Dr. Jennah Miller, ND
2 Carlton Street M5B 1J3 Toronto, ON, Canada

SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES & HOLDING VIRTUAL SPACE . . . Wow what a time to be a human in the world. My downtown Toronto clinic has shifted over to offering solely Telehealth or phone follow ups for the foreseeable future in an effort to hold and promote space during these social distancing measures. If you’re a currently scheduled patient at that clinic you’ve likely already received an email from me with further info. .... . . For everyone else, this doesn’t mean you’re alone. We can hold space for each other from afar, even if we’ve not worked together before. With shifting to Telehealth visits, a portion of my schedule has opened up.l rather quickly. What was a fully booked schedule with no room for new patients until late April/early May, I choose to view as an opportunity. . . . If you’ve been wanting to work with me as a new patient (women’s health is my jam), then consider this an opportunity for both of us. I’m still taking on new patients, but we’ll be doing this thing virtual my pals. . . . For getting booked in, feel free to message me directly or book in via our online booking platform at achesawaytoronto.janeapp.com . . . This is also a very okay time to pause. Check in with your friends and family. I’ll also be here when the waters calm. Choosing love and connection from afar. . . . #Toronto #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #torontonatutopath #torontond

And sometimes you go a solid two weeks without posting anything on Instagram, bc summer is still here, and spending time enjoying it is probably more important than my social media marketing routine . . . I’m still here. Still taking on new patients. Still fighting the good fight in providing a framework of feminist health care to support you through all of your menstrual and hormonal needs. Still learning balance for myself. ... . . . #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #hormones #painfreeperiods #endometriosis #pcos #pms #cyclesyncing #fertilitynd #pcoswarrior #endowarrior See more

Pause for a moment. Tune in to your breath. Is it shallow, coming from high in your chest? Or is it deep and relaxed, filling the belly and expanding the diaphragm? . . . Our breath is a potent tool for completing the stress response. When we engage in deep belly breathing, it brings us out of the fight/flight/freeze response and into the rest and digest. From a sympathetic dominant state where cortisol and adrenaline secretions are prioritized, to a parasympathetic stat...e where sex hormones, immune function, and optimal digestion are the focus. . . . So when I talk about the foundations of health, know that beginning to integrate them into your daily life can truly be as simple as this. Pause. Breathe. Do it again. You are a vessel. . . . @yellowco.co #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #hormones #painfreeperiods #radicalselfcare #adrenalfatigue #burnout #haes #ipreview via @preview.app See more

No health tips today. No menstrual health insights. Just this. . . . I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we measure success. Not just in working towards our health care goals, but also in our life goals. Our career goals. Etc. The list goes on. ... . . . What if, instead of focusing on how many or how few carbs we ate, we redirected our attention to how much joy the foods we eat bring us. What if the focus of movement is not about a certain body size and more about moving our joyful body because it feels pretty dang good, and we’ve found a method of movement that feels fun. . . . The best indicator of the success of any health care plan, is how joyful it makes you feel. Always. Health shouldn’t have to come at the cost of joy. . . . #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #slowliving #selfcare #endometriosis #pcos #naturalfertility #pms #cyclesyncing See more

BIG SUMMER MOOD from @jamievaron Are you making the space for joy in your life? What is one small act of happiness that you can engage in today? How can we make even one tentative step towards dismantling the idea that worth is related to a certain type or size of body, or a level of productivity? . . . Health is just as much the joy you create as the supplements you take, the way you move your body, and the foods you nourish yourself with. Joy is an indicator of health.... Supplement with it accordingly . . . #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #fertilitynd #endometriosis #pcos #fertility #pms #painfreeperiods See more

The most on brand travel supplement container - yes, it’s a tiny mason jar, and it bring me SO MUCH JOY . . . Consistency is important when it comes to supplementation. If we’re looking to make an impact on hormonal and menstrual health, you’ve got to be taking those babies for three consistent months. ... . . . So what’s a human to do when they suck at remembering to take their supplements? Make it fun, obvious, and repetitive. Put your supplements out in a visible spot every evening - make sure your container is empty by the end of the next day when you’re ready to refill again. Carry the supplements with you - especially if you need to take them with food, and most meals are on the go or not at home. . . . How do you remember to take your supplements? What are your tricks? . . . #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #the6ix #slowliving #womenshealth #fertilitynd #pcos #pcoswarrior #endometriosis #fertility #naturalfertility #pms #selfcare #painfreeperiods #hormones See more

