NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that integrates the latest medical research with traditional and natural forms of medicine to help you live in optimal health. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the body’s inherent ability to heal itself and to treat the underlying cause of disease, with a focus on long-term health and disease prevention.
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained similarly to conventional medical doctors to use physical examinations and laboratory tests to help determine a diagnosis, however an ND’s treatment approach differs in that it is based on natural therapies, rather than pharmaceutical drugs.
Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient – their unique physiological, structural, psychological, social, environment and lifestyle factors.
In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments.
Naturopathic doctors are highly trained to treat a wide range of health complaints; some common conditions treated include digestive complaints, stress management, allergies, colds and flus, hormonal imbalances, infertility, pain management, sleep disturbances and weight management. Education is a primary principle of naturopathic medicine, allowing you to work as a team with your naturopathic doctor, with the knowledge to choose the best options for you and your family’s health.