Moodle at CCNM

Investigating root cause of disease takes us much further than the physical body, into the realms of the energetic, emotional, mental, spiritual, and beyond, to nondual awareness. This presentation will teach diagnosis and treatment of physical symptomology within a multi-level system. Through the exploration and understanding of the different levels within the system, a “map” becomes available to the practitioner. Navigation within this “map” allows the practitioner to understand physical symptomology as a representation or expression from other levels within the “map”, providing diagnosis and treatment options from an expanded perspective. This presentation will give an introduction to the structure and content of each level with the system, as well as an overview as to how each level functions in a state of health or manifests disease. This will include some of the latest research in brain science on the physical level, a view of the energetic body, the expression of disease symptoms from the emotional level, and how beliefs and emotions held within the unconscious mind, often as a result of trauma, become manifested physically. The addition of spiritual and nondual awareness to the treatment protocol will be illuminated, as the fields of Energy Psychology and Mindfulness Training join the medical field as accepted and viable methods of treatment. In addition, the Presence of the Practitioner will be discussed and practiced. Case histories and experiential exercises for each level will be included. Upon completion of Level One, the practitioner will be able to understand the general structure and content of the “map of the human system”, and how to use it as a multi-level tool for diagnosis and treatment. The class will include discussion about specific disease states, case histories, and experiential exercises for the practitioner. This information is relevant and applicable to any practitioner within the medical field, regardless of specialty.

This presentation will provide attendees with the skills necessary to identify and address suicidality in children and adolescents. We will discuss risk factors and protective factors, as well as common behaviors that may indicate increased risk for harm. Once suicide risk is identified, attendees will learn how to discuss safety planning with patients, and will observe a mock safety planning conversation between the presenter and model patient.

This course will review different types of vascular dementias that include Alzheimer’s disease and how diagnosis is made using clinical and lab data. It will include clinician-friendly assessments and exercises using different tools to measure global cognition that including the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and St. Louis Mental Status (SLUMS). Learning Objectives:Different types of vascular dementiasHow an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis is madeThe current conventional therapies for ADTo understand new imaging technologies How current interventions that are being evaluated in clinical trialOutcomes of major intervention studies

Ayurved is the most ancient science and holistic system of medicine originating from India and gaining popularity throughout the world because of its’ holistic approach, consistent concepts, wide range of preventative measures, practical applicability at any age, place and in any given conditions. Ayurved examines multidisciplinary paradigms of life and teaches mind-full living of life. The inseparable relationship of mind and body, relationship of various parameters of human life with the nature and significance of mind are recognized by Ayurved. Ayurvedic individualistic approach identifies the personalized care, prevention and medication. “Manovikar” is the Ayurvedic terminology for Mental Disorder. This presentation provides a brief overview of Ayurvedic perspective of Classification, and Prevention of Mental Disorders and opens-up multiple avenues to explore learning and applying Ayurved in real life for psychophysical wellness of an individual and community.

Depression in the elderly is a special category of mood disorder that clinicians may address with nutrients and botanical agents that are specific for the situation. Somewhat different from lifelong depressive states, depression that begins in elder years may poor circulation in the brain, neurotransmitter decline, and situational and social changes. This presentation will offer folkloric and modern molecular research on herbs and several nutraceutical agents noted to be helpful in this specific population. Dr Stansbury will also offer formulation ideas and strategies for using herbs and medicinal foods as therapeutic agents for treating depression in the elderly.

This brief overview of allopathic medications for depression and anxiety primes the naturopathic physician to better assist the patient who wishes to either utilize or cease use of psychiatric medications. We will specifically look at the SSRI and SNRI class of medications, as well as anxiolytics such as benzodiazapines and antihypertensives. We will cover appropriate use, naturopathic considerations, side effect profiles, and intra-class comparisons.

This presentation will explore the role of compassion as an essential therapeutic ally in clinical practice. Dr. Diaz will describe how compassion and rapport with patients can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and provide patients with enhanced resilience and better clinical health outcomes.

