Naturopathic Modalities
Naturopathic therapies are strategically selected to treat the individuals presenting health concerns and goals, taking physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects as well as overall health status into consideration. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in a number of different modalities and, most importantly, in their integrated use.
Naturopathic treatments include: Clinical Nutrition and Nutritional Supplementation, Botanical Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Homeopathic Medicine, Lifestyle Counseling, Lifestyle Modification and Public Health Awareness, Mechanotherapy including Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Adjustments and Physical Therapeutic Procedures, including Hydrotherapy
Clinical Nutrition
The relationship between nutrition and wellness, or between inadequate nutrition and disease, is well documented and is a cornerstone of naturopathic practice. Naturopathic application of clinical nutrition involves dietary assessment and modification in conjunction with supplementation with vitamins, minerals, enzymes or other nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of disease, the correction of dietary inadequacies and the promotion of wellness. Orthomolecular approaches to clinical nutritional emphasize the right about of nutrient based on an individuals’ genetics.
Botanical Medicine
For centuries, plant substances have been utilized safely and effectively in the prevention and treatment of disease. Their clinical uses are supported by scientific, evidence-based medicine and they are currently the subjects of an increasing amount of new scientific research. Botanical medicines possess pharmaceutical properties and can lead to potentially serious adverse effects if not taken under the supervision of an appropriately trained healthcare provider.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture comprise an ancient system that is unique in its ability to diagnose and treat disease. It is fundamentally different from Western medicine in that it is based on the evaluation of the flow and balance of energy in the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine includes the specialized use of Chinese herbs, acupuncture and dietary recommendations. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to use this system of medicine as part of an integrated approach with other naturopathic and western diagnostic and treatment methods.
Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathic medicine originated by the German physician Samual Hahnemann in the 18th Century and is widely utilized throughout the world today. The practice of homeopathic medicine includes a unique and detailed method of case taking and analysis. Homeopathic remedies consist of minute doses of plant, animal or mineral substances and are prepared according to strict homeopathic principles and are used to evoke a physiological and/or psychological response.
Counselling
Emotional health and physical health are interdependent. Naturopathic practice integrates the use of counseling techniques in addition to stress management and biofeedback when indicated.
Lifestyle Modification and Public Health Awareness
Health is substantially affected by environment and lifestyle. Naturopathic Doctors collect information regarding both of these aspects and help patients to identify and adjust potential factors that contribute to ill health. Lifestyle counseling, in conjunction with other naturopathic therapies, can provide support for patients dealing with anxiety, depression, fatigue, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), work-related stress, relationship issues, life transitions, chronic pain and other health problems, including chronic health conditions.
Mechanotherapy
Mechanotherapy includes both the manipulation and mobilization of the joints in the spine and extremities, in conjunction to other physical and mechanical techniques applied to connective tissue. It is used in as an adjuvant to other naturopathic modalities.
Physical Therapeutic Procedures
Naturopathic medicine has traditionally employed a wide variety of physical therapies for the treatment of pain by stimulating circulation and healing. Physical modalities include: heat/cold application, light, ultraviolet and infrared therapy, electro-stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, diathermy, interferential, cold laser, hydrotherapy including colon hydrotherapy, manual traction, massage and exercise.
If you are interested in learning more about naturopathic medicine or how I can help you achieve your health goals, I invite you to schedule a FREE 15-minute phone or in-person consultation.
