Lyme Disease Naturopath Support
Naturopathic Lyme Disease Treatment
Lyme disease is complex, frequently misdiagnosed, and often undertreated. Dr. Kim Townsend, ND has a specialized focus on Lyme disease and has treated patients from across Southern Ontario — helping them finally get answers and a treatment plan that addresses the full picture.
Dr. Kim Townsend, ND offers specialized naturopathic support for Lyme Disease both in person & virtually.
OVERVIEW
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is contracted predominantly through a tick bite and can create a cascade of symptoms affecting multiple systems of the body. Symptoms can range from nervous system disorders, mood disturbances, hormonal imbalances, muscle and joint pain, rashes, headaches, and unexplained fatigue and malaise. Lyme disease is slowly becoming more recognized in Ontario as awareness increases and the population of ticks carrying this disease escalates.
When to seek medical attention
If you suspect you have been bitten by an infected tick, contact a healthcare provider promptly for advice. Seek medical care right away if you develop an expanding rash, fever or other symptoms following a tick bite or possible tick exposure.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease
Lyme disease can affect people differently. These symptoms can also have other causes, so an appropriate assessment matters.
Symptoms can overlap and may have other causes. An appropriate medical assessment is important, and ongoing symptoms after treatment do not necessarily indicate an active Lyme infection.
Early signs & symptoms
An expanding rash, sometimes resembling a bull’s-eye
Unexplained fever, chills or flu-like symptoms
Headache, extreme fatigue and feeling generally unwell (malaise)
Muscle and joint aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Later signs & symptoms
Joint & Muscle pain or swelling
Severe headaches or neck stiffness
Nerve pain, numbness or facial weakness
Heart palpitations or dizziness
Wandering pain
Memory or concentration difficulties
Persistent symptoms
Persistent fatigue
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Sleep difficulties
Joint & Muscle Pain
Additional Concerns to Discuss
Other concerns worth discussing during your assessment include anxiety, depression, mood changes, feeling overwhelmed, digestive problems, concerns about hormonal imbalances, muscle spasms or twitching, difficulty walking, and other nervous system symptoms. These concerns can have many causes and do not, on their own, establish a diagnosis of Lyme disease.
Symptoms can overlap between stages. Ongoing symptoms after treatment do not necessarily indicate an active Lyme infection. An appropriate medical assessment is important.
TCONO Registered
OAND Member
CAND Member
25+ Years Experience
Licensed BHRT Prescriber
The Method
How Dr. Kim Diagnoses & Treats Lyme Disease
Understanding early and later symptoms:
In the acute stage of Lyme disease there are often flu-like symptoms which are sometimes — but not always — accompanied by a bullseye rash. When the disease becomes more chronic it can mimic many disease processes as it attacks different systems of the body. Unfortunately many people don't realize they have been bitten by a tick because the tick numbs the skin while it is attached. Ticks are found in forested and grassy areas and often go unnoticed when hiking or playing in these environments.
Dr. Kim’s assessment approach:
Dr. Kim approaches Lyme disease treatment using a number of different assessment tools. She uses a combination of electro-dermal screening, body point testing, and lab work to help decipher which organs are most affected. Sometimes a nutritional panel is recommended to assess the specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies that arise from this disease. Dr. Kim will also requisition Lyme-specific bloodwork to better support a patient's diagnosis.
Lyme disease testing:
Unfortunately, blood testing for Lyme disease in Ontario is not always adequate to rule out this disease definitively, and there are often false negatives. Therefore, when Dr. Kim suspects this disease in a patient she sends bloodwork to IGeneX in the U.S. or Armin labs in Germany. Both of these labs specialize in the testing and diagnosis of Lyme disease and are considered the top labs in North America and Europe for detecting Lyme disease and its associated co-infections.
Individualized naturopathic support:
Dr. Kim uses specific and individualized herbal and nutrient combinations to support the body in fighting this tick-borne disease. These unique combinations are important in building the immune system, supporting organ function, and fighting the bacterial and associated fungal issues. These treatments are often done in combination with antibiotic treatments prescribed by a Lyme-specific MD.
YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
What to expect at your first appointment...
