Homeopathy is a 200 year old medicine founded by Samuel Hahnemann, a medical doctor and pharmacologist who discovered he could treat a disease with substances producing symptoms similar to the disease state. Called the Law of Similars, homeopathic medicine is now supported by the discovery of quantum physics in the mid 1980's.

As we grow, positive and negative life experiences impact our attitudes and belief systems. Our physical health can be impacted by our conscious and unconscious thought patterns, past traumas and emotions with the potential for generating disease states and energetic imbalances. In homeopathy, an individual's mental, emotional and physical state is identified to find the single remedy matching the patient's symptoms most precisely. Once located, the homeopathic remedy is given in minute amounts to cure the disease state displaying similar effects. The entire process can take up to six weeks with mental/emotional changes evident in the first 2-3 weeks and physical changes to physical health in later weeks.

Homeopathy can also be used acutely to treat mental and physical ailments expressed by the patient. Dosing regimens will vary depending on the intent.

In Chinese medicine, disease is viewed as an imbalance of energy in the body, while health is the harmonious balance between yin and yang. Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to increase the flow of energy or chi to correct energy imbalances. Chi flows through energetic pathways called meridians found throughout the body moving energy. Acupuncture points are located along the meridians and very fine needles are used to either tonify (strengthen the flow) or sedate (remove excess energy). For chronic conditions, complex Chinese herb formulas are sometimes prescribed to stimulate the organs.

Herbs can be used in many ways to treat disease. If used properly, herbs act as aids in stimulating or directing the body's own healing forces, thus promoting health from within.

Herbal teas and supplements can be derived from the whole plant or its parts such as the root, rhizome, bulb, stem, bark, flower, fruit, seed or resin. Similar to whole foods, herbs contain thousands of undiscovered phytonutrients in addition to the vitamins and minerals mankind has isolated.

Ironically, the vast majority of drugs are derived from a plant or herb. Rather than using the entire plant, a single component is identified then isolated, purified and enhanced to increase its potency and efficacy. Because drugs are concentrated preparations, risk of overdosing is a definite possibility.

Similarly, there is a common misconception that botanicals are completely safe and non-toxic because the potency or concentration of the active ingredients is low. Generally, this is a true statement if the botanicals are used in appropriate doses and preparations; however, there are parts of some plants that are highly poisonous and toxic if ingested or prepared improperly. It is very important to refer to a naturopathic physician if using herbal medicine to treat disease – and especially if also taking prescription drugs.

At the Charlene Deeks Centre of Naturopathic Medicine, herbal teas and supplements are safely used to augment specific body systems. Because plant constituents and pharmaceuticals can sometimes share the same metabolic pathways and enzymes, all herbal prescriptions are written keeping in mind the patient's current drug therapies to avoid any drug herb interactions.

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a safe non-surgical way to reduce the signs of aging. Removing as many as five to seven years from the face, patients feel regenerated and youthful.

Potential Benefits seen:

Improvement in muscle tone and tightening of skin pores. Collagen production is increased with return of a more youthful skin thickness. Bags under the eyes are reduced or eliminated. Eyes brighten as sagging eyelids and brows are lifted. Facial puffiness is reduced by improving metabolism and thus eliminating excess fluids. Skin becomes more moisturized via increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face. Fine lines are eliminated with a diminishing effect on larger wrinkles.

What Is Involved

Bowen therapy is a gentle and subtle technique releasing imbalances in the connective tissue. Its effect appears to impact the entire body, not just the specific area of pain. By gently moving the fascia (material wrapping your muscles) in a specific manner energy is released sending a signal throughout the area and helping to promote better body balance, body function and muscle re-education.

During a bowen treatment session, the health practitioner uses her hands to "roll" over the muscles involved, initiating the start of a deep relaxation process. This relaxation is the result of changes made to the fascia or connective tissue wrapping the body's muscles and a rebalancing of the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system is involuntary and is responsible for over 80% of spontaneous bodily functions. Because this part of the nervous system controls the "fight or flight" response, it is extremely vulnerable to retaining physical tension and emotional stress. Bowen therapy facilitates rebalancing of the autonomic system by invoking a state of rest and allowing the healing process to begin.

Conditions Treated by Bowen Therapy