The initial or first naturopathic appointment aims to gather information with an in-depth intake including medical history, personal and family history, and chief health concerns, as well as a review of systems. Dr. Luhar reviews the diet, medicines in current use, and will conduct or refer for a physical exam if necessary. Appointments typically last an hour. Laboratory tests and a variety of functional tests are also ordered and analyzed in order to determine a comprehensive diagnosis and customized treatment protocol that combines various naturopathic modalities.
Individuals can choose to work in one of 3 ways with Dr. Luhar. She offers 3 tiers consisting of concierge consultation packages which aspire to deliver transformational results towards optimal wellbeing. For more details please send an email to dr.faryal.luhar@gmail.com
Dr. Luhar treats all medical conditions and provides both individual and family health care. Among the most common ailments treated are:
- Women’s Health/ Hormonal Imbalances: Menstrual disturbances, PMS, PMDD, Fibroids, Endometriosis, PCOS, Peri/Menopause, Breast health issues, Ovarian/uterine conditions
- Digestive Disturbances: Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, SIBO, Gastritis
- Endocrine Disturbances: Type 2 Diabetes, Stress conditions, Hypothyroidism, Prostate concerns
- Auto-Immune Conditions: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE
- Skin Conditions: Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, Hair health
- Pain Syndromes: Arthritis, Headaches/Migraines, Cramps, Joint Pains, Low Back Pain
Naturopathic medicine honours the principle of biological individuality; each person is unique in their physical attributes and bodily functions, as well as emotional, spiritual and environmental response to stimuli. “Disease” occurs when one or more of these elements is imbalanced. Each person’s health picture is as unique as their fingerprint; hence every treatment protocol is tailor-made by Dr. Faryal Luhar with the use of tools and modalities described below to create a custom-designed regimen taking into consideration individual needs and values.
Nutrition Therapy & Supplementation
The foundation of optimal health and vitality comes from nutrients ingested in the form of food. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, stated 2400 years ago, “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food”. Naturopathic medicine excels in resolving many illnesses and chronic conditions by simply evaluating a person’s nutritional status, removing offending foods, and recommending foods abundant in the necessary nutrients to restore proper physiology, function and vitality. It is essential to consume foods in the right balance, along with nutritional recommendations that are specific to the patient’s complaints. As an example, Dr. Luhar may recommend to a patient suffering from prostate inflammation to consume foods higher in zinc (pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, oysters). The role of proper nutrition is very important in one’s health, and is the first building block for every initial consultation with Faryal. When supplements are required for specific actions, those will be included in the treatment protocol.
Botanical Medicines & Herbs
The use of standardized extracts of medicinal plants and herbs according to their therapeutic benefits and documented research is another effective naturopathic modality. The use of plants as remedies dates back to the beginning of time, and is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Naturopathic doctors will often use botanical medicine in conjunction with other therapies. Research shows that botanicals often offer health benefits without some of the risks or side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs. Dr. Luhar usually prescribes botanical medicines in the form of liquid tinctures, capsules or tablets, as well as loose herbs such as those used to make a herbal tea.
Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
TCM (traditional chinese medicine) has existed for more than 3000 years and encompasses the use of traditional chinese herbs, acupuncture and even cupping. This eastern philosophy strives to achieve balance through the cultivation of harmony within body organs (theory of yin and yang) and the concept of “Qi” (energy or life force). According to principles of Chinese medicines, blockages in “meridians” or energy channels are believed to be the cause of disease and acupuncture is an effective method to remove these blockages in order to promote the free flow of energy and therefore, health. Very fine disposable needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points and research now shows that acupuncture results in the release of endorphins (which decrease pain sensation), improves circulation and oxygenation, and stimulates organs to function better. Dr. Faryal Luhar also offers Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture which is a series of treatments focusing on improving the youthfulness, glow and vibrancy of the face and skin with the use of ultra-fine acupuncture needles to clear away blemishes, brighten the skin, eliminate fine lines and reduce wrinkles!
Homeopathic Combination Remedies
Originated by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in 1796 based on his doctrine of “like cures like”, this system of medicine utilizes highly diluted substances. When taken in large doses, these substances would otherwise cause unpleasant symptoms; in minute doses, these substances to trigger healing, ultimately resolving those symptoms. Dr. Luhar utilizes combination remedies containing homeopathic substances, and also offers biopuncture (the use of homeopathic remedies in acupuncture points). These remedies are non-toxic, non-addictive and are subtle yet powerful. Tissue salts are another form of medicine which are mainly minerals in trace amounts that also work remarkably effectively.
Physical Therapies
Hydrotherapy, which is the use of water as a medium to stimulate improved circulation and drainage, is part of original Nature Cure. It is widely used to enhance immune function and involves the use of steam inhalations, contrast showers or even foot baths to boost health. Other physical therapies that Dr. Luhar uses include Reflexology, Soft tissue bodywork and Exercise therapy.
Gemmotherapy
This therapy uses remedies made principally from the buds and young shoots of trees and shrubs which are gathered in the spring, at the highest point of the natural cycle of growth and renewal. During this stage, they contain the highest concentration of nutrients, vitamins and enzymes – the essence of the budding plant which capture the abundant vital energy that facilitate healing and detoxification in a gentle, but deep-acting way.
Lifestyle Counselling
No matter what symptoms are presented at the consultation, the aim is to investigate the root cause of disease : exposure to toxic chemicals, levels of chronic stress, health of personal relationships, level of exercise, exposure to sunlight and fresh air, hydration status with clean water, and amount of good quality restorative sleep. These factors play a key role in determining health, and when they are out of balance, deficient or excessive, they contribute to biochemical changes that result in health problems. Faryal spends time with each patient to identify and improve lifestyle choices that favour good health, and also offers counselling on mental/emotional issues that may impact one’s sense of wellbeing.