Each year more than 2.5million Americans visit the emergency department due to brain injury. This “silent epidemic” which causes disability is often minimized, misdiagnosed or dismissed altogether when in fact it is a major contributing factor for fatigue, cognitive problems, memory difficulty, and mood problems including depression. One of the most important lessons I have learned from brain imaging work over the past 8years is that concussions and more severe brain injuries are a major cause of mental illness in this country. This presentation will discuss the assessment for mild to severe concussion and TBI as well as treatment approaches.

The Human microbiome is a dense network of microbes that live in and on our skin. Their discovery was only beginning to become well known after we were able to identify and see those who didn't require oxygen. Since this development and over the last 10 years of research we’ve not only come to find out who is there, but what they are making. The microbial metabolites may be the future of ecosystem restoration in the gut and if that’s true, then implications for mental health are vast. These metabolites communicate directly with the brain and having impacts on not only brain development, but immune system development. We’ll explore the microbiome, fecal transplant, and a few case studies to exemplify the potential of this 12th organ system.

Going well beyond ginkgo, we'll explore how herbs can impact our ability to think clearly, remember well, and stay focused. Emerging allies, from Chinese club moss to the bulbs of snowdrops and daffodils, can be used alongside traditional neurotonics to give protocols fast-acting, specific life-enhancing effects. We will discuss the appropriate use of entheogens, both in microdoses and at therapeutic levels, to help catalyze positive change in mind/spirit function and engagement. We will cover the clinical research around these herbs, and organize them into protocols that honor the cyclical nature of creativity and inspiration. These strategies are applicable for those caring for elders, but can play a role to support cognitive function for clients of any age.

Historically, the heart has been regarded as a source of wisdom, spiritual insight, courage, thought and emotion. It wasn’t until the 1700s that humans began relegating this spiritual center to the role of a machine, whose function was only that of pumping blood. Modern research reminds us that the heart is an incredibly complex, dynamic and intelligent organ, communicating with and influencing the brain and the rest of the body. This class will cover the traditional uses, mythology and lore of several heart-centered herbal allies, with additional emphasis on dietary and lifestyle changes that can support healing on physical, emotional and spiritual levels.

Depression, anxiety, and insomnia are common comorbidities, reaching epidemic proportions. After reviewing use and concerns associated with prescription medications for these concerns, the talk will review diet, lifestyle, and natural health product strategies that have proven safe and effective for management of these common mental health concerns. A key focus of the presentation will be to differentiate between strategies safe to combine with common mental health prescription medications versus strategies that are safe and appropriate for unmedicated individuals, yet inappropriate to combine with common prescriptions. A broad array of prescription medications will be mentioned… Over 50 common mental health prescriptions will be listed in slides… Too many to list here. Typically, specific discussion occurs regarding citalopram, fluoxetine, Effexor, pristiq, Ativan, clonazepam, lorazepam, and zoplicone

PTSD is a complex and often debilitating condition. My presentation includes overview of diagnosis, standard of care (including pharmaceutical treatment) for both children and adults, and evidence for integrative therapies including supplements, exercise, yoga, meditation, and writing and theater. There is also discussion about the most evidence based types of psychotherapy. The goal is that at the end of the presentation every person could create an individualized treatment plan for patients who have PTSD, as well as patients who do not meet criteria and are presenting with mood complaints.The pharmaceuticals I discuss include SSRI’s (Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil), SNRI’s (Effexor, Cymbalta), Wellbutrin, mood stabilizers (Lamictal, Abilify, Risperidone), alpha agonists (clonidine, guanfacine, prazosin), and benzodiazepine’s (advise against their use). This presentation could be approved for pharmaceutical credits and this section could be lengthened or shortened.

