Questions to Dr. Gayle (Heath) Maguire
WHAT KIND OF THINGS CAN NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE HELP WITH?
With my knowledge and your commitment, most of your health goals can be attained. Some conditions that naturopathic doctors commonly treat:
| * Allergies | * Anxiety/Depression | * Autoimmune disease |
| * Behavioural disorders | * Cancer | * Children’s health |
| * Diabetes | * Digestive concerns | * Eczema |
| * Ear infections | * Fertility | * Fibromyalgia |
| * Hair loss | * Headaches | * Hemorrhoids |
| * High blood pressure | * High cholesterol | * Hormonal complaints |
| * Incontinence | * Insomnia | * Joint pains |
| * Nerve issues | * Pre- and Post-natal | * Prostate health |
| * Reflux disease | * Thyroid disorders | * Urinary Tract infections |
| * Incontinence | * Insomnia | * Joint pains |
| * Nerve issues | * Pre- and Post-natal | * Prostate health |
In addition, naturopathic medicine is often used by those:
• unable to get diagnosed with a conventional diagnosis
• unable to find a family doctor
• with side-effects of surgeries, cancer therapy or medications
• who have never been well since a surgery or illness, such as mononucleosis, or a significant life event, such as trauma, pregnancy or menopause
• wishing to find greater wellness or preventative care
• looking to find a experienced guide in the ever-expanding field of alternative health
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING TREATMENT?
To feel better than you ever knew you could – that is my goal for my patients. This gentle, yet supportive blend of science and nature is changing the face of Canadian healthcare.
Naturopathic doctors strive to spend adequate time with patients to fully understand their concerns, and also to follow-up and monitor patients to best guide and motivate them – a patient should never feel forgotten. The first consultation is 90 minutes to discuss your concerns and assess your body inside and out. By the end of that visit, we have an idea of where your primary imbalances may lie and a treatment plan is laid in place. Then we check up, usually for 30 minutes, when needed, according to your plan.
Your plan may include dietary changes, herbs or supplements to take, acupuncture, homeopathy, and/or lifestyle changes. Often it is a balance of quick-acting remedies to get relief and long-term treatments to address the root cause. These remedies are usually combined with things you can do to engage in your treatment plan and take an active role in your well-being.
WHAT QUALIFIES YOU TO TREAT ME?
Short answer: 8 years of study and a licence number. I am a registered naturopathic doctor, which entails the study of pre-medical sciences for four years, then completion of the accredited four-year program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. After graduating, I wrote and passed rigorous board examinations to get my licence to practice, and keep valid registration with the Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners through continuing education. I take my job and the health of my patients seriously and am passionate about health education and promotion.
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is one of my favourite modalities to use. I am trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, so acupuncture is used to treat a person’s imbalances, moreso than specific conditions, which often causes relief of their health conditions with added improvements in energy, sleep, or digestion, just to name a few. Sterile, single-use needles, nearly as fine as hair, are gently placed under the level of the skin for at least 15 minutes. You may feel the slightest pinch as the needle goes in, although you’ll likely feel more from a mosquito bite. Needles can be placed almost anywhere on the body, depending on your case. After needles are in, you may not feel them at all, or you may feel a warmth or electricity in that area. It should not be uncomfortable. I like acupuncture because you can treat many seemingly unrelated conditions, like headaches, eczema and IBS, at the same time, and it often shows improvements within a few treatments.
CAN I STILL SEE MY MEDICAL DOCTOR AND TAKE MY PRESCRIPTIONS?
Yes, absolutely. Safety is the main concern, in addition to meeting patient goals, whatever they may be. Naturopathic doctors are experts in alternative health and how to safely use natural remedies and pharmaceuticals. Options and education will be provided, but a patient will never be told to disregard the advice of other qualified health care providers.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS?
Yes, I always try to leave room open for new patients to get in within 3 weeks. I also offer a free 15-minute consultation for people to meet me and ask questions about my practice and how naturopathic medicine may help them. Since they are shorter visits, I can usually fit free consultations in within a week of calling.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Although Alberta Health does not cover naturopathic medical services, most extended health care plans do. Please check your plan. You will be provided with a detailed receipt to submit to your insurance provider. For adults, the rate is currently $150 for the initial naturopathic medicine consultation, $90 for the initial acupuncture-only session, and $65 for all naturopathic and acupuncture follow-ups. These prices do not include GST. Please note a there is $25 fee for missed appointments (cancellation is required 24 hours in advance).
ARE YOU AVAILABLE ON SATURDAYS?
Yes, I have at least one Saturday a month open to new and existing patients, in addition to my weekday availabilities.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR APPROACH?
My approach is gentle, well-planned and reasonable, because I design the plan with my patients. I meet them where they are at (and maybe challenge them a little to reach the next level of health). I use a lot of nutritional therapy and acupuncture, but also have training in homeopathy, supplements, herbs, hydrotherapy, Reiki and physical medicines. I took advanced training in facial rejuvenation acupuncture and intravenous therapies, and teach medical sciences at the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
I believe that health is an excellent and harmonious functioning of the body, mind, and soul. In my experience, the best treatment plans are found when I give patients all their options and they decide which fits best for them. A patient should not only understand their treatment, but be excited by it. I take time with patients, while staying on time.
WHAT SHOULD I DO PRIOR TO SEEING YOU?
Gather your health information – prescription information, lab tests, past illnesses/surgeries, current supplements – any information that may help me understand your health history.
In addition, start contemplating your health goals. What are your goals and what are willing to do to accomplish them? How good to you want to feel? What are your expectations of your healthcare providers? Are you ready for the journey to optimal health?
I look forward to working with you to achieve your health goals.