Dr. Avram Hanan Sussman

Dr. Sussman provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Immune Allergy Skin

• Allergies & Hay Fever (Seasonal or Environmental): Alleviating symptoms of hay fever and environmental allergies with a holistic naturopathic approach.
• Eczema, Psoriasis & Acne: A holistic approach to skin health, combining internal therapies with topical recommendations for lasting results.

Stress Anxiety Sleep Support

• Anxiety & Mood Support: Supporting mental and emotional well-being with botanical medicines, nutritional interventions, and lifestyle adjustments.
• Stress Management & Adrenal Support: Naturopathic strategies to build resilience to stress, support adrenal gland function, and manage symptoms of chronic stress or burnout.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Naturopathic solutions for improving sleep quality and duration, addressing underlying causes of insomnia like stress, hormonal imbalances, or poor sleep hygiene.

General Wellness Prevention

• Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues, such as hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or thyroid dysfunction.
• Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: Naturopathic approaches to support heart health, manage blood pressure, and optimize cholesterol levels through diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplements.
• Pediatric Wellness & Common Childhood Ailments: Naturopathic support for common childhood issues like colds and flu, ear infections, digestive upset, eczema, and allergies.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Sussman can assess your needs.

• Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Utilizing the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and enhance your body's natural healing processes.
• Hydrotherapy: Prescribing specific hydrotherapy techniques for home use or in-clinic to improve physiological processes and overall health.
• Homeopathic Medicine: Individualized prescription of highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body's self-healing mechanisms, based on the principle of 'like cures like'.
• Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: Thorough first visit involving an in-depth discussion of your health journey, symptoms, and wellness goals to form a holistic picture.
• Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Analysis of laboratory findings to identify nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysfunctions, or other underlying issues.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Sussman. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

At The Centre For Self-Directed Wellness, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Sussman frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose chronic back, neck, or joint pain that hasn't resolved has made simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity feel out of reach, Dr. Sussman's naturopathic approach offers a path toward feeling more resilient to everyday stressors. Evidence-informed natural therapies can be instrumental in helping you return to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity with greater comfort and energy.
• It's truly rewarding for Dr. Sussman to witness patients resolve supporting my child's health naturally for common issues and experience feeling empowered and truly in control of their own health journey. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back due to lack of energy or pain again.
• Through personalized naturopathic care with Dr. Sussman, common concerns like feeling tired all the time, no matter how much I sleep are thoroughly investigated to achieve feeling 'lighter' and less bogged down. This often involves dietary adjustments, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle education, helping people to once again enjoy waking up feeling refreshed and ready for the day most mornings.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from concerns about my blood pressure or cholesterol levels and achieved a much deeper understanding of their body and its needs under the skilled care of Dr. Sussman. This renewed well-being often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort with a new lease on life.

Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Sussman, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.

Dr. Sussman's practice is located at The Centre For Self-Directed Wellness, a naturopathic clinic situated in the central Maple neighborhood of Maple. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local health food stores and community wellness centers, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into their regular routines. Accessibility is further enhanced by proximity to local public transit routes, ensuring easy transportation options. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Both Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) and Medical Doctors (MDs) are healthcare providers, but their approach and primary scope can differ. MDs typically focus on diagnosing and treating diseases using conventional methods like pharmaceuticals and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors focus on prevention and use natural therapies to support the body's self-healing abilities, often looking for the root cause of illness. Naturopathic Doctors may use treatments like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. In many cases, Naturopathic Doctors and MDs can work collaboratively to provide comprehensive patient care. The regulation and scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors vary by province.

Are Naturopathic treatments safe?

When provided by a qualified and licensed/registered Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic treatments are generally very safe. They prioritize using therapies with a low risk of side effects and are trained to recognize situations where a treatment might not be suitable for an individual. Open communication with your Naturopathic Doctor about your health and any other treatments you're receiving is key to ensuring safety.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

Your initial Naturopathic appointment is typically quite comprehensive, often lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will conduct an in-depth discussion about your current health concerns, medical history (including family history), diet, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep patterns, and environmental exposures. A relevant physical examination may also be performed. The goal is to gather a thorough understanding of your overall health to identify potential root causes of your issues. Based on this, your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss initial impressions and collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, supplement or herbal suggestions, and possibly requisitions for further lab testing.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* an ND, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

How long do Naturopathic appointments typically last?

Your first Naturopathic visit usually lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, allowing ample time to discuss your health concerns thoroughly. Follow-up appointments generally range from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your needs and treatment plan, as determined by Dr. Sussman.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Naturopathic services provided by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for naturopathic treatments, so it’s worth checking your individual policy.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first Naturopathic appointment?

For your initial visit, please bring copies of any recent lab results (blood work, imaging, etc.) from the past 1-2 years, along with a list of current medications and supplements, including dosages. If you have a complex medical history, a brief timeline of significant health events can be helpful. Also, bring your insurance card or policy details if you plan to submit claims through private insurance.

The Centre For Self-Directed Wellness
2174 Major Mackenzie Drive West
Maple, ON, L6A 3Y8

Phone: (905) 553-9255

Dr. Avram Hanan Sussman is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 0628

Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.