What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine, in its most basic form, is the treatment and prevention of disease by natural means. But it is so much more than that. Naturopathic doctors treat from the inside out, assessing the entire person (mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental), rather than just a body part or symptom in isolation. We use safe, non-invasive therapies, to gently stimulate and boost your body’s own ability to heal itself.

We typically use a variety of approaches to help get you feeling like yourself again. Diet and nutritional therapy, botanical (herbal) medicine, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physical medicine and lifestyle counselling are some of the mainstays of Naturopathic Medicine.

Oftentimes, we’ll recommend Dietary Therapy, including diet changes and/or supplements to address hidden underlying causes, and unmask nutritional deficiencies that, once corrected, will create a good foundation to build upon. A strong foundation helps the body correct disease processes and promotes good health. The benefits to you can include more energy, improved digestive functioning with less discomfort, and a stronger immune system.

All types of plant-based medicines are included in Botanical (Herbal) Medicine, using fresh and dried herbs, teas, tinctures, tablets, capsules, ointments and many other forms of herbal preparations to help you recover from illness or injury. Herbs are very powerful, but safe when prescribed by a knowledgeable practitioner, like an herbalist or Naturopathic Doctor. They can be a very important component of your treatment plan, and also help to build up your immune system.

Chinese Medicine is a complete system for diagnosis and treatment which includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies and dietary changes to heal the body. Acupuncture is the insertion of sterilized needles at specific points on the body. Moxa (a compressed herb in the form of a stick) is sometimes burned over an acupuncture point to help relieve symptoms. Botanical formulas may be given in the form of pills, tinctures or decoctions (strong teas) to be taken internally or used externally as a wash. Dietary advice is based on Traditional Chinese medical theory.

Using tiny doses of natural medicines, Homeopathy can have a profound effect on your system when prescribed appropriately. These surprisingly minute doses of plant, mineral or animal origin are used to stimulate your body’s natural ability to heal itself. Many people have asked us, “What’s the difference between Naturopathy and Homeopathy?” In fact, Homeopathy is a specialty unto itself (much like Chinese Medicine is), in which skilled practitioners use these remedies to create quite significant shifts in a person’s mental, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being. A Naturopathic Doctor will, in addition to homeopathic remedies, also tend to combine many of the other modalities described here.

Applying Physical Medicine, a variety of hands-on therapies like soft tissue and spinal manipulation, may help to unblock stagnant energy and relieve structural pain. It also includes various types of electrical stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound to treat any musculoskeletal and neurological problems you may have. The use of this type of medicine can be extremely important in improving your daily quality of life.

Hydrotherapy refers to the use of hot and cold water applications in many forms in order to improve your circulation and stimulate your immune system. This type of treatment can help you recover from a number of conditions, and strengthen your overall system.

Many people need help figuring out exactly how they can live the ultimate life, full of energy and good health. Or maybe all they really need is a helping hand through their emotional or relationship issues. Sometimes, all it takes is a few small changes, to get someone on their way. Lifestyle Counselling is the natural teaching aspect of Naturopathic Medicine, and it plays a key role in the longterm success of our patients.

What Can Naturopathic Medicine Help me with?

“Finding Peace”

If you’re wondering why you should consider Naturopathic Medicine and/or Chinese Medicine in your quest for a healthy future, here are some good reasons:

• It can help increase your energy and improve your sleep
• It can help eliminate your bloating and stomach pain
• It can relieve your headaches, and arthritic joint pain
• It can help improve your relationships and emotional health
• PMS and thyroid can be improved
• It can help you release stress, fear and worry
• Naturopathic Medicine can help you find peace

Since Naturopathic Medicine is a holistic approach to health, we combine many healing modalities during our sessions. We put together an individualized treatment plan, according to your personal history and current health condition, and make recommendations to help you achieve your goals. We will also help you to identify relevant lifestyle considerations and risk factors that may affect your progress, so you can get the best results possible.

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