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Naturopathic Medicine is a unique approach to improving health and treating illness. The main focus is on prevention rather than just treating symptoms. Natural substances and treatments such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and acupuncture are used to support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself and prevent further illness. Naturopathic medicine focuses also on patient education and health maintenance. Naturopathic doctors, examine, diagnose and treat patients with programs tailored to each individual patient. Naturopathic medicine has its roots in ancient traditional healing and has branched into modern, cutting-edge science so we can support optimal health with metabolic and detoxification therapies. A visit to a Naturopathic Doctor involves an in-depth patient history, physical exam and possible laboratory tests. Based on this an individual treatment plan is designed to help facilitate the return to health. Virtually all chronic and acute conditions and people of all ages may benefit from treatment by naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine offers options in health care for people seeking preventative care or to complement other medical treatments. Currently, Naturopathic medicine is not covered by OHIP but is covered by some extended health care plans. The primary therapies used in naturopathic medicine are clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, oriental medicine and physical therapies. Botanical Medicine | Botanical medicine involves the use of plants for their healing properties. For example echinacea and goldenseal are great for colds, ginger and peppermint for digestion and calendula for healing scrapes and cuts. It is very important to remember that even though the plants are natural they are still medicine and can interfere with certain prescription drugs; caution is advised when combining prescription drugs and herbal medicines. Clinical Nutrition | Diet and Nutritional counselling are fundamental to Naturopathic Medicine. Education on healthy eating and specific dietary programs are always a part of a healing process. Identifying specific deficiencies or toxic excesses, or just plain poor food choices can be corrected by your Naturopathic doctor. Homeopathic Medicine | Based on the principle that “like cures like” homeopathic medicines have been used since the 1700’s. Very diluted amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body to heal itself. Homeopathy helps to balance out conditions such as depression, ADHD, colds and sore throats, for example. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine | According to Oriental medicine the body is divided into meridians, each meridian corresponds to a different organ. Acupuncture and herbal formulas work to balance the meridians and therefore the organs they correspond to. Acupuncture can be used for numerous conditions such as sciatica and back pain, menstrual irregularity, headaches and quitting smoking. Physical therapies | Therapies vary slightly depending on the naturopathic doctor, gentle soft tissue manipulation, naturopathic manipulation and craniosacral therapies are used to aid mostly musculoskeletal concerns, headaches and insomnia for example. Lifestyle counseling | Counseling about stress reduction, exercise, emotional wellbeing and spiritual health help us achieve balance and happiness in every aspect. Your naturopathic doctor is a resource for you in helping achieve your health and wellness goals. |