Naturopathic Medicine is an exciting and unique way of looking at health and well being that blends its roots from many ancient-healing traditions with modern scientific knowledge. By focusing on prevention, and using natural substances and treatments, Naturopathic Doctors are able to support and stimulate a patient’s ability to heal themselves. The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than simply treat or suppress symptoms. In order to address the cause of illness, it is necessary to treat the “whole” person, which is one of the main philosophies of naturopathic medicine. Therefore mental, emotional, physical and spiritual factors are all considered prior to diagnosis and the developing of treatment plans. When treating patients, Naturopathic Doctors use many different naturopathic modalities such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy and lifestyle counseling.
Naturopathic Services Available:
Clinical Nutrition
There is an intrinsic relationship between nutrition and wellness. Naturopathic practitioners deal with a wide range of problems relating to nutrition, including factors that interfere with the body’s absorption and utilization of nutrients and the diagnosis and treatment of numerous conditions that result from inadequate or defective nutrition. Dietary modifications, nutritional supplementation and detoxification can dramatically improve one’s health.
Botanical Medicine
Medicines derived from plants and other natural sources have been used for centuries in the treatment and prevention of disease and for maintaining a state of well being and are the subject of a growing number of clinical research studies. While the active ingredients of some plant medicines are extremely powerful, they are safe and highly effective when administered by a trained Naturopathic Doctor. Your naturopathic doctor may use more than one at a time, since in many cases the healing effects of these remedies in combination are greater than the sum of their individual actions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Chinese pulse and tongue diagnosis, acupuncture and the use of Eastern botanical medicines comprise oriental Medicine, a system of health care that has been used effectively for thousands of years in Asia, but which has only been introduced to North America in the 20th century. Since its introduction Naturopathic practitioners have used needle acupuncture, where needles are inserted at specific points in the body to enhance healing, alleviate pain and improve the sense of well being by balancing the flow of Qi (energy). Acupuncture has also been tested clinically in the treatment of chronic pain and in the weaning from addictive substances such as nicotine, caffeine and many drugs.
Homeopathic Medicine
Originally developed during the 18th century by the physician Hahnemann, this unique form of medicine is used widely by medical and other practitioners in Europe. Homeopathic medicine uses very dilute botanical, mineral or other substances to treat specific ailments. If a homeopathic remedy is indicated, your Naturopathic Doctor will select the appropriate formulation from the thousands of homeopathic remedies available, based on your total symptom picture.
Lifestyle Counselling
The roots of Naturopathy lie in the Natural Hygiene movement, which was popular in North America in the 1800’s. The corner stones of preventive health care are clean air, clean water, exercise, healthy foods and freedom from excess stress. Naturopathic Doctors are committed to the education and guidance of their patients in making positive changes to various parts of their current lifestyle that may be inhibiting total health and wellness. Remember, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”