Dr. Cristina Michelle Peris

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

Hormone Endocrine

• Andropause & Men's Hormonal Health: Addressing symptoms associated with declining testosterone in men (andropause), such as fatigue, low libido, and changes in mood or muscle mass.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Holistic support for women with PCOS, focusing on restoring hormonal balance and improving overall health.
• Thyroid Disorders (e.g., Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Support): Naturopathic support for optimizing thyroid function, managing symptoms of hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, often alongside conventional medical care.
• Fertility Optimization & Preconception Care: Naturopathic support for individuals and couples looking to enhance fertility naturally, addressing factors like hormonal balance, nutrient status, and overall health.

General Wellness Prevention

• Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: Preventative strategies and natural therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and promote long-term circulatory wellness.
• Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Personalized naturopathic programs for sustainable weight loss or healthy weight gain, focusing on metabolic balance, nutrition, and lifestyle.

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

• Hydrotherapy: Prescribing specific hydrotherapy techniques for home use or in-clinic to improve physiological processes and overall health.
• Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: An extensive assessment exploring all aspects of your well-being, from physical symptoms to emotional and environmental influences, to identify root causes.
• Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Safe and effective use of herbal remedies, customized to your individual needs and health concerns, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Homeopathic Medicine: A gentle yet effective system of medicine using minute doses of remedies to address acute and chronic health conditions by triggering a healing response.
• Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling: Expert guidance on therapeutic diets, identifying food sensitivities or intolerances, and optimizing your nutritional status for better health outcomes.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Peris. 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 Poppy Clinic - King Road, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Peris frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized naturopathic care with Dr. Peris, common concerns like supporting my child's health naturally for common issues are thoroughly investigated to achieve getting sick much less often, even when everyone around them is unwell. This often involves dietary adjustments, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle education, helping people to once again enjoy participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring, with good energy.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from hormonal issues, like difficult periods, PMS, or PCOS symptoms and achieved their hormones feeling much more balanced under the skilled care of Dr. Peris. This renewed well-being often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as cycling longer distances with their cycling club feeling strong with a new lease on life.
• When sugar cravings or signs of blood sugar imbalance limits your lifestyle and prevents you from doing taking group exercise classes at the community center and keeping up, naturopathic medicine with Dr. Peris can help you work towards no more afternoon energy crashes. The aim is to restore optimal physiological function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy the things you love.
• Naturopathic care with Dr. Peris can be a transformative turning point for those affected by managing symptoms of an autoimmune condition with holistic support. The shared goal is achieving achieving a healthy pregnancy after receiving support, paving the way for you to enjoy playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time with pleasure and a more energetic, balanced life.

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

The Poppy Clinic - King Road is situated in the central Waterdown neighborhood of Waterdown, ON. The clinic is conveniently located within a naturopathic clinic that is close to local health food stores and community wellness centers, making it easy for patients to incorporate their naturopathic visits into their wellness routines. Accessible via multiple local public transit routes, the clinic ensures ease of access for all patients. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathe) directly without a physician's referral, as direct access is permitted under provincial regulations. However, while a referral may not be legally required to *see* an ND, some private and extended health insurance plans do require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are strongly advised to check the specific requirements of their insurance policy before their first appointment to ensure coverage.

Does The Poppy Clinic - King Road offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?

Yes, The Poppy Clinic - King Road offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance companies. Patients should bring their insurance cards and verify their specific coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, and any referral requirements, directly with their insurer. Any costs not covered by insurance are the patient's responsibility.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

Your initial appointment typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Peris will conduct an in-depth discussion about your health concerns, medical history (including family history), diet, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and environmental exposures. A physical examination may be performed as well. The goal is to gather comprehensive information to identify root causes. Based on this, a personalized treatment plan will be developed, which may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, supplements, herbal remedies, and further testing if needed.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

Dr. Peris may suggest various lab tests, from standard blood work such as nutrient levels, organ function, or inflammation markers to specialized functional tests. These may include hormone panels, food sensitivity assessments, gut microbiome analysis, or environmental toxin screens. The aim is to obtain a clearer picture of your health status to tailor effective treatment strategies.

What are some of the specialized therapies Naturopathic Doctors might offer if they have extra training?

Some Naturopathic Doctors pursue additional certifications in specialized therapies such as Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy to deliver high doses of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, prolotherapy to stimulate healing in chronic joint and ligament pain, or advanced acupuncture techniques. Availability of these therapies varies, and patients interested should inquire directly to see if they are offered.

What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help me?

Naturopathic Medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that combines modern scientific research with traditional natural therapies. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor aims to stimulate the body's self-healing capacity, identify and address root causes of illness, and promote overall wellness. It supports health through personalized treatment plans involving clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy, empowering patients to actively participate in their health journey.

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

In Ontario, naturopathic services provided by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for naturopathic treatments. Patients are encouraged to check their individual policy details, as coverage levels and reimbursement requirements vary.

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

Both Naturopathic Doctors and Medical Doctors are healthcare professionals, but their approaches differ. MDs focus on diagnosing and treating diseases primarily through pharmaceuticals and surgery, whereas Naturopathic Doctors emphasize prevention, natural therapies, and addressing underlying causes of health issues. NDs utilize modalities like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. In many cases, they work collaboratively with MDs to provide comprehensive care. The scope and regulation of practice vary by province.

The Poppy Clinic - King Road
1059 King Road
Waterdown, ON, L7T 0B4

Phone: (289) 815-1322

Dr. Cristina Michelle Peris is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 1734

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.