Naturopathic Medicine is a unique form of primary and complimentary healthcare, which works by stimulating the natural and innate healing abilities of the body and treating the root cause of disease. Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic medicine looks at disease from an individual perspective.
Naturopathic medicine recognizes that each person experiences illness differently. As a result, treatments vary from person to person. There are a variety of Naturopathic modalities (methods of treatment, or tools, as we commonly refer to them) that a practitioner can use to bring the body to a state of better health.
What Are The Types of Naturopathic Medicine?
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine uses a variety of constituents from plants and herbs to help individuals recover from illness and support the normal functions of the body. Naturopathic physicians prescribe botanical medicines in many different forms: teas, tinctures (alcohol extracts), solid extracts, salves (creams), tablets, capsules, and poultices. Botanical medicines can be very effective when used properly; however, they can be toxic when used incorrectly. Naturopathic Doctors have extensive training in both botanical and conventional pharmacology, a solid understanding of herb-drug interactions, dosing, potential side-effects, and compounding formulations. Your ND has the training to use botanical medicines safely and effectively.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an effective system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It recognizes that symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person. In 1796, a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, discovered a different approach to the cure of the sick, which he called homeopathy. Hahnemann discovered that diluting and succussing (shaking) remedies, which homeopaths call potentisation, not only produced fewer side effects but also produced better results. Homeopathic remedies are drawn from the natural world, using plant, mineral, and animal substances.
Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture
Tongue and pulse diagnosis, Chinese herbs, nutrition, and acupuncture comprise the ancient practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Using these practices, Naturopathic practitioners pay special attention to the tongue, looking at coat, colour and form, as well as the wrist pulses. These two areas (among others), according to TCM, that provide valuable information regarding the patients’ overall constitution. These findings help practitioners select appropriate treatments, including herbs or customized acupuncture protocols.
Clinical Nutrition
Naturopathic practitioners believe in the powerful relationship between diet and health. Naturopathic practitioners study nutritional science extensively. They understand how the body digest, aborbs, transports, metabilizes, stores, and eliminates nutrients. They also identify factors that impair these processes. This knowledge helps them determine when supplementation may benefit a patient. There are also circumstances in which dietary restrictions are necessary, as in cases of food allergy. Naturopathic doctors are trained in planning and supporting these special diets.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of both the mechanical and thermal effects of water for the treatment of disease. It utilizes the body’s response to hot and cold water; hot water slows down internal processes, and cold water invigorates and stimulates internal processes. Hydrotherapy increases circulation, raises core body temperature, stimulates the immune system, aids in the elimination of toxins and increases metabolism.
Naturopathic Manipulation
Naturopathic manipulation is the subtle adjustment of bones, particularly along the spinal column, to increase mobility and correct alignment. Naturopathic manipulation usually encompasses the use of soft tissue manipulation in combination with bony adjustments. As muscles have memory, it is necessary to relax the muscle so as not to pull the bones out of alignment again. Naturopathic practitioners are trained on both soft tissue massage and manipulations.
What To Expect At A Naturopathic Medicine Appointment
The first appointment with your naturopath usually runs from one hour to an hour and a half in length. The bulk of the appointment will consist of going over, in great detail, the concerns you want to address with your naturopathic practitioner. There are questions that your naturopath may ask, which at times may seem unrelated, such as sleep habits, stress, relationship issues, and workplace and home environment. It is these factors that differentiate one individual with diabetes, for example, from another. And these individual differences will determine the most effective treatment. There are usually little to no treatments prescribed in the initial visit.
Practitioners typically schedule a follow-up visit within one week. During this visit, they review and explain the recommended treatment plan. Feel free at this time to ask questions, and be clear about why you are taking the prescribed treatments. Naturopathic doctors should have a clear rationale for each chosen remedy. It is in your best interest, in terms of adherence to these protocols, to understand the benefit they will have.
Practitioners schedule future appointments based on treatment type, condiotion severity, and scheduling availability. Stay in regular contact with your naturopath during the first few months. They can guide your progress and address new symptoms or concerns.
What Are Homeopathic Remedies?
Practitioners often prescribe homeopathic remedies as single doses or short-term treatments. They typically recommend supplements for several months. Treatment duration often reflects the length of time the condition has existed. For example, if you have been suffering from arthritis for the past 5 years, it is reasonable to expect a minimum 5-month treatment. Botanical medicine, depending on the form, is usually dosed in a similar manner, as are Chinese herbs. Acupuncture usually requires weekly visits, usually a minimum of 5. Some people notice acupuncture benefits after one treatment. Howevder, regular treatments usually produce the best long-term results. Practitioners often recommend hydrotherapy treatments in a series of about five sessions. Each individual naturopath may choose to prescribe these modalities and schedule their follow-ups differently.
Diet & Lifestyle Modification
Naturopaths typically recommend long-term diet and lifestyle changes. These habits may take time to adopt. However, they can provide lasting health benefits. The changes that occur based on these modifications may provide instant relief or may demonstrate a slight but steady decrease in symptomology. Stay patient throughout the healing process. These treatments aim to address underlying causes, not just symptoms. They also help support long-term health and disease prevention.
