Naturopathic Services. Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash
Naturopathic Services
WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
Naturopathic medicine is a unique approach to improving health and treating illness. The main focus is on prevention rather than simply treating symptoms. Natural substances and treatments such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and acupuncture are used to support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathic Doctors examine and treat patients through education and plans specifically tailored to each individual patient.
Naturopathic medicine has its roots in ancient traditional healing and has branched into modern, cutting-edge science so we can support optimal health with metabolic and detoxification therapies.
The primary therapies used in naturopathic medicine are clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, lifestyle and physical therapies.
Botanical Medicine l Botanical medicine involves the use of plants for their healing properties. For example Echinacea and goldenseal are great for colds, ginger and peppermint for digestion and calendula for healing cuts and scrapes. It is very important to realize that even though the plants are natural they are still medicine and can interfere with certain prescription drugs, please consult with a knowledgeable health professional such as a Naturopath before combining prescription drugs and herbal medicines.
Clinical Nutrition l Diet and nutritional counseling are fundamental to Naturopathic medicine. Your Naturopath will provide education on healthy food choices and can help identify the best food choices or dietary program to help maximize your individual nutritional needs.
Homeopathic Medicine l Based on the principle that “like cures like” homeopathic medicines have been used since the 1700’s. Very diluted amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body to heal itself and help restore balance.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine l According to oriental medicine the body is divided into meridians, each meridian corresponds to a different organ. Acupuncture and herbal formulas work to balance the meridians and therefor the organs they correspond to. Acupuncture can be used for numerous conditions such as sciatica, back pain, menstrual irregularity, headaches and fertility.
Physical Therapies l Therapies vary slightly depending on the Naturopathic Doctor, gentle soft tissue manipulation and craniosacral therapies are used to aid mostly musculoskeletal concerns such as headaches and back pain.
Lifestyle Counselling l Counseling surrounding stress reduction, exercise, emotional wellbeing and spiritual health help us to achieve balance and happiness in every aspect. Your Naturopathic Doctor is a resource for you in helping to achieve your health and wellness goals.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I VISIT A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR?
The goal of the Naturopath is to understand the patient and all the factors which impact on their individual health. The ND will take an in-depth patient history at the first visit along with complaint oriented physical exam. Your Naturopath may also recommend various tests through accredited labs such as hormone analysis, organic acid tests and various blood panels. All of this information will assist in making a proper assessment of your current health status and formulate an individual treatment plan to help you achieve your health goals.
HOW ARE NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS TRAINED?
ND’s take a minimum of three years premedical studies at university, followed by four years at a recognized college of naturopathic medicine. The education encompasses basic medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
There are six recognized schools of naturopathic medicine in North America. The Canadian College of Naturopathic medicine (Toronto), Bastyr University (Seattle), National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland), the University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport), Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Scottsdale) and Boucher Institute (Vancouver). Graduates from these institutions receive a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree or diploma.
In regulated (or licenced) provinces and states across North America graduates must pass rigorous standardized exams to qualify to practice. Ontario is a regulated province.