Naturopathic Medicine: The Missing Link
Naturopathic Doctors (ND’s) are healthcare professionals who focus on holistic, preventative, and integrative approaches to address health concerns. By combining modern medical knowledge and traditional healing wisdom, ND’s offer a unique approach to patient care.
Natural healing methods have become increasingly popular and many individuals are turning towards Naturopathic Medicine to enhance their health and wellbeing. But what is Naturopathic Medicine anyways? What do Naturopathic Doctors do? How is their approach different from conventional medicine? How can Naturopathic Medicine fill in some of the gaps missing in patient care in our current healthcare system? First and foremost, let’s break down some of the philosophies and key themes of Naturopathic Medicine.
Understanding the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
A Holistic Approach: Naturopathic medicine offers a commitment to treat the whole person rather than only addressing symptoms or isolated health issues. ND’s consider the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual contributors to health. They examine your unique physiology, nutritional and lifestyle habits, stress levels and coping skills, sleep patterns and quality, hormonal health, digestive function and so much more to provide a thorough examination and a comprehensive treatment plan that appreciates and respects that everything in the body is connected.
Personalized Care: Naturopathic Doctors have the luxury of time in their visits. Because it is a private form a healthcare, ND’s are able to spend ample time with their patients, perform thorough assessments, and identify patterns and imbalances within an individual’s health. This information gathering guides and directs toward the development of personalized treatment plans that address the individual’s specific concerns and goals. There is an emphasis on treating the root cause with personalized care with the goal to provide long-term and sustainable solutions for each patient and their unique requirements.
Integrative Medicine: Naturopathic doctors have extensive training enabling them to diagnose conditions, order laboratory tests, and collaborate with other healthcare providers when necessary. In some jurisdictions, they are able to prescribe certain medications or bio-identical hormone therapy. ND’s also incorporate natural therapies including herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle counselling, and physical medicine like cupping and acupuncture, to support the body's healing. They are trained in pharmacology and are cognizant of any natural product and medication interaction to ensure safety.
Emphasis on Prevention: Prevention is a cornerstone of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic doctors place great importance on identifying and addressing risk factors before they lead to more significant health issues. Through education and lifestyle modifications, they empower individuals to take charge of their own well-being. By focusing on preventive measures, naturopathic doctors help patients achieve optimal health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Natural Treatment Options: Naturopathic doctors have a large tool-kit of natural therapies to help support and heal the body. These may include herbal remedies, acupuncture and cupping, nutritional supplements, and dietary and lifestyle modifications. Many of these therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine (under the advice and guidance of a qualified health care provider) to provide the well-rounded integrative care.
Chronic Disease Management: Naturopathic medicine can be particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions. ND’s focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of chronic diseases, and treating the root while also managing symptoms in order to improve overall health, minimize the use of unneeded medications, and enhance overall quality of life.
Many individuals who are not familiar with naturopathic medicine often stumble upon it as an alternative options when conventional medicine is not completely resolving their concerns, they would like a more root-cause approach, or they’re seeking to utilize the best of both worlds (conventional and naturopathic) to really optimize their health. Below, you’ll find some of the most common reasons why someone would seek naturopathic care.
Common Reasons People Seek Out Naturopathic Care:
Medications are not improving their concern or have plateaued in benefit and they are seeking to optimize their health further.
To gain a second opinion, explore options, and see what alternative methods and approaches are available beyond medication and/or surgery.
To have more time to have a thorough exploration of their health. Visits typically tend to be about 30-60 minutes per visit depending on the ND and service being provided.
To access comprehensive lab testing that is not typically provided by their family doctor; for example, full thyroid panels via blood work, and comprehensive stool tests to assess gut health.
Simply, to seek a more natural path to treating symptoms and concerns.
To create long-lasting health and prevent progression of chronic conditions, improve longevity, and support quality of life.
Naturopathic medicine can help in many different conditions. If you’re wondering how it might be able to help you and your specific concerns, you can learn more about the conditions we treat here.
Whether you're looking to prevent illness, manage a chronic condition, or enhance your general wellness, a naturopathic doctor may provide the support and guidance you need to build optimal health and vitality.
If you’ve always wondered what working with a Naturopathic Doctor would look like, you can get started by booking a free discovery call today.