Dr. Meghan Paige McNaughton

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Utilizing anti-inflammatory diets, targeted supplements, botanical medicines, and therapies like acupuncture or prolotherapy to manage joint pain.
• Headaches & Migraines (Naturopathic Management): Naturopathic strategies including acupuncture, botanical medicine, and nutritional adjustments to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Digestive Health

• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Addressing bacterial imbalance in the small intestine through antimicrobial herbs, specific diets (e.g., low FODMAP), and gut motility support.
• Food Sensitivities & Intolerances: Identifying and managing adverse reactions to certain foods through elimination diets, testing, and gut-healing protocols.

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

• Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Review and interpretation of standard blood tests, plus recommendations for specialized functional medicine tests (e.g., hormone panels, food sensitivity, digestive analysis) if indicated.
• Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Standard physical assessments (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, relevant organ system checks) alongside naturopathic diagnostic techniques.
• 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.
• Hydrotherapy: Therapeutic use of water in its various forms (hot, cold, steam) to stimulate circulation, detoxification, immune function, and reduce pain or inflammation.
• Homeopathic Medicine: Classical or complex homeopathy tailored to your unique symptom picture to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

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

• The journey to better tolerance to foods they were previously sensitive or intolerant to when faced with persistent chronic back, neck, or joint pain that hasn't resolved is made more effective with Dr. McNaughton's expert naturopathic care, often leading to a fulfilling and vibrant return to pastimes like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation without undue fatigue.
• Dr. McNaughton frequently helps patients overcome supporting my child's health naturally for common issues by identifying underlying imbalances. A tailored naturopathic program targeting feeling 'lighter', less bogged down, and more clear-headed supports your journey back to health and enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• Rediscover your ability to comfortably cooking and meal prepping healthy foods for their family regularly without the burden of managing symptoms of an autoimmune condition with holistic support. Dr. McNaughton focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that lead to their whole family benefiting from the positive health changes they've made, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.
• With Dr. McNaughton, a Naturopathic Doctor, individuals with dealing with a lot of stress and feeling overwhelmed or burnt out are guided towards experiencing a complete transformation of their gut health for the better. The focus is on empowering your body's innate healing ability so you can once again participate fully in activities you enjoy, such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play without restlessness.

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

Dr. McNaughton practices at Docere: Institute of Wellness, situated within a reputable naturopathic clinic in the St. Catharines neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Niagara Health - St. Catharines Site and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Medical Doctors (MDs) generally use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes) take a holistic approach, aiming to identify and treat the underlying cause of health issues using natural therapies such as diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize disease prevention and patient education. While their philosophies differ, Naturopathic Doctors and MDs can complement each other in a patient's overall healthcare plan.

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

Naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for consultations with licensed Naturopathic Doctors. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage options.

Are Naturopathic treatments safe?

When provided by a qualified and licensed/registered Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic treatments are generally very safe. They prioritize 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 kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

Your Naturopathic Doctor may recommend a variety of lab tests to help assess your health. This can range from standard blood work you might get at your family doctor’s office (to check things like nutrient levels, organ function, or inflammation markers) to more specialized functional tests. These specialized tests could look at hormone balance in more detail, identify potential food sensitivities, assess your gut microbiome, or check for environmental toxin exposure. The goal is to get a clearer picture of what’s happening in your body to create a more targeted treatment plan.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

The first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor is a deep dive into your health. Expect to spend a significant amount of time talking about your health history and current symptoms. Your Naturopathic Doctor will want to understand you as a whole person. A physical exam relevant to your concerns will likely be part of the process. After the assessment, your Naturopathic Doctor will share their initial thoughts and work with you to outline the first steps in your treatment plan, which could involve dietary advice, lifestyle changes, or natural medicines.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

The number of Naturopathic sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature and chronicity of your health concerns, your individual health goals, your body’s response to treatment, and your commitment to implementing the recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated timeline after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (Naturopathic Doctor or Naturopathe) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral may not be legally required to *see* an ND, some private or extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

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

For your first visit, please bring copies of any recent lab test results (blood work, imaging, etc.) from the past 1-2 years. Also, make a list of all current medications and natural health supplements you are taking, including dosages. If you have a complex medical history, a brief timeline of significant health events can be helpful. Finally, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details.

Docere: Institute of Wellness
235 Martindale Road,, Unit 17,
St. Catharines, ON, L2W 1A5

Phone: (289) 273-3200

Dr. Meghan Paige McNaughton is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 3351

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.