How long should I be working with you to support my fertility? How long will it take for me to get pregnant? . . . Viable questions. Ones that I get asked a lot. Not so easy answers. When it comes to fertility support I’m not only thinking about your own individual fertility diagnosis - I’m also thinking about the life cycle of the egg. Egg health is paramount, because not only is a healthy egg more likely to result in a healthy embryo (which is more likely to implant and... stay implanted) - but also because the egg health plays an important role in hormone production and adequate progesterone levels. . . . The life cycle of the egg is three months. Approximately 90-100 days. The treatments you start now, will have their most potent effect on the egg that’s being ovulated in three months time - it’s been growing and flourishing in the best terrain all the way through it’s maturation to ovulation. . . . So, to give the short partial answer to these questions - we need at least three months of working together. Three months of supplementation, three months of acupuncture, three months of nutrition support. Then we begin to see measurable and clinical impact to your fertility. . . . Ready to start building happy little eggs together?? . . . #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #the6ix #slowliving #womenshealth #endometriosis #pcoswarrior #pcos #pcoscysters #naturalfertility #endowarrior #pms #acupuncture #fertility #fertilitynd See more

Gentle mid week reminder to myself and to you that healing takes time The you that is in existence today is constantly being created. We are in flux. We are not perfect. . . . The 3-6 month journey to skin cell turnover and sebum reduction with those who struggle with acne. The 100 day journey of the egg for fertility support. The three menstrual cycles we need to balance hormones and reduce inflammation. Where you are meant to be, you will be in time. ... . . . Art by @morganharpernichols #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #hormones #endometriosis #pcos #pcoswarrior #pcoscysters #naturalfertility #pms #periodpain #painfreeperiods #endowarrior #cyclesyncing See more

PMS AND HEADACHES . . . Ah, those pre-menstrual migraines. What a treat. These tend to be triggered by a combination or the drop in estrogen that happens during the latter part of your menstrual cycle and/or insufficient melatonin production (your sleep/darkness signalling hormone)... . . . Everyone is unique, and you should chat to your local naturopath about appropriate supplementation and dosing, but magnesium, vitamin B2, and melatonin can help to decrease the frequency of migraines by up to 50%. Some of these options have even out performed migraine medications in clinical trials. . . . Are you getting migraines after your period or at the end of your period instead? These likely aren’t hormonal, and instead we should be taking a look at your iron levels- post menstrual migraines can be due to low iron from menstrual blood loss. . . . @grlswirl #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #hormones #pms #cyclesyncing See more

PMS WITH FATIGUE . . . Low energy in the pre-menstrual phase (the 7-14 days before your period) is a pretty darn common complaint. For some, this fatigue is short lived and manageable, but for others it can be debilitating - putting them out of commission for a week or more before their period arrives.... . . . Why does this happen? There can be a few different answers. One common cause can be the inflammation that occurs as progesterone levels dip prior to the onset of bleeding. It may feel like you have the flu, with achy muscles and body fatigue. Supplementing with anti-inflammatory nutrients can be an amazing support here. . . . HPA or adrenal axis fatigue can be another common cause of low energy in this phase of your cycle. This is an imbalance of your stress response system, and that dip in progesterone can make this stressed and agitated state more pronounced. Adaptogenic herbs can help to modulate the stress response in this scenario. . . . Last but not least is iron deficiency. If you have heavy periods, then you are at increased risk for low/deficient iron levels, and your low energy during PMS will often come with breathlessness and easy bruising throughout the rest of your cycle. Aim for ferritin (your storage form of iron which can be assessed via a blood test) levels of 50-300ng/mL. Never had your ferritin tested? It’s probably time you did! . . . @lifeofsoma_ #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #adrenalfatigue #burnout #hormones #pms #cyclesyncing #seedcycling #ipreview via @preview.app See more

Interesting and insightful - in the intersection of women's health, feminism, and environmental sustainability, this is fascinating.

