Headaches & Migraines

Navigating the complexities of headaches, our Oak Clinic team offers individualized care to identify triggers and provide tailored solutions.

Headaches, in their various forms, can be debilitating and impact our daily lives. Thankfully, a holistic approach offers multifaceted solutions to address the diverse causes and triggers behind these discomforts. In this article, we delve into how each practitioner plays a distinct role in alleviating different types of headaches.

Tension Headaches:

Naturopathic Doctors: Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) excel in identifying the root causes of tension headaches, which often result from stress, muscle tension, nutrient depletion and poor posture. By integrating dietary changes, nutrient correction, stress management techniques, and lifestyle adjustments, NDs craft personalized plans to alleviate tension and promote overall well-being.

Massage Therapists: Massage therapy's skilled touch directly targets tense muscles, releasing knots and enhancing blood flow. Techniques such as relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, and myofascial release provide relaxation and muscle relief, easing tension-induced headaches.

Acupuncturists: Acupuncture stimulates specific points to regulate energy flow, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension. This approach can help alleviate the muscle stiffness and tightness contributing to tension headaches.

Migraines:

Naturopathic Doctors: NDs delve into the multifaceted triggers of migraines, examining dietary sensitivities, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies and environmental factors. Through tailored treatments that might include dietary adjustments, supplementation, lab testing and stress management techniques, NDs aim to reduce both the frequency and severity of migraines.

Acupuncturists: Acupuncture's focused needling approach not only addresses pain pathways but also encompasses a holistic perspective, intertwining with hormonal balance, digestion, and stress management. By promoting the release of neurotransmitters that counteract pain while fostering relaxation, acupuncture provides a comprehensive strategy to treat and prevent migraines, addressing not only the immediate symptoms but also the underlying factors that contribute to their occurrence.

Massage Therapists: Migraines often lead to muscular tension. Massage therapists work on easing muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and head, which can alleviate the pain associated with migraines.

Sinus Headaches:

Naturopathic Doctors: NDs explore underlying causes of sinus headaches, such as allergies, inflammation, chronic infection and immune system imbalances. By recommending natural remedies, dietary changes, and immune system support, NDs target sinus-related triggers.

Massage Therapists: Gentle massage techniques, particularly around the sinuses, can improve circulation, alleviate congestion, and provide relief from sinus headaches.

Acupuncturists: Acupuncture can stimulate points that promote sinus drainage, reduce inflammation, and support overall sinus health, contributing to relief from sinus headaches.

Learn more about how acupuncture can benifit headaches here: https://oakclinic.ca/articles/benefits-of-acupuncture-for-headaches-relief

Collaborating Naturopathic Doctors, Massage Therapists, and Acupuncturists create a holistic framework to address the intricate nature of headaches. By blending the strengths of each modality, individuals can benefit from a comprehensive approach that identifies triggers, reduces discomfort, and promotes lasting relief. If you suffer from headaches, explore these holistic solutions and embark on a journey to a pain-free and revitalized life.

Practitioners Specializing In:

Headaches & Migraines

Dr. Ayla Andrus

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Ayla is a full-time Naturopathic Doctor, seeing patients Monday through Thursday. She runs a general clinic but does focus her time on digestive and hormone concerns.

Dr. Elena Moore

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Elena is a full-time Naturopathic Doctor. While she operates a general clinic, her expertise and primary areas of focus are mental health, digestion, hormonal health, and cardiovascular disease.

Ally Ratzke

Registered Acupuncturist

Alexandra (Ally) Ratzke is a Registered Acupuncturist with the CTCMA and Certified Laser Acupuncturist. She sees patients Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Emma Sloane

Certified Massage Professional (CMMOTA)

Emma is a full time Massage Professional and has additional training in Neurostructural Integration, RAPID Neurofascial Reset and Lensen Osteopathy.

Megan Piccinin

Certified Massage Professional (CMMOTA)

Megan is an accomplished and dedicated Massage Professional, known for her exceptional expertise in a variety of massage techniques.