Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic doctors (ND) were the first to recognize the connection between diet, lifestyle, environment and disease. Naturopathic medicine began at the turn of the century, based on Hippocrates's principle of the healing power of nature. In the 1920's and 1930's, ND's warned that poor eating habits especially low fibre, high red meat and refined diets would contribute to an increased rate of heart disease and cancer. In recent years, science has proven them right.

Basic Beliefs

Body has innate ability to heal itself.
Individually chosen natural therapies stimulate this ability without harmful side effects.
Symptoms represent body's effort to restore balance, and if possible, should not be suppressed.
Physical, mental, emotional, socio-cultural, environmental, and spiritual aspects of illness considered.
Prevention is possible before disease appears.
Patients are encouraged to be informed and take responsibility for changing their lifestyles.

Natural Living Laws

Natural unrefined foods.
Balance of rest and activity.
Moderate paced lifestyle.
Constructive mental attitudes.
Avoiding polluted environments.
Attention to proper elimination.
Use of whole plant extracts.

Training

Four year post graduate training in naturopathic medicine including clinical nutrition, botanical (plant) medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy and manipulation.

Diagnosis

Naturopathic doctors do a detailed history, physical examination and laboratory testing. In addition, they may use additional assessment techniques which can include: urine and blood tests, food sensitivity testing using a type of electro-acupuncture; hair analysis to detect mineral deficiency and heavy metal poisoning; and stool analysis to detect yeast, parasite and bacterial overgrowth and poor digestion.

Pointers

Sometimes the most optimal choice may be to combine a drug or surgery treatment with a natural treatment.

Natural treatments work gradually. For chronic illness, allow at least one to four months for every year you have been sick.

A good practitioner will know his or her limits and get a second opinion or refer to a medical doctor if necessary.

Naturopathic physicians have a governing board which set standards and discipline practitioners. To find the ND closest to you call: The Canadian Naturopathic Association at 416-233-1043 or, The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at 206-323-7610.

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