Naturopathic Medicine is the treatment and prevention of diseases by natural means. Naturopathic Doctors assess the whole person, taking into consideration physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Gentle, non-invasive techniques are generally used in order to stimulate the body’s inherent healing capacity. Your Naturopathic Doctor will take a thorough case history, and may do a screening physical examination, including a breast exam and take blood and urine samples.
It is very important therefore that you inform your Naturopathic Doctor immediately of any disease process that you are suffering from, if you are on any medication or over the counter drugs. If you are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant or you are breast-feeding; please advise your Naturopathic Doctor immediately.
A number of different approaches may be used throughout the course of treatment. Treatment modalities include diet, lifestyle counseling, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, bio-therapeutic drainage, Asian medical theory and acupuncture, hydrotherapy and physical medicine.
Individual diets and nutritional supplementation are recommended to address deficiencies, treat disease processes, and promote health. There is an ever-growing body of knowledge that supports the use of whole foods and nutritional supplements in the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease. The benefits may include increased energy, increased gastrointestinal function, improved immunity, and general well-being.
Mental, Emotional and Lifestyle Counseling is essential to the practice of Naturopathic Medicine. In almost all cases there is an mental/emotional component that needs to be addressed so the body can heal itself. We take the time to listen and to help you find the solutions. Lifestyle counseling involves making suggestions such as drink more water, go to sleep at a reasonable hour, and other suggestions otherwise known as the basic treatment guidelines. We are here to teach, support, encourage and coach you to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Botanical medicine is a plant-based medicine that involves the use of herbal teas, tinctures, capsules, and other forms of herbal preparations to assist in recovery from injury and disease.
Naturopathic Doctors are professionally trained herbalists; knowledgeable in both the historical uses of plants and their modern pharmacological mechanisms.
Homeopathy is a form of medicine based on the Law of Similars. It uses uniquely prepared remedies prescribed to match precise symptoms of the person who is ill. Homeopathic remedies, made from nontoxic extracts of plant, mineral, or animal substances, promote biological and physiological healing.
Bio-therapeutic Drainage is a treatment method aimed at supporting the body’s natural routes of elimination and enhancing the cellular function of the organs and tissues within the body. Bio-therapeutic Drainage is a non-invasive treatment method employing non-toxic, natural remedies, taken orally.
Asian medicine includes the use of acupuncture, Eastern herbs and dietary changes to eliminate disease and balance body functions. Acupuncture refers to the insertion of sterilized disposable needles through the skin into underlying tissues at specific points on the body. Eastern herbs 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 Asian medical theory.
Hydrotherapy refers to the use of hot and cold water applications to improve circulation and stimulate the immune system.