Dr. Shawna Alexandra Darou

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

Digestive Health

• Food Sensitivities & Intolerances: Nutritional strategies to reduce inflammation and improve tolerance by identifying problematic foods and supporting 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.
• Acid Reflux (GERD) & Heartburn: Soothing digestive discomfort and preventing acid reflux through personalized dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Stress Anxiety Sleep Support

• Anxiety & Mood Support: A holistic approach to improving mood, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall mental wellness naturally.
• 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.

Immune Allergy Skin

• Allergies & Hay Fever (Seasonal or Environmental): Supporting your body's ability to cope with allergens through nutritional changes, herbal remedies, and gut health optimization.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Fibromyalgia Support: A multifaceted approach to support individuals with CFS/ME or fibromyalgia, aiming to enhance quality of life and functional capacity.
• Autoimmune Condition Support (General): Focusing on gut health, identifying triggers, and supporting overall systemic balance in individuals with autoimmune diseases.

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

• Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Utilizing conventional lab work and advanced functional testing to gain deeper insights into your physiological function and guide treatment.
• Women's Health & Hormone Balancing: Naturopathic care for various women's health concerns including menstrual irregularities, PMS, PCOS, fertility support, endometriosis support, menopause, and thyroid conditions.
• Pediatric Naturopathic Care (if specialized): Supporting children's optimal growth and development with age-appropriate naturopathic therapies and nutritional guidance.
• Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): A physical check-up to gather objective information about your health status, complementing the detailed health history.
• Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: A detailed initial consultation to understand your complete health history, lifestyle factors, diet, stress levels, and specific health concerns.

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

• When dealing with a lot of stress and feeling overwhelmed or burnt out limits your lifestyle and prevents you from doing easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain, naturopathic medicine with Dr. Darou can help you work towards their whole family benefiting from these changes. The aim is to restore optimal physiological function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy the things you love.
• Patients struggling with sugar cravings or signs of blood sugar imbalance find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. Darou. The therapeutic focus is on achieving experiencing digestion that is so much better now, it's like night and day, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with improved endurance.
• For those whose managing symptoms of an autoimmune condition with holistic support has made setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports efficiently feel out of reach, Dr. Darou's naturopathic approach offers a path toward finally getting to the root cause of their health issues. Evidence-informed natural therapies can be instrumental in helping you return to setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports efficiently with greater comfort and energy.
• Dr. Darou frequently helps patients overcome suspecting certain foods are making me feel unwell by identifying underlying imbalances. A tailored naturopathic program targeting regaining functional strength in a previously injured arm/leg, allowing them to return to normal activities supports your journey back to health and enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.

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

Dr. Darou's practice is located at 'Dr. Shawna Darou', situated within a centrally accessible naturopathic clinic in the heart of Etobicoke. 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. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic offers ease of access for patients from various parts of the city. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do Naturopathic appointments typically last?

Initial Naturopathic consultations are generally longer to allow for a thorough health intake and assessment, typically lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case and the therapies being discussed or administered.

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 or extended health insurance plans offer some coverage for services provided by registered or licensed Naturopathic Doctors. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage, as benefits vary significantly between plans.

What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help me?

Naturopathic Medicine, practiced by a qualified Naturopathic Doctor, focuses on holistic, patient-centered care. It emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of natural therapies that support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Your Naturopathic Doctor (or Naturopathe) will work with you to understand your unique health picture and develop a personalized plan to address your concerns, improve your vitality, and help you achieve your wellness goals.

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.

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 (direct access). However, it is important to note that some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your specific insurance policy before your appointment.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

The first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor involves a comprehensive review of your health history and current symptoms. Expect to spend significant time discussing your health concerns and goals. A physical examination relevant to your symptoms will likely be performed. Afterward, Dr. Darou will share her initial impressions and collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary, lifestyle, or natural therapies.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

Your Naturopathic Doctor may suggest various lab tests, from standard blood work to specialized functional tests. These can include hormone panels, food sensitivity assessments, gut microbiome analyses, or environmental toxin screenings. The goal is to gather detailed information to tailor your treatment effectively.

Does Dr. Shawna Darou offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?

Yes, Dr. Darou's clinic typically offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance providers. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance information to facilitate billing. However, it remains the patient's responsibility to confirm coverage details, including any limitations or requirements, before the appointment, as coverage varies between plans.

Dr. Shawna Darou
Suite 1664, Unit 10-225 The East Mall
Etobicoke, ON, M9B 0A9

Phone: (437) 562-7220

Dr. Shawna Alexandra Darou is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 1214

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.