Naturopathic Therapies
NATUROPATHIC THERAPIES ... NATURAL SOLUTIONS
Naturopathic Doctors use a wide variety of therapies to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses a person’s physical, mental and emotional health. Therapies that assist the bodies innate healing ability and addresses the root cause of the condition often proves to be a very effective combination. Naturopathic Doctors can draw on one therapy or may use more than one concomitantly in the development of a treatment plan. A Naturopathic Doctor may also use one or more of these therapies to complement a conventional medical treatment plan.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi and Vital energy are the key principles of Chinese Medicine. The Qi of all organs must be in balance for a person to be healthy. The Qi of the body’s organs and systems are all interconnected via meridians or channels in the body that lie under the skin. A Naturopathic Doctor can assist the body in regulating and balancing the Qi in these channels by using acupuncture and/or a variety of plants, known as botanical medicine.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the World. Acupuncture is the use of very thin needles inserted into the body at certain anatomical points to directly stimulate the meridian channels in the treatment or prevention of disease.
Botanical Medicine
Naturopathic Doctors are trained in both the art and science of botanical medicine. Currently, Naturopathic Doctors are the only healthcare providers in Canada licensed for the use of botanical medicine. Botanical Medicine is the use of plants and plant substances in the treatment and prevention of disease. These plants may be prepared in many forms – teas, tinctures, capsules and powders. When used in the right dosage, these plant-based substances are highly effective and safe.
Nutrition
Nutrition and nutritional supplements are essentially the foundation of Naturopathic Medicine. Good Nutrition is the basis of good health, providing your body with the nutrients it needs to heal. Nutritional problems such as food intolerances/sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, dietary imbalances or nutritional excesses have been correlated with many medical conditions and health concerns. Naturopathic Doctors have been trained to understand the association between diet and your health. Many health conditions can be treated through diet modification and nutritional supplements safely and effectively.
Prevention and Lifestyle Counselling
Mental attitudes and emotional states are often triggers to the development of disease and are therefore essential to the healing process. A very important part to any treatment plan is addressing all aspects of a person's life including the impact of stress and life events. Naturopathic doctors have extensive training to counsel a person on diet, lifestyle, stressors, exercise and the implications of occupational and environmental hazards.
The revival interest in herbal medicine is a worldwide phenomenon.
- Mark Blumenthal, Executive Director of the American Botanical Council