What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is a primary health care system that combines evidence-based scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The philosophies of Naturopathic Medicine are to support the healing power of the body and treat the root cause of diseases. We view symptoms of disease as signals of underlying dysfunction and an indication that there are lifestyle habits that may be causing harm. Naturopathy considers disease to be more of a process, rather than an entity. We believe in non-invasive, preventative approaches and aim to attain optimal health for our patients. Naturopathic Doctors look at your body as a whole to determine the areas that need to be addressed and can use a number of different types of treatments to do so.
These Treatments Include:
Clinical Nutrition
Addresses the essential connection between our diet and health. This may involve changing dietary habits, removal of certain foods and nutritional supplementation. It is a vital approach in the treatment of many diseases and promotion of optimal primal health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
An ancient approach that focuses on balancing the flow of energy, known as chi, throughout the pathways (or meridians) of the body. This includes the use of acupuncture, cupping, and traditional Chinese herbs. There has been a lot of research to support the effectiveness of this modality in the treatment of many conditions.
Lifestyle Counselling
With lifestyle counselling we try to address all aspects of a person's life because that is part of treating the whole individual. We identify and address potential obstacles of healing and sources of stress or harm to the body. This may include mental, emotional, physical or environmental aspects of one's life. We aim to help motivate patients to make effective and healthy lifestyle choices. This is an essential part of treatments, that helps to maintain healing long-term. Some examples are: exercise, meditation, mindfulness, stress-reduction, journalling or self-expression, self-care and doing things you love.
Botanical Medicine
Using the nutrients and healing properties of plants medicinally; in the form of teas, tinctures, or capsules. The concentrations are lower than that of pharmaceuticals, so there are generally fewer side effects than are found in conventional medications. Naturopaths are well educated in the potential interactions between these preparations and medications; to ensure you may use them safely and effectively.
Diagnostic Testing
Naturopathic Doctors are equipped with the skills required to perform physical exams and are able to requisition advanced laboratory testing. This helps us to accurately identify underlying concerns and confirm diagnoses. Doing so, allows us to safely provide you with more effective treatments.
Examples: Basic blood work, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid function, food sensitivity testing, hormone panels and pap tests.
Homeopathic Medicine
A gentle healing technique that uses minute dilutions of substances to support the body's "vital force" and strengthen its ability to heal.
