Dr. Despina Athina Michailidis

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Sports Injuries (Naturopathic Recovery & Performance): Supporting peak athletic performance and injury resilience through a holistic naturopathic approach.
• Headaches & Migraines (Naturopathic Management): Identifying and addressing potential triggers for headaches and migraines, such as dietary factors, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, stress, or musculoskeletal tension.

Stress Anxiety Sleep Support

• Stress Management & Adrenal Support: Utilizing adaptogenic herbs, nutritional support, and lifestyle counseling to help your body cope with stress more effectively.
• Anxiety & Mood Support: A holistic approach to improving mood, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall mental wellness naturally.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Natural remedies and lifestyle strategies to help you fall asleep more easily, stay asleep, and wake feeling refreshed.

Hormone Endocrine

• Menopausal Symptom Management: Supporting hormonal balance and overall well-being during perimenopause and menopause with natural therapies.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Naturopathic strategies to regulate menstrual cycles, improve fertility outcomes, and reduce metabolic complications associated with PCOS.
• Pre­menstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Menstrual Irregularities: Naturopathic approaches to alleviate PMS symptoms (e.g., mood swings, cramps, bloating) and regulate irregular menstrual cycles.

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

• Men's Health Support: Personalized care for men focusing on prevention and natural treatments for common health concerns.
• Pediatric Naturopathic Care (if specialized): A family-centered approach to pediatric wellness, focusing on prevention and natural remedies for your child's health.
• Hydrotherapy: Prescribing specific hydrotherapy techniques for home use or in-clinic to improve physiological processes and overall health.
• Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling: Personalized dietary recommendations, meal planning guidance, and nutritional supplement advice to address deficiencies, support healing, and optimize health.
• Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Utilizing the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and enhance your body's natural healing processes.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing effects of skin problems like eczema, acne, or psoriasis that aren't improving? Dr. Michailidis partners with patients to achieve feeling hopeful and proactive about managing their autoimmune condition naturally. This involves a holistic approach, aiming to restore balance so you can confidently resume important aspects of your life, such as enjoying a wider variety of foods without adverse reactions or digestive distress.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from wanting to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way and achieved significantly reduced reliance on medications for their chronic symptoms under the skilled care of Dr. Michailidis. This renewed well-being often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence and energy with a new lease on life.
• Many individuals seek guidance from Dr. Michailidis, their Naturopathic Doctor, when dealing with a lot of stress and feeling overwhelmed or burnt out disrupts their well-being. Through a personalized naturopathic plan, they often achieve feeling more motivated and engaged in their life activities, empowering them to embrace activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with sustained stamina with renewed vitality.
• The journey to feeling more comfortable and confident in their own skin when faced with persistent widespread muscle aches and pains, possibly fibromyalgia is made more effective with Dr. Michailidis's expert naturopathic care, often leading to a fulfilling and vibrant return to pastimes like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back without difficulty.

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

Dr. Michailidis practices at Hygeia Naturopathic Clinic, situated in the central East York neighborhood of East York. The clinic is conveniently located near local health food stores and community wellness centers, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into their daily routines. Accessible via various public transit routes, the clinic offers a welcoming environment for all clients. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

A Naturopathic Doctor may utilize both conventional and specialized lab tests. Conventional tests (like those your MD might order) can include standard blood panels (CBC, cholesterol, blood sugar, iron, etc.), urinalysis, and thyroid hormone testing. Specialized or functional tests might include comprehensive hormone panels (saliva, urine, or blood), food sensitivity testing (e.g., IgG), comprehensive digestive stool analysis, organic acid testing, or heavy metal testing. The specific tests recommended will depend on your individual health concerns and history, and are used to gain deeper insights into your body's functioning and guide treatment.

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

It's helpful to bring any recent lab work (within the last year or two), a complete list of your medications and supplements (including brand and dose), and your extended health insurance information. Some people also find it useful to fill out any intake forms provided by the clinic beforehand to save time during the appointment.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

This is very individual. Some acute issues might resolve relatively quickly, while chronic or complex conditions may require a longer period of care and support to achieve lasting results. Your Naturopathic Doctor will give you a better idea after your first comprehensive visit and will regularly discuss your progress and adjust the plan as needed.

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

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is recommended to check your specific insurance policy prior to your first appointment.

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

Naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. Many private insurance plans do offer coverage for licensed Naturopathic Doctors, but coverage levels vary. Patients are advised to review their individual plans.

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

Medical Doctors (MDs) typically use conventional medicine, including prescription medications and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) focus on identifying and treating the root causes of health concerns using natural therapies like diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle modifications. Both approaches can complement each other within a comprehensive healthcare plan.

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

Some Naturopathic Doctors pursue additional certifications for specialized therapies, such as Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy for delivering 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 varies, so inquire if interested in a specific therapy.

Hygeia Naturopathic Clinic
25 Industrial Street Suite 207
East York, ON, M4G 1Z2

Phone: (416) 425-5454

Dr. Despina Athina Michailidis is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 4410

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.