naturopathic medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a system of healthcare that involves using traditional healing modalities and modern medical science. Naturopathic doctors focus on identifying and treating the root cause of disease. For assessment and treatment, the whole person—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental aspects—is taken into consideration. Each individual will have a treatment plan tailored to their needs. Gentle, non-invasive therapies are used to stimulate the body's inherent healing ability. These include the following:
Clinical Nutrition
The relationship between diet and health is examined. The naturopathic assessment involves learning about your nutritional status, eating patterns, and types of foods that you consume. Recommendations may include individualized nutrition plans, specialized diets, food elimination, and/or supplements containing therapeutic doses of vitamins and minerals.
Lifestyle Counselling
Naturopathic doctors consider all aspects of the individual—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental. We address the effect of stress and life events on health, and help the individual in making informed lifestyle choices.
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
As a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture serves to balance the flow of Qi (energy) through the meridians, or channels, running through the body. The regulation of Qi brings the mind and body back into equilibrium. Constitutional acupuncture is based on your TCM diagnosis. Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture may also be performed for trigger point (muscle knot) and local muscle tension release.
Botanical/Herbal Medicine
Plants have been used for healing for thousands of years—since the start of civilization—and are the foundation of modern pharmacology. For the use of their healing effects and nutritional value, naturopathic doctors may recommend herbs in the form of teas, tinctures, or capsules.
Physical Medicine
Physical medicine includes orthopedic assessments; therapeutic massage; naturopathic manipulations/ adjustments of muscle, bone, or spine; therapeutic ultrasound; hydrotherapy techniques; and exercise therapy.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are minute dilutions of natural substances—plant, animal, or mineral—that stimulate the body's innate healing abilities.
Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic tests include physical exams, food sensitivity tests, and specialized tests that analyze blood, saliva, urine, stool, and hair. Results aid in determining the underlying cause of disease.