How long will it take until I see changes in my (insert annoying menstrual woe like PMS, period pain, heavy periods, etc)? . . . This is a discussion I have ALL THE TIME with my patients. Perfect periods take time. Altering hormonal cascades and lowering inflammation takes time. Even with the most ideal amazing treatment plan, changes don’t happen overnight. ... . . . Some aspects of menstrual health shift sooner than others. PMS and primary period pain (with no underlying pelvic pathology like endo or ovarian cysts) can improve in as quickly as one month of treatment and resolve completely within three. . . . Endometriosis can begin to see improvement within 1-2 months as inflammation is dealt with. Heavy periods associated with adolescence or perimenopause can improve within 2 months (but underlying causes to heavy flow like thyroid and insulin resistance issues will take much longer - more like 3-6 months) . . . Irregular periods and PCOS take an absolute minimum of three months because that’s how long it takes the ovarian follicle to make its grand journey to maturation and ovulation. For insulin resistant PCOS (the most common type) it takes a bit longer, as we first need to correct insulin resistance (which takes a few months) THEN the journey to ovulation can begin. . . . Take home message: these things take time. Healing takes time. There is no magic pill that will fix things overnight. That being said, change can happen, we just need to exercise some patience and trust the process . . . #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #womenshealth #hormones #pcos #endometriosis #fibroids #pcoscysters #endowarrior #pms #periodpain #ovariancysts #painfreeperiods See more

We are constantly creating our future selves. We are not the same humans today that we were yesterday. Nothing is permanent if you don’t want it to be. We are equal creators of our reality. . . . Yesterday I meal prepped some GF/DF muffins so I would have no excuses for skipping breakfast this morning (which is a particular bad habit I have when I have a busy day/week ahead). Future me is very pleased ... . . . How are you helping future you? . . . #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #womenshealth #hormones #womeninbiz #powerofshe #pcos #cyclesyncing See more

CULTIVATING HORMONAL RESILIENCE . . . PMS sucks, and for those who experience it on a regular basis, it can feel like burden. Why is our body doing this to us? Is this just part of being a menstruator? Something we have to put up with? The answer is definitely and absolutely not. ... . . . PMS responds incredibly well to naturopathic treatment options, and is often the first markers to change when we’re looking at giving your periods a little fix up. PMS is common. Lots of individuals experience some degree of emotional or physical change before their period BUT it is not NORMAL nor is it INEVITABLE. . . . Your hormones aren’t the enemy. Both progesterone and estrogen play a positive role in your cycle - neither one of them inherently causes PMS. Your hormones are going to shift, that’s part of how your menstrual cycle works. We don’t want to completely prevent this shifts from happening to address PMS - we instead want to cultivate resilience to these shifts. Allow our bodies to adapt to the ups and downs more readily. . . . How do we do this? Three main things: enhance progesterone production, stabilize and metabolize estrogen levels, and reduce inflammation. . . . The way in which we do this can differ based on the individual, but there are some key nutritional and herbal supplements to consider adding into your routine if you suffer from PMS. . . . Regular acupuncture with a practitioner well versed in women’s hormonal health is a nice place to start. Increase your intake of magnesium to support progesterone levels. Avoid endocrine disruptors like plastic food or beverage containers. This is one part of the puzzle, but please reach out to your local naturopath so they can guide you the rest of the way . . . #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #womenshealth #hormones #powerofshe #endometriosis #pcos #fibroids #pcoscysters #endowarrior #pms #cyclesyncing #periodpain #ovariancysts #painfreeperiods #acupuncture #functionalmedicine #selfcare #womeninbiz See more

Hi. Hello humans Just dropping in for a sweet lil Tuesday reminder that magic is in the liminal spaces. The in betweens. The soft pauses when you’re not rushing from one line on your check list of self imposed productivity to the next. Your adrenals and nervous system need to rest too art by @bradmontague . . . #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #slowliving #womenshealth