Your first appointment gives you time to explain your symptoms, ask questions and discuss what you hope to improve. Dr. Kim will review your health history, medications, supplements, and any previous testing or treatment to understand your concerns.
Together, you’ll discuss appropriate next steps and how naturopathic support may fit into your care. Bring any relevant test results and a list of your medications and supplements, if available.
Lyme Disease
Insurance: Covered by most Benefit Plans
New Patients: Now welcoming
Virtual Care: Offered Province-wide
Location: Burlington, ON
Parking: Free on-site
Dr. Kim's Expertise
A Trusted Voice in Lyme Disease Care in Ontario
Dr. Kim has had a focus on Lyme disease for a number of years. She has attended multiple ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) conferences, as well as functional medicine conferences and workshops on Lyme disease. She is well connected within the Lyme community of practitioners and support networks. Although Dr. Kim's practice is in Burlington, Ontario, she has treated patients from all over Southern Ontario.
If you suspect you may have the symptoms of Lyme disease, it is important that you seek a diagnosis and get treatment immediately. Dr. Kim Townsend, ND can help you requisition the most reliable lab work for diagnosing this disease.
Can you have Lyme disease without a bull’s-eye rash?
Yes. Some people with Lyme disease do not develop a noticeable rash. When a rash appears, it may expand gradually without forming the familiar bull’s-eye pattern as a bull's-eye rash is present only about 50% of the time. If you develop symptoms after a tick bite or possible tick exposure, seek medical assessment rather than waiting for a rash.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed in Ontario?
Lyme disease diagnosis considers your symptoms, possible exposure to infected ticks and blood testing when appropriate. A characteristic expanding rash following tick exposure may allow a clinical diagnosis without blood testing. Antibody tests can be negative early in the infection, so results need to be interpreted alongside your history and examination.
Can Lyme disease be cured, and how long does recovery take?
Most people recover fully with appropriate antibiotic treatment, especially when Lyme disease is diagnosed early. The medication and treatment duration depend on your symptoms and individual circumstances. Recovery can take longer when treatment begins later or complications have developed. Finishing an antibiotic course does not always mean every symptom has resolved, so discuss persistent or returning symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Learn about recommended Lyme disease treatment and recovery and prolonged symptoms from ILADS.
What does naturopathic support for Lyme disease involve?
At Townsend Naturopathic in Burlington, Dr. Kim Townsend, ND offers individualized naturopathic support that considers your broader health concerns. Depending on your needs, discussions may include nutrition, daily routines and whether herbal or nutrient support is appropriate alongside your existing care. Dr. Kim's recommendations take into account your medications and treatment history.
Learn more about Dr. Kim Townsend’s background and approach
What should I expect at my first Lyme disease appointment?
Your first appointment gives you time to explain your symptoms, ask questions and discuss what you hope to improve. Dr. Kim will review your health history, medications, supplements and any previous testing or treatment. Together, you’ll discuss appropriate next steps and how naturopathic support may fit into your care.
Bring relevant test results and a list of your medications and supplements, if available. A symptom timeline and photographs of any previous rash can also be helpful. You can book a consultation with Dr. Kim Townsend online.
Are virtual appointments available for Lyme disease support in Ontario?
Yes. Dr. Kim Townsend, ND offers virtual naturopathic appointments for patients across Ontario, alongside in-person visits at Townsend Naturopathic in Burlington. If you live outside Burlington or prefer a virtual visit, contact the clinic to confirm whether this format is suitable for your needs. You can view appointment options and book a consultation online.
Our Mission
Naturopathic Doctor, Kim Townsend is on a mission to assist families in leading healthier, fuller and more satisfying lives through the proven power of naturopathic medicine. Dr. Kim’s ultimate objective is to investigate patient’s health concerns and design an individualized program to treat and prevent a wide variety of health issues. She is fully committed to naturopathic healthcare with a special focus on the treatment of Lyme disease.
Dr. Kim combines over 25 years of clinical experience with compassionate care to support long-term wellness at every stage of life.
Her office: Townsend Naturopathic Clinic is located in Burlington Ontario and services a wide variety of clientele ranging from areas of Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville to Niagara. She also offers virtual appointments to treat patients province-wide.
