What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. It is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies and gentle techniques. Focusing on prevention, naturopathic doctors (NDs) support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself.
The primary goal of naturopathic medicine is to address the cause of illness, rather than simply treat or suppress symptoms. The patient is seen as a whole person and the ND takes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions into account when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan.

Naturopathic doctors are the general practitioners of natural medicine. With at least seven years of post-secondary education, they are trained to identify the underlying cause of disease and to help the body heal itself using natural methods, not prescription drugs or surgery. Naturopathic doctors can also complement and enhance services provided by other health care professionals and provide patients with a truly integrated form of health care. You will find our approach thorough as we work together for your health.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
• Do no harm – effective health care with the least risk for patients
• Find and treat the cause
• Doctor as Teacher – educate patients, empower, motivate, and encourage self-responsibility
• Use the healing power of nature – aiding the body’s natural ability to bring itself into balance
• Holism – the person is treated as a whole, a complex interaction of physical, mental/emotional, spiritual, and social factors.
• Health promotion is the best prevention – wellness through education and lifestyle choices that support health.

Treatments Offered:

Clinical Nutrition
Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. An in-depth analysis of your health needs and diet will lead to suggested improvements and prescribed supplements (when appropriate) to address deficiencies, promote health, and treat disease.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Asian medicine uses a unique combination of diagnostic techniques and treatment methods that incorporates acupuncture, botanical formulas, and dietary changes to stimulate balance and the healthy function of organs, cells, and tissues.

Botanical (Herbal) Medicine
The use of plants for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization and is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Plant substances from around the world are used for their effects and nutritional value.

Bowen Therapy
A series of gentle, rolling movements of connective tissue to stimulate the body to reset and heal itself. Bowen therapy aims to balance and stimulate energy flow, frequently resulting in a deep sense of overall relaxation.  It can also stimulate detoxification and healing of chronic pain and illness.

Physical Medicine
A variety of hands-on techniques for the spine, joints, and soft tissues. Physical treatments also include hydrotherapy and the therapeutic use of heat and cold, light, massage, and ultrasound.

Homeopathic Medicine
Based on the principle of “like cures like” small doses of plant, animal, and mineral substances are used to stimulate the immune system and the body’s ability to heal itself.

Lifestyle Counseling
Identification of lifestyle, diet, and environmental risk factors to create programs that help to develop sound health habits.



FAQ:

Can my health conditions be treated using naturopathic medicine?
Many health conditions can benefit from naturopathic care. In particular, naturopathic medicine is extremely effective in the treatment of long-term chronic diseases, as well as the prevention and reduction of acute conditions.

How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?
Conventional and naturopathic medicine complement one another, but they differ in their approach to treatment. Naturopathic medicine assesses the whole person and focuses on disease prevention and health enhancement using natural therapies and patient education. The role of the naturopathic doctor is to teach patients how to better care for their own heath.

What can I expect when I visit a Naturopathic Doctor?
The goal of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors which may impact on his/her health. The ND will take an in-depth patient history. In addition, the information from a physical exam and laboratory tests may assist in making an assessment and diagnosis. A personal treatment plan will then be proposed to help facilitate your healing process.

Disorders commonly treated with Naturopathic Medicine:
• Arthritis
• Digestive issues
• Allergies / sensitivities
• Food intolerances
• Acne
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Cold / flu
• Insomnia
• Chronic pain
• Muscle & joint inflammation & injury
• Weight management
• Smoking cessation