DR. MELISSA CUGLIARI about health & well-being
Dr. Melissa Cugliari, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
Melissa focuses her practice on dermatology, digestive health and stress management and is particularly interested in empowering patients in the area of lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep, etc.) to achieve optimal health. We were lucky enough to interview Melissa and discover her health and wellness tips & tricks.
Why did you decide to become a naturopathic doctor? And what are the main focuses of your practice?
I was inspired to become a naturopath through my own health journey. As a young woman in my early 20s, I suffered from digestive issues and acne. Conventional medicine gave me solutions to manage my symptoms, but I was interested in understanding why my body was giving me these signals. I worked with all kinds of alternative health care providers but it wasn't until I saw an alternative practitioner that I noticed a big change in my health. I have always been passionate about nutrition and healthy living. In the end, it was this healing experience that solidified my path to becoming a naturopath.
What are your daily rituals? Can you tell us about your morning and evening routines?
I attach a lot of importance to my morning and evening routines. They are a fixed point for my days and give me stability.
Morning routine:
I get up at the same time every day (even on weekends) - 6:30 am is my preferred time so I can start the day at my leisure. Before I fully open my eyes, I mentally list 10 things I am grateful for. I then drink at least a liter of filtered water with lemon, chlorophyll and mineral drops.
Evening routine:
At least 30 minutes before bed, I turn off all screens. I meditate if I haven't already earlier in the day, or I do a facial massage and a Manuka honey mask. Before going to sleep, I usually read a book.
You offer great services such as acupuncture facials, cupping and also LED light therapy - can you elaborate on the benefits of these treatments?
I find that dermatologists offer external, topical ways to treat skin issues while many alternative practitioners focus on internal care - which is great, but takes much longer to show results.
I started doing these treatments for my patients with skin problems so they could start seeing noticeable external changes in their skin while we worked on the internal causes of their problems.
Now I offer these treatments as facials to stop the aging process. Facial acupuncture improves healing of existing breakouts, softens fine wrinkles, and addresses underlying causes of aging and other skin imbalances. Cupping helps improve lymphatic flow. This reduces puffiness and the face is lifted and sculpted. And LED light therapy - the newest addition to my practice - is incredibly healing and rejuvenating. It infuses the skin cells with energy to heal and regenerate. The result is radiant and balanced skin.
Your favorite wellness hack?
Good sleep, hydration with high quality water, daily facial massage and regular cosmetic acupuncture + LED light treatments.
And last but not least - do you offer your work outside of Canada?
Not at the moment, but I hope soon!
For more information, follow @drmelissacugliari.
https://www.melissacugliarind.com