“There is a wisdom inherent in nature that guides the body’s process of self healing “
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Principles and Philosophies
Naturopathic Medicine is a holistic approach to Healthcare, and offers Primary Care Services guided by these fundamental treatment principles and philosophies:
· Thou shall not do harm
· Thou shall identify and treat the Cause of the disease, instead of suppress its symptoms
· Thou shall heal the Whole person through Individualized treatment in all health dimensions
· Thou shall incorporate interventions that maintain health and Prevent illness
· Thou shall support the Healing Power of Nature and nourish the body`s self-healing process
Naturopathy is a distinct Primary Healthcare System that incorporates traditional medicinal knowledge and current Evidence Based Research. As Naturopaths, we identify Disease as a process, as opposed to an entity, and recognize that symptoms and signs of disease are a way of telling us that our bodies are imbalanced and not functioning optimally. We recognize that every body is different, and requires their own, individualized care to restore balance so that the natural healing process can work effectively. Individualized treatment is based on the patient`s physiological, emotional, psychological, social, spiritual, environmental and lifestyle factors.
Naturopathic Physicians
Naturopathic Doctors receive a minimum of seven years of specialized study. After completing an Undergraduate degree and fulfilling medical and science pre-requisite courses, they must complete a comprehensive four-year naturopathic medical program at an accredited school. Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in Ontario and must successfully complete provincial examinations before being licensed.
As naturopathic doctors, we do a thorough history and conduct appropriate physical examinations as appropriate standards of practise. Comprehensive laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging will also be considered in order to confirm diagnosis. Previous medical reports and test results from other healthcare providers should be brought to your ND in order to better understand your current situation.
The Healing Power of Nature
There is a wisdom inherent in nature that guides the bodies process of self healing. This is achieved only through the balance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms of health. When the body is disharmonized, equilibrium and the self-healing process can be restored via natural therapies that respect the laws of nature, strengthen the body’s natural defences, and promote vitality.
Modalities and Therapies
Conditions Treated
Pre-conception Health
Infertility (Male & Female factor). Learn more here…
PCOS
Endometriosis
Menstrual Irregularities, Cysts and Fibroids
Thyroid Disorders
Menopause
Weight Loss
Liver Health
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Anti-aging
Stress Management
Others: Skin health (acne, psoriasis, eczema), Childhood (ADD/ADHD), Immune system (Acute/Chronic viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune conditions), Metabolic Disorders (Diabetes, Cholesterol, Blood pressure concerns), Mood disorders.
Treatments + Modalities employed
Any one or a mixture of the following modalities are employed in treatment:
Botanical (Herbal) Medicine
Ever wonder how your ancestors treated their ailments? Plants contain a variety of medicinal constituents that Naturopaths utilize to treat disease and aid in healing. The therapeutic components of plants have been used for thousands of years and can be used raw, in the form of teas, extracts, lotions, supplements and others to help the body strengthen and heal.
Acupuncture + Traditional Chinese Medicine
Asian Medicine is an ancient therapy utilizing such techniques as acupuncture/acupressure, cupping, moxabustion, herbs and diet therapy to restore balance of Yin/Yang of the 5 basic Organ Systems of the body. Essentially, complete health is restored when all organ systems are balanced and in neither excess or deficiency states. The Organs are represented along meridians throughout the body, and acupuncture works to stimulate these channels in order to treat the excess or deficiency. Acupuncture is also used from a Western Medicine point of view for chronic pain by increasing circulation to the area, relaxing tight muscles, and breaking up adhesions/scar tissue.
Clinical Nutrition + Supplementation
Nutritional counselling is not just about putting the right fuel into your body. It is about optimizing your individual needs through the proper amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals for your demands. Your nutrition plan is focused on assisting with correcting imbalances and restoring a healthy terrain to fight off unwanted warriors (i.e. bacteria and viruses).
Lifestyle + Counselling
Health is not only defined by one’s physical state but also their mental, emotional and spiritual well being. We recognize the link between physical and mental/emotional and treat the cause. Ranging from stress to severe depression, various mental states can dramatically affect your physical health and vice versa. We treat the WHOLE person by identifying risk factors and providing recommendations to help optimize all dimensions of health. Counselling, education, and tools are provided to empower the patient to guide them on their healing journey.
Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathic medicine uses the fundamental principle that “like cures like” to treat a variety of conditions. By exposing a patient to diluted concentrations of various substances, Homeopathy works at an energetic level to stimulate the body’s natural healing ability. Single remedies, complex remedies, or Biotherapeutic Techniques may be prescribed. Pregnant women and children respond really well to these types of remedies.
Laboratory Testing + Physical Examinations
Naturopathic doctors assess your health via laboratory testing and physical exams to gain insight on what is happening at an organic level. As your primary healthcare provider, we perform regular blood work and also test for additional items such as Food Sensitivities, Heavy Metal Toxicity, Hormone Panels and the function of individual organs if needed.
