What Is Naturopathic Medicine?
I'm sure you've heard the term Naturopathic Medicine and you're probably wondering what it all means. Once overshadowed by the popularity of drugs and surgery in the mid-twentieth century, Naturopathic Medicine has once again become a vital part of our health care system.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care profession. It's built on a patient centred approach that emphasizes prevention, treatment and optimal health. This is done through the use of modalities that support the body's natural ability to heal.
It's founded on 6 core principles. This forms the framework for everything a Naturopathic Doctor does. It's these principles that distinguish Naturopathic Doctors from their allopathic counterparts.
Naturopathic Medicine Principles:
First, Do No Harm: utilizing and offering safe forms of treatment
Healing Power of Nature: recognizing the body’s ability to heal itself
Identify and Treat the Root Cause: removing the underlying cause of disease and not just treating the symptoms
Doctor as Teacher: educating and supporting patients on their health journey so they can take responsibility for their own health
Treat the Whole Person: recognizing the body as a whole including body, mind and spirit
Prevention: promoting a focus on disease prevention, health and wellness
How Naturopathic Medicine Can Help You
Naturopathic Medicine is often successful at treating acute and chronic conditions (sometimes even ones that don't respond to conventional medicine). This can include, but is not limited to fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, digestive disorders, women's health and hormones, autoimmune disease and so much more. The individual needs of the patient is taken into consideration. A treatment plan is then completed that can include a variety of modalities.
Naturopathic Doctors recognize the importance of the patient's story. They provide the time and space for this to happen. Along with lab tests (if necessary) and other objective data, the most effective treatment is selected. This allows for an individually tailored treatment plan so that the patient can engage in their health.
Naturopathic Doctors have a variety of modalities in their toolbox. Some which are used all the time and some which are used when necessary.
Naturopathic Treatment Modalities:
Therapeutic Diets: Addressing the diet is key and is an integral part to optimizing health. It's important to evaluate and correct nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
Nutritional Supplements: Nutritional supplements are sometimes needed when additional support is required. They can be used to therapeutically modify the course of disease.
Botanical Medicine: Botanical medicine uses the healing power of medicinal plants to support the body, mind and spirit and treat a variety of conditions. Herbs can be prescribed through foods, teas, capsules or tinctures
Hydrotherapy: Water can be used therapeutically as an external treatment for a variety of conditions. Treatments can include contrast hydrotherapy, constitutional hydrotherapy or sitz baths. Water therapies are excellent for pain, detoxification, increased circulation and healing.
Physical Medicine: Muscles and bones are a important part to overall health. Naturopathic Doctors treat muscle complaints and restore mobility. This is done through cupping, massage, soft tissue manipulations and muscle stretching techniques.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine address energy flow in the body. This is to balance and strengthen yin and yang as well as the vital organs. Great for many different conditions including pain, circulation, women's health conditions and so much more.
Lifestyle Medicine: Individuals take control of their health. They play a role in their journey to wellness and address sleep, exercise, stress and so much more. Counselling is also available.
Comprehensive Lab Testing: Specialized lab testing allows for a deeper understanding of what’s going on and helps to uncover the underlying cause of health concerns.
Why I Became A Naturopathic Doctor
I've been active in the health and wellness field for several years. But, my crazy passion for health began way before that. In my previous career as an Insurance Agent, I sold life insurance to most of my clients. I had to ask them specific questions about their health. I knew depending on their answers if they were more likely to end up with things like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. There I was listening to my clients, and I remember thinking, I wish I could help more. Eventually, there came a time when I knew I had to do something bigger and greater! And this meant going to university for the first time at age 35.
Now 10 years and a ton of education later I ask some of those same questions to my patients. Instead of feeling helpless, I now have answers. They now have the opportunity to venture down the road to wellness.
I chose Naturopathic Medicine because I am passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their health. My primary focus is to determine the root cause of their health concerns. This includes partnering with them to provide individualized patient centred care using evidence based medicine. Their healthcare should be as unique as they are!
I received my Doctor of Naturopathy degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. With that, I completed a 12-month clinical internship at The Robert Schad Naturopathic Cinic as well as at Parkdale Queen West Community Health Center. This gave me the experience of working with people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and socioeconomic status.
How To Contact Me?
As a certified Naturopathic Doctor and your health advocate, I want to empower you with knowledge and provide you the tools and motivation needed to succeed. I have a clinical focus and passion in women’s health, stress management, weight loss, nutrition and addictions. I know you have big goals and dreams and you deserve answers to your health questions.
You can read more about me here.
If you've not experienced the benefits of Naturopathic Medicine yourself, then take the time to get a second opinion on your health by booking an appointment with myself. I offer FREE 15 minute consultations where we can discuss your health goals, get to know your options and find out what Naturopathic Medicine has to offer. You can access the link to book here.