                  Instructor: Dr. Christina Bjorndal, NDOrignal Dates: September 21, 2018 - November 23, 2018   This course was created to raise the standard of proficiency of naturopathic doctors in Ontario in addressing commonly presenting mental health concerns. The goal of a presenter is to deepen the participants’ understanding of the complex nature of conditions such as anxiety, bipolar conditions and depression. The course explores mental illness through the lenses of trauma, psychoneuroimmunology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and patient-centered naturopathic management. The speaker’s philosophy puts importance on embodying the healing message we wish to send to patients, and therefore this course focuses on personal practices that encourage participants to explore their own mental health in addition to learning to care for others. Learning Objectives: To recognize the root causes of mental health issues To understand nutritional, herbal and homeopathic treatments for key neurotransmitter pathways To identify the effects of environmental exposures on mental health concerns To understand spiritual crisis in mental illness To comprehend naturopathic protocols including nutrition, homeopathy and counselling To utilize counselling techniques and energy psychology for anxiety and depression Course Structure:      The structure of the course is 10 video modules which can be accessed online. The total time of the program is 12.5 hours. Supporting resources and activities are included.    

The objective of this lecture is to educate individuals on the all aspects of NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide); its biochemistry, history of use clinically, applications of use, understanding of the delicacy of its use in addiction medicine & mental health disorders, as well as for other health issues. Focus will be on intravenous use but oral, transdermal & intra-nasal use will also be discussed. Also, emphasis will be placed on the importance of proper training & methodical use clinically.

1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression. Between 5-10% of women will develop postpartum thyroiditis in the first year postpartum. Mothers are deeply struggling with health issues while also trying to care for their young babies. As a mother myself, I experienced the struggle which is why I have developed my Postpartum Wellness Protocol. As naturopathic doctors we are in a unique position to help women feel balanced and healthy on their motherhood journey. In this presentation you will learn effective ways to support postpartum women in your practice including lab work and breastfeeding-safe herbs and supplements.

As we begin to see more and more older adults in our offices we need to be equipped to differentiate normal aging from the early stages of dementia. Dementia is like a rising tide now with 1 in 2 having some form of dementia by age 85. This lecture will propose a straightforward and simple way to assess patients with memory problems at any age and suggested ways to comprehensively treat them. Part of the treatment approach described is based on the groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research by Dr. Dale Bredeson who has found that the only hope for Alzheimer’s and dementia is a naturopathic one; where the causes of neurodegeneration must be found and addressed. Naturopathic Physicians are the ones most suited to stem this rising tide of dementia. A method will be described to include cognitive testing from pencil and paper approaches to brain imaging and laboratory analysis. Cases will be utilized throughout the presentation to demonstrate this assessment and treatment approach.

Neuroinflammation is found in all persons with chronic neurologic diseases as well as those with traumatic brain injury. Glial cell activation results in neuroinflammation, which often manifests in a case history with one or all of the following: cognitive decline, mood disorder, pain. All of these manifestations show up regularly in every clinical practice and have proven to be quite difficult to completely resolve. One of the reasons for this lack of resolution could be due to failure to recognize and specifically treat neuroinflammation. This presentation will review the mechanisms by which glial cell activation occurs. All of the common causes of glial activation will be covered including endotoxicity, traumatic brain injury, oxidative stress and environmental pollutants. The pivotal role of glutathione in preventing neuroinflammation from becoming chronic will also be presented.

Nutrition effects nearly every aspect of neurology and immunology. The Brain-Gut, where the nervous system and immune system intersect, may be where nutrition has its largest impact. This intersection is where neuroinflammation resides, and is the root of neurological disease. This presentation discusses the immunological mechanisms involved in neuroinflammation. We outline nutritional strategies that address neuroinflammation. Sample cases from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and traumatic brain injury will illustrate the potential for food to prevent and treat symptoms of neurological disease.

How do we and our clients remain emotionally balanced when life keeps throwing curve balls? Trauma is real and some populations have more exposure than others, so how do we address trauma as clinicians if we are not trained to offer talk therapy? Some physical signs of illness and disease can be traced back to emotional, or some believe, spiritual roots. This class covers ways to stay mentally healthy and offer unique solutions for clients dealing with mental health struggles pulling from traditional practices like Curanderismo and Ayurveda. We discuss story medicine, ritual, and using unique herbal remedies for cleansing, as well as ways to incorporate plants on various levels of healing for emotional and spiritual health. We also talk about single plants and pairs that are used to help balance emotions as whole plants, and essential oils, and flower essences.