Naturopathy: Overview

Naturopathic doctors are primary health care providers that are highly educated in clinical medicine. Like medical doctors, naturopaths can perform physicals and analyze clinical test such as blood work.

Naturopathic doctors use different forms of care such as nutrition, lifestyle counseling, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine or homeopathy. Appropriate referrals are made when necessary to medical doctors or other alternative health care providers.

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based upon the principle that energy flows throughout the body and when there are imbalances within this flow, health concerns arise. Acupuncture is a treatment in which thin, sterile, disposable needles are inserted into specific points within the body to help influence “Qi” or energy movement. Acupuncture is a relatively pain free way to balance the body and treat a variety of health concerns.

Naturopathy: What to Expect

On your first visit you will complete a thorough intake with the doctor. That includes a discussion of all health concerns that you would like to address, not just ‘one issue one visit’. Your physical, mental and emotional health may be discussed along with a detailed medical history. A physical examination based upon your health concerns will then follow. Additional laboratory testing may be required in order to complete your assessment. If you are taking any medications or supplements, it is wise to either bring them in or write a detailed list of what you are taking. If you have already had recent blood work or scans pertaining to your health concerns, it is a good idea to bring the results to your first visit.

Helping you understand your health and what to do about it is the main focus of your naturopathic doctor. We emphasize patient centered care because it allows you to take an active role in the healing process. We have several approaches, and you will be encouraged to help determine which suits you best.

• Nutritional Counseling
• Herbal Remedies
• Nutritional Supplements
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Acupuncture
• Homeopathy
• Lifestyle Counseling

Naturopathy: Conditions Treated

There are three ways our patients use naturopathic care:

• Specific Concern: Many patients first visit a naturopath with a specific ailment which modern medicine has not optimally addressed.
• Natural Choice: People may also by choice or for religious reasons prefer not to use pharmaceutical drugs for primary care.
• Optimize Health: Healthy people who do not feel they are feeling like their best self use naturopathic medicine to optimize health and prevent disease.

Infants who experience eczema after birth, adults suffering from exhaustion keeping up with their careers, elderly people managing arthritis on other ailments related to aging have all worked with a Naturopathic Doctor. Here are some common reasons people turn to Naturopathic Doctors for help:

Digestive Health Concerns

More and more people today are being diagnosed with digestive problems such as Crohn’s disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Others people have adult onset of bowel troubles such as chronic constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas and unexplained abdominal pain. Regardless of the concern, diet can play a role in supporting the gut. Food intolerances, nutritional deficiencies, digestive insufficiency and chronic stress often strongly affect bowel health.

Hormone Balance

Hormonal imbalances are not merely limited with women going through menopause. Hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate and control functions such as growth, reproduction, sexual characteristics, fluid retention, blood sugar levels energy and metabolism. The most common hormone related concerns are menopause, underactive thyroid, diabetes, PMS and other period problems.

Fatigue and Stress

Pressure in today’s society to keep with a successful career, a healthy family life and social obligations often leaves people feeling fatigued and overwhelmed. Whether you are a person who is dependent upon reaching for a cup of coffee and a sugary snack at 3pm or someone who finds it difficult to muster up the energy to do the tasks of daily living, naturopathic care can help improve your energy and overall wellbeing. It is important to address stress and fatigue before they lead to more chronic health concerns.

Weight Loss & Lifestyle Related Ailments

Obesity is becoming an epidemic in North America and it is associated as a major contributing factor in many diseases. Diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gall stones, gout, osteoarthritis and even certain forms of cancer such a prostate and colon cancer can be linked to lifestyle and diet. Rather than simply attempting a diet, naturopathic care can help ease a patient into sustainable lifestyle changes that will result in lifelong weight and good health.