NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care system integrating modern scientific knowledge with natural forms of medicine. At the heart of naturopathic medicine are the guiding principles and the natural therapies that stimulate the self-healing processes of the body and mind.
Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care physicians. This requires the completion of an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree followed by the completion of a Bachelor of Naturopathy at an accredited educational institution. This includes more than 1,200 hours of clinical experience and more than 3,000 hours of classroom training. Professional licensing and board examinations must also be successfully completed before licensure. This intensive training allows naturopathic doctors to perform comprehensive health assessments, as received through other physicians, and create individualized treatment plans using natural therapies.
Guiding Principles
First to do no harm.
Minimizing interventions and using natural therapies to minimize risks to one’s health and environment.
To treat the cause of disease.
Striving to identify and remove the underlying cause of disease.
To teach the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine.
Sharing our knowledge to empower patients and promote self-care.
To treat the whole person through individualized treatment.
Addressing the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors which contribute to one’s health.
To emphasize prevention.
Assessing risks and supporting optimal health to prevent dysfunction and disease.
To support the healing power of the body.
Removing obstacles to cure and stimulating the body’s inherent ability to self-heal.
To find out how I can help you, please book a complimentary 15 minute consultation.
Pediatrics
Women’s health, fertility and menopause
Hormone balancing
Gastrointestinal health
Immune system regulation and allergies
Skin ailments
Headaches and migraines
Weight management
Metabolic syndrome and diabetes
Stress and stress management
Anxiety and depression
Sleep disturbances
Musculoskeletal injuries and arthritis
As a naturopathic doctor I am equipped to address a vast array of medical conditions. The following are examples of common health concerns:
CONDITIONS ADDRESSED
MODALITIES
The following natural therapies can be used separately or in conjunction in order to develop a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan.
Clinical Nutrition
Getting back to the basics and promoting food as medicine! Understanding that one’s diet and nutrient intake is a cornerstone of health, I will assess for dietary imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and food intolerances. I will then formulate a streamlined arsenal of dietary and/or supplement recommendations to optimize your biochemical and metabolic processes, leading to the treatment and prevention of disease processes.
Botanical Medicine
Applying my knowledge of pharmacognosy, clinical indications, and toxicology of plants, I create botanical formulas to address various symptoms and conditions and help support the healing process. The use of whole plants rather than isolated compounds allows for a gentler and broader effect. This can include the prescription of a tincture - a liquid combination of herbal extracts - custom medicinal teas, or encapsulated herbs.
Homeopathic Medicine
This form of medicine was developed by a German physician more than 200 years ago. Homeopathic remedies are made from specific dilutions of plant, animal and mineral substances. Ideal for both acute and chronic conditions, these remedies are extremely gentle and work to affect the body’s “vital force” which has innate healing abilities. Trained in classical homeopathy, I use a detailed intake in order to grasp the true essence and uniqueness of the person and their symptoms in order to select a homeopathic remedy which best suits the individual.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
This ancient form of medicine is based on the principle that life and health require a balance of yin and yang, and the continuous flow of Qi (“chi” = energy) through the body. I rely on the use of a thorough intake, physical exam, and tongue and pulse readings in order to develop a comprehensive treatment plan relying on Eastern herbs and acupuncture.
The aim of acupuncture is to use fine needles in order to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the meridians throughout the body. Acupuncture points are carefully selected in order to match the diagnosis and meet the unique needs of each patient. The needles are typically retained for 15-20 minutes. While some patients report a slight pinching sensation upon insertion of the needle, this is normally followed by a tingling; numbness; warmth; or heaviness.
Physical Medicine
Trained in the use of physical modalities including therapeutic massage, naturopathic manipulation, and exercise prescription, I can address physical complaints and correct structural imbalances.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy relies on traditional water cure methods to harness the healing power of water. These include a variety of home-based treatment methods which have an excellent history of promoting detoxification and reducing inflammation.
Lifestyle Counselling
Understanding that mental and emotional states have a deep impact on health, I apply concepts of mind-body connection and counselling skills to address all aspects of your life, tackling everything from stress, to developing healthy lifestyle habits, and addressing deeper mental/emotional issues.
DIAGNOSTICS & ASSESSMENT
Thorough Health History
Your initial naturopathic intake can take 1 to 1.5 hours and explores in depth your symptoms as well as a variety of aspects related to your health. Having such a detailed history allows me to formulate a comprehensive assessment taking multiple factors into consideration in order to not only address your current symptoms but also take preventative action.
Nutritional Analysis
Given the key role nutrition has on your health it is important that I gain an understanding of your eating habits. This is typically done by requesting a 7 day diet diary. This is then used to assess for nutritional excesses and deficiencies in order to address disease, as well as work to optimize your nutritional status and promote disease prevention.
Physical Examinations
As a naturopathic doctor I am trained to perform a complete physical exam as part of all initial appointments, including well-child examination for pediatric patients. Although you may already have had an annual physical exam with your family physician, this will allow me to gather relevant physical details which may otherwise be overlooked. For women, PAP tests and breast exams are also available upon request. All examinations are identical to those performed by medical doctors, although performed in a more personal setting.
Comprehensive Laboratory Testing
In order to complete your assessment, I may require previous laboratory tests or recommend that certain tests be performed. These tests can range from a urine analysis, blood work, or salivary testing.