Naturopathic Doctors are primary care and adjunctive health care providers for people of all ages that use natural therapies to support and stimulate healing processes.
Like an M.D., a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) must have the premedical undergraduate courses before entering a four-year program for Naturopathic medicine. The Naturopathic Doctor must have the knowledge of the same basic sciences but with a focus on natural and nontoxic ways of healing. The Naturopathic Doctor does not replace medical doctors but rather works collaboratively in the prevention and treatment of illness.
Six Principles of Naturopathy:
- Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
- First, do no Harm
- Doctor as teacher
- Treat the Whole Person
- Prevention
Naturopathic Medicine may be helpful for any of the following conditions:
- Anxiety/ Depression
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Chronic illness
- Immune health
- Digestive health
- Pediatric health
- Men’s and Women’s Health
- Sleep issues
- Pain management
- Weight management
Services
Nutrition and Lifestyle modification
An individualized diet plan can be customized to address common symptoms such as low energy, bloating, weight gain, mood changes, pain, skin eruptions to name a few. Food sensitivity testing through approved provincial lab tests can help pinpoint food sensitivities. Stress also plays a role in how we process our nutrition. Through lifestyle counseling the mental, emotional, physical patterns are discussed to help modify patterns that contribute to poor health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapy that balances energy called Qi that has been disrupted or blocked by illness. Acupuncture treatments address conditions such as joint and muscle pain, digestive challenges, anxiety/depression as well as fertility issues. Cupping is also offered to enhance circulation and promote smoother flow of Qi.
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine comprises of herbs that come in different forms such as tinctures, teas or capsules used to address various health conditions. The Potential side effects between herbs and drugs are researched by the Naturopathic Doctor.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a form of energy therapy originally developed in the 18th century by German physician Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathy is based on the principle of ‘like cures like’, using minute amounts of plant, mineral or animal substances used to gently stimulate the body’s self-healing. An individualized intake is taken to determine the remedy that is called for.
Generalized laboratory Testing
Food Sensitivity Testing to determine IgG food sensitivities that may be implicated in health conditions such as migraine, IBS, eczema. Generalized laboratory testing urine, blood tests for nutrient deficiencies, cholesterol panel, and thyroid panel as an example.