Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is a system of primary health care that focuses on individualized treatment. It combines the art and science of medicine to treat various conditions while addressing the root cause of the presenting symptoms or condition. Using the body’s innate capability to heal, Naturopathic Doctors work with your body using natural therapies to bring it back in to balance, and optimize your health.
Guiding Principles
- First Do No Harm – choosing the right treatment for you without causing further harm
- The Healing Power of Nature – we work with the body’s inherent ability to heal itself
- Identify and Treat the Cause – instead of only offering short term “band-aid” solutions, we strive to identify and treat the root cause of your condition
- Doctor as Teacher – education is one of the most important aspects of our duties as physicians. Ultimately, this is your path to wellness; we are there to help guide you along your way.
- Treat the Whole Person – as holistic practitioners, we recognize that the body is connected, and different systems interact with one another. We address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of your care.
- Prevention – our ultimate goal is to promote wellness and prevent disease by focusing on overall wellness
How Can Naturopathic Medicine Help?
- Naturopathic Doctors utilize a variety of therapies to address patient needs, including:
- Botanical (Herbal) Medicine
- Clinical Nutrition
- Intravenous therapy
- Vitamin Injections – e.g. B9/B12
- Bowen Therapy
- Laboratory Testing – including food sensitivity and hormone testing
- Homeopathy
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- Physical medicine
- Counseling
They are trained to treat everyone from infants to the elderly, and can treat a wide range of conditions, including (but not limited to):
- Pregnancy and Pediatric Care
- Women’s Health – menopause, premenstrual symptoms, fertility support, menstrual irregularities
- Gastrointestinal Disorders – IBS, Constipation, Food sensitivities
- Weight Management
- Immune Support
- Stress Management
- Fatigue
- Chronic Pain
- Men’s Health – low libido, erectile dysfunction,
- Allergies – food sensitivity testing
- Anxiety and Depression
- Headaches and Migraines
- High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health
- Diabetes
- Skin Conditions
How Can Naturopathic Medicine Help?
Initial Visit (60 minutes)
During your first visit, your Naturopathic Doctor will take a thorough history of your case. If you have any current laboratory testing, or are taking any medications or supplements, it would be beneficial to bring them in. Your Naturopathic Doctor may also perform specific physical exams, and recommend further testing or nutrient supplementation.
Follow-Up Visits (30 or 45 minutes)
Visit length and frequency will depend on the personalized wellness plan your Naturopathic Doctor has prepared for you.
Naturopathic Training
In British Columbia, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are licensed and regulated by the CNPBC – The College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia. Naturopaths undergo extensive medical training, which includes completion of:
- University bachelor’s degree including 3 years of pre-medical sciences
- 4-year full time program at an accredited naturopathic college
- Over 1,500 hours of clinical experience
- 2 sets of written and practical board licensing exams
- Ongoing continuing education through seminars, courses, and conferences
If you have any questions about Massage Therapy, please contact us at [email protected]