Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at my first appointment for Meridian Stress Assessment?
Most importantly you should know your appointment will be a positive experience and you will be provided lots of information. I will start by going over your completed intake form that you will bring with you to your appointment. I will ask you a number of questions about your health history and any symptoms you are currently experiencing. I will explain how the MSA works and show you the screen where the results of your testing can be viewed. When we are ready to start the testing, you will hold a brass rod in your left hand. The rod will have a paper cloth on it which is damp with water. I will be testing acupoints on your fingers and toes using a probe that is emitting an extremely low voltage of electricity. This is non-invasive and not painful. You cannot feel anything other than the pressure applied by me. These points have been found to be more electrically conductive than the surrounding tissue. This part of the testing takes about 15 minutes and gives us information about where stress or inflammation may be present in the main organ system meridians.
The next part of the testing is much more detailed. Depending on what we find from the first part of the test and what symptoms you are experiencing will determine what I will test for from the MSA's "Vitrual Library" which contains over 40,000 items to choose from. This includes, but is not limited to: foods, candida, bacteria, parasites, chemicals, food additives, hormones, neurotransmitters, heavy metals, pet hair, pollen, and much, much more. We will conclude with a discussion about the results of your test, and my recommendations which are likely to include dietary changes and possibly the recommendation of nutritional supplements. You will leave with computer print-outs of your results, a variety of handouts, and lots more information! I like to see my clients for a follow-up four to six weeks later for 30 minutes to retest the key points, and compare with our first visit to determine your progress and to make any adjustments necessary.
What should I wear?
Wear regular clothing but remember, I will be testing both your hands and feet, so please wash your feet before you arrive, do not wear pantyhose, lotions, or perfumes, and wear socks that can be easily removed.
Should I eat or drink?
Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. Eat lightly before the appointment.
Should I bring anything with me?
Please bring your completed intake form which you can download from the homepage of my website. Also bring with you, any supplements and/or medications you are currently taking including birth control pills. Don't just bring the bottles - if you bring the actual products, I am able to test them to see if they are causing any imbalances in your body.
Where should I park?
Ocean Heart Wellness Centre offers free parking on a first come first served basis. There is also two-hour metered parking available on surrounding streets.
Who should not be tested?
You are not a good candidate for MSA testing if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, are prone to seizures, or are younger than four years of age.
What about insurance coverage?
More and more insurance companies are offering coverage for my services. I suggest you contact your insurance company and ask specifically if they cover nutritional consulting - my registration number is RP04-727. We do not direct bill insurance companies, but I will be giving you a receipt with all pertinent information that you can turn into your insurance provider for reimbursement.
If your plan does not cover nutritional counselling - you can ask your employer to request coverage if you haven't already done so. Employers work with insurance companies to customize a plan for their employees - so coverage is more likely if there is an expression of interest.
How can I pay?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, debit, and cash.
What is the difference between a Registered Holistic Nutritional Consultant (RNCP) and a Dietitian?
Dietitians base their dietary recommendations on the Canada Food Guide. They are trained in the mainstream sciences and depend on scientific research studies on which to base their recommendations. You often find them working in hospitals in association with doctors to provide dietary guidelines to treat patients once they have been diagnosed with an illness. Much of their educational funding comes from major food manufactures such as the Dairy Board.
A Holistic Nutritional Consultant takes an overall approach and deals with the whole person. They work toward getting to the root cause of the illness or imbalance and help the body to heal itself. They base their recommendations on a variety of symptoms that represent the early stages of illness before they develop into more serious problems. They consider not only food quality, but also stress levels, exercise, and lifestyle. Since everyone is biochemically unique, Holistic Nutritional Consultants deal with each person individually, offering recommendations specific to their personal needs. They look at the long-term impact and implications of additives, preservatives, and pesticides, and are critical of short-term studies that suggest these chemicals are safe for human consumption.
