How is naturopathy helpful?

How is naturopathy helpful?

Naturopathy is a medical movement and profession that has recently moved to the forefront of healthcare innovation in North America and elsewhere in the world. Naturopaths focus on the prevention and use of natural substances and treatments, supporting and stimulating the body's ability to heal itself. The naturopathic approach is comprehensive and integrates scientific knowledge with several established alternative therapeutic systems (modalities), including:

• Lifestyle advice

• Nutrition

• Herbal medicine

• TimeWaver technology

• Neurolinguistic programming (NLP)

• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

• Chinese medicine and acupuncture

• Manual therapies (i.e. massage, physical therapy, chiropractic, etc.)

These naturopathic modalities can be divided into two categories:

1. Modalities that address the causes of disease: our interaction with the physical environment (what we eat, drink and breathe) as well as the physical structure of our bodies. These are best addressed through holistic nutrition, herbal medicine and Chinese medicine.

2. Modalities that address the underlying mental, emotional, spiritual and constitutional causes of physical or psychological symptoms: These reflect the internal imbalance that persists even in an optimal environment and lifestyle. These are best addressed through energy medicine, Chinese medicine and psychotherapy.

By applying these two perspectives together, our clinic can offer a comprehensive range of solutions to prevent and treat virtually all health conditions, including and especially those considered medically incurable.

Naturopathic assessment and treatment

Through an in-depth examination, your naturopath will strive to understand your complaints and symptoms at the deepest level and offer you a treatment plan that will produce revolutionary results and promote personal growth. This assessment includes understanding the following factors:

• Lifestyle and physical activity

• food intake

• Psychological temperament (behavioral tendencies, strengths, weaknesses)

• Childhood history and family relationships

• Social environment

• Past physical or psychological trauma and stressful life transitions

• Previous medical procedures

• Body chemistry (lab tests)

• Exposure to environmental toxins

• Inheritance

Almost all chronic and most acute medical conditions can benefit from naturopathic treatment, which offers safe options for all ages from infants to the elderly, as well as pregnant women. Some of them are:

• Endocrine (hormonal) and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, infertility, menstrual problems and menopause.

• Gastrointestinal diseases, from baby colic to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

• Heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

• Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and interstitial cystitis.

• Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

• Asthma, allergies, chronic sinusitis, recurrent infections.

• Mental illnesses such as addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism.

• Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and other stress-related (psychosomatic) conditions.

• Personalized medicine for body, mind and soul

The main goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the underlying causes of all diseases and not just treat individual symptoms. Naturopaths consider an individual's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan, working to create a mindset that emphasizes sustainable, long-term resolution of ailments and improvement in overall well-being. Although most patients first seek naturopathic treatment due to chronic concerns, naturopathic methods can also be used to provide relief in acute situations.

Naturopaths complete at least seven years of post-secondary education. This training includes study of medical sciences comparable to that of physicians as well as exposure to many alternative treatment modalities. Some naturopaths work as general practitioners and use a variety of modalities, while others specialize in a primary modality, support other modalities, and consult with other specialists.