CYCLES Premenstrual syndrome is overlooked in today’s health care system. It’s brushed aside, bandaged over with hormonal birth control, given a placating head pat, and told it’s normal. Just part of being a menstruator. Suck it up. . . .... There is nothing that gets me fired up and on my soap box of menstrual literacy more than the normalization of your period making you feel like shit. It’s not okay to feel depressed and anxious for a week or more out of every month. It is not your fate to suffer pain and discomfort (headaches, breast pain, menstrual cramps just to name a few). Your periods need not make you feel exhausted. . . . For those who suffer with debilitating symptoms before their period, you may have never been told that there are options. It’s not just take the birth control pill or suffer in silence. Naturopathic medicine has options (and really effective ones at that!) . . . Ready to explore your options? Let’s work together, because You deserve to live your life during all phases of your cycle. . . . #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #slowliving #womenshealth #endometriosis #pms #pcos #painfreeperiods #functionalmedicine #powerofshe #hormones #fibroids #pcoscysters #cyclesyncing #periodpain #acupuncture #endowarrior #haes #ovariancysts See more

Happy earth day you beautiful beings. I’m endlessly fascinated by the idea that when we care for the self, we equally contribute to care of the collective (Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown should be required reading for all humans). No where is this more true than in the connection between women’s health and the environment . . . When we move away from single use plastics, pesticide sprayed produce, and hormone disrupting toiletries, we actively care for the nuan...ced hormonal cascade that helps our body do what it needs to do. To Menstruate. To Procreate if that’s your choosing. To Thrive. . . . And in the same spectrum, when we choose to care for our bodies and hormones in this way, we are actively caring for the health of the earth. The environment. The small plants and animals that we share the existence with. . . . On this earth day care for yourself to care for the collective blue dot we call home. Use reusable stainless steel or glass containers instead of plastic. Bring your own cloth shopping bag. If it’s within your financial capacity, consider organic and local produce. DIY your own toiletries. The act is small but the impact significant. . . . #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontolife #torontond #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #endometriosis #pcos #pms #painfreeperiods See more

Long weekend reminder for you gentle humans, that rest is radical. Log out of your email. Start a new book. Nap. Surround your physical body with trees if you can. Slowing down is medicine too. . . . #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #naturalfertility #functionalmedicine #endometriosis #pcos #pms #painfreeperiods

How to you engage your parasympathetic nervous system? . . . The automatic functions of our nervous system - those that aren’t under our conscious control - are divided in two different states. The sympathetic, or the fight/flight/freeze response and the parasympathetic, or the rest/digest response... . . . The sympathetic state was only ever meant to be temporary. We were meant to enter it, adequately respond to the stressor or danger in our life, and then easily return to the parasympathetic state - where blood flow could come back to our digestive and reproductive organs, our immune system could do its thing, and we could enter a state of rest/restoration . . . The thing is, that in today’s world, our body can’t tell the difference between an actual life threatening stressor, and the stress of having an overflowing inbox. We spend the majority of our time in a sympathetic dominant state. Hyper vigilant to the stressors around us, never able to enter a state of deep parasympathetic. This manifests as anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, poor immune function - the list goes on. . . . Engaging the parasympathetic takes practice. It is a continuous practice of coming home. Easing into our bodies, and being grounded there. It can feel uncomfortable at first, especially for those that spend most of their time trying to avoid being in their body. So start small, but build up a regular practice. Simply pausing. Looking up. Taking three deep slow breaths. The power is in the small simple acts. For extra support, reach out to you local naturopath, bodyworker, therapist, or herbalist. The tools are there when you’re ready. . . . #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #powerofshe See more

Rest is the most radical thing we can do. It is also the most healing. In a society that glorifies busy, be brave enough to take the time to rest . . . How have you engaged in rest today? ... . . . Picture via @vibeacupuncture #wildselfcare #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #badasswomen #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #ipreview via @preview.app See more

HELLO SPRING HELLO SUN . . . In chinese medicine, spring is governed by the Liver organ system. When the liver is out of balance (or stagnated) some funky things can begin to pop up. If you notice more migraines, weird and irregular periods (longer, later, or earlier than usual + more pain and PMS than usual) this time of year, then your liver could use a little tune up! ... . . . A course of regular acupuncture during the spring is a fantastic way to ease into the change of seasons. Get that liver Qi flowing with me! Have you tried acupuncture before? . . . #naturopathicmedicine #torontonaturopath #toronto #torontond #torontolife #the6ix #selfcare #slowliving #womenshealth #badasswomen #hormones #endometriosis #pcos #fibroids #pcoscysters #pms #cyclesyncing #periodpain #painfreeperiods #wildselfcare #acupuncture See more