|
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a unique and comprehensive
approach to improving health and treating illness that employs
natural means to empower an individual to achieve health.
Naturopathic doctors are the general practitioners of natural
medicine. In addition to providing recommendations on lifestyle,
diet, and exercise, naturopathic doctors may use a variety
of natural therapeutics including clinical nutrition, herbal
medicine, homeopathy, Oriental medicine & acupuncture,
hydrotherapy, therapeutic manipulation, and counseling. Focusing
on prevention, and using natural substances and treatments,
naturopathic doctors (ND) support and stimulate the body's
ability to heal itself.
Clinical Nutrition
Balanced nutrition is an essential foundation for healthy
living. A health promoting diet can significantly enhance
your overall vitality and can help prevent future disease.
Special diets or dietary adjustments can be extremely effective
in alleviating the symptoms of specific medical conditions.
Nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes
are another powerful method of optimizing health when needed.
After an in-depth nutritional assessment with each patient,
the ND will propose individualized dietary and supplement
recommendations.
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine refers to plant-based treatments that are
used in the form of herbal teas, tinctures, topical oils/salves/creams,
capsules and other herbal preparations. The use of plants
for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization is
the foundation of modern pharmacology. Botanical medicines
are the subject of a growing number of positive clinical research
studies relating to their safety and effectiveness.
Homeopathy
Based on the principle of "like cures like", homeopathic
medicine was developed in the 1700s by Samuel Hahnemann and
has been safely and effectively practiced since that time.
Homeopathy uses minute amounts of natural substances which
have been potentized and diluted to obtain their effects.
A homeopathic remedy is prescribed based on the unique characteristics
of the patient and stimulates self-healing abilities.
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are based on
a 5000 year old practice of balancing the flow of Chi (energy)
in the meridian pathways of the body. Pulse and tongue diagnosis
help the ND decide on the direction of treatment. The goal
of each treatment is to create balance and harmony in the
mind and body. Treatments can include the use of ancient Chinese
herbal formulas, traditional Chinese dietary suggestions and
acupuncture. Acupuncture, the insertion of sterile needles
at specific points on the body, is highly effective and has
been clinically tested in the treatment of chronic pain.
Naturopathic Bodywork
Naturopathic bodywork consists of various forms of physical
or hands-on therapies for the spine, joints, and soft tissues.
This includes massage and spinal manipulation which are designed
to promote relaxation and physical alignment.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of hot and cold water to stimulate
healthy ciculation in the vascular and lymphatic systems of
the body. Hydrotherapy promotes immunity, activates detoxification
and restores energy levels.
Lifestyle Counseling
NDs are committed to the education and guidance of their patients
in making positive changes to various aspects of their lifestyle
that may be inhibiting optimal health. Naturopathic lifestyle
counselling takes into consideration where you are in your
health journey and what you wish to achieve. By evaluating
the environmental, mental/emotional and physical aspects of
your life, the ND can help you make choices which will enhance
your well-being and reduce stress levels.
Back
|
