Naturopathic Medicine is a regulated health care profession in Ontario, governed under the BDDT-N/Transitional Council. The study of Naturopathy encompasses basic medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, with the emphasis of study on a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment. Naturopathic Doctors are required to have an undergraduate degree and then proceed to four years of post-graduate study in an accredited Naturopathic Medical program.
As holistic doctors, we understand that healing comes from engaging the self as a whole, taking into consideration the body, mind and spirit. Each person is seen uniquely and is given an individualized treatment plan to suit his or her needs. Prevention is a cornerstone of Naturopathic philosophy and practice. Through the identification of imbalances, inherent vulnerabilities and education supporting healthy nutrition and life choices, health is maintained throughout the life-cycle. Naturopathic Doctors use herbs, nutrition, supplements, homeopathy and detoxification to support the immune, metabolic, hormonal, and nervous systems in a way that restores harmony and prevents disease.
The principles of Naturopathic Medicine include:
- Identify and treat the cause
- First Do No Harm
- Doctor as Teacher
- Treat the Whole Person
- Support the healing power of the body
- Physician heal thyself
Naturopathic Modalities
Naturopathic Doctors are trained in nutrition, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, lifestyle counseling and body work.
Nutrition:
Proper nutrition supports the harmonious function of all tissues, organs and metabolic activity within the body. The intestinal tract is the site of the digestion, absorption and secretion of the nutrients we take in to our body. The healthy functioning of the digestive tract and the proper intake of nutrients is the foundation of health in the body. As Naturopathic Doctors, emphasis is placed on the identification and correction of digestive and nutritional imbalances ensuring optimal health is achieved.
Nutritional Supplements:
Establishing health and balance in the body is a process. Changes to diet and our lifestyle take time and patience. Nutritional supplements are helpful to support the body while these changes are being made. Orthomolecular medicine is a branch of nutritional medicine that uses high dosages of vitamins and minerals to re-establish balance in the body. Naturopathic Doctors are also trained in pharmacology and can determine the correct dosage and therapeutic balance of nutritional supplements in combination with pharmaceutical medicines.
Herbal Medicine
The use of plants to support and restore the healthy function of the body and mind is Mother Nature’s provision of safe, natural, holistic medicines. Plants have been used as allies to healing in all of the indigenous healing traditions. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in the use of herbs in both their whole form and as standardized extracts and can be used as teas, powders, alcohol extracts and in capsule form. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in determining the dosage and therapeutic balance of herbal medicines in combination with pharmaceutical medicines.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy uses diluted substances that help the body self-correct from improper functioning. Homeopathy works on the principle that by providing the body with minute doses of substances reflecting a similar energy or set of characteristics to the imbalance or disease process, we can stimulate and support the body’s innate healing process. By harnessing the body’s wisdom and stimulating its natural inclination towards health homeopathy can help restore healthy functioning. Homeopathy is a safe and effective treatment during the entire life cycle addressing body, mind and spirit.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a 3000 year old practice that uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and nutrition in its treatment and methodology. The practice is rooted in the concept of yin and yang, the primordial opposites, encompassing the duality and fluctuations of the universe. In balancing the flow of Qi (vital force) in the body, removing blockages and replenishing deficient energies, the body is able to maintain and be restored to health.
Lifestyle Counseling
Lifestyle Counseling is a fundamental Naturopathic approach to the prevention and treatment of disease. Much of human imbalance and illness is rooted in the way we think, the belief systems we hold and how we relate to, cope with and process our life experience. Through exercise, proper sleep habits, detoxification from environmental pollutants, and working with practices that cultivate awareness, a greater internal harmony is achieved. Implementing small life style changes will have profound effects on one’s experience of fulfillment, peace and health in life.