them in collaboration with other medical and naturopathic institutions.
Do Naturopathic doctors ever work with medical doctors?
Naturopathic doctors do work with medical doctors. Whether the ND works in an independently run clinic, or in a multidisciplinary clinic with medical doctors on site, there is often an interaction or collaboration that NDs encourage among the patient's other health care professionals. For example, an ND may obtain permission from their patient to interact with, and request information from, their family physicians and or medical specialists. This way, all the primary health care practitioners are informed of the patient's choices, can learn about alternative/supplementary approaches, and respect each professional's role in the patient's whole health care.