What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is a Licensed & Regulated Health Profession in BC. Naturopathic Physicians in BC have the unique privilege of having prescribing rights of an extensive list of pharmaceuticals & have access to laboratory & diagnostic tests from public and private laboratories.
Naturopathic medicine (sometimes called “naturopathy”) is a distinct system of primary health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained as Primary Care Physicians in a 4 year post-graduate medical school, blending centuries-old knowledge and wisdom of natural treatment and diagnostic modalities, along with the rigors of western modern science. Steeped in traditional treatment and healing methods, principles, and practices, naturopathic medicine is centered around a holistic, proactive prevention, coupled with comprehensive diagnostics, and treatments.
Naturopathic diagnosis is focused on identifying the underlying causes of disease, while naturopathic therapies are supported by research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health.
The therapeutic modalities used in naturopathic medicine (including physical manipulation, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy and hydrotherapy) integrate conventional, scientific and empirical methodology with the ancient laws of nature.
Naturopathic medicine (sometimes called “naturopathy”) is a distinct system of primary health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained as Primary Care Physicians in a 4 year post-graduate medical school, blending centuries-old knowledge and wisdom of natural treatment and diagnostic modalities, along with the rigors of western modern science. Steeped in traditional treatment and healing methods, principles, and practices, naturopathic medicine is centered around a holistic, proactive prevention, coupled with comprehensive diagnostics, and treatments.
Naturopathic diagnosis is focused on identifying the underlying causes of disease, while naturopathic therapies are supported by research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health.
The therapeutic modalities used in naturopathic medicine (including physical manipulation, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy and hydrotherapy) integrate conventional, scientific and empirical methodology with the ancient laws of nature.
What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern medicine and science. Naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians who have attended an accredited four-year, graduate level Naturopathic medical school with admissions and requirements comparable to those of other medical schools. NDs, are clinically trained, and work in all aspects of family health — from pediatric to geriatric care.
Most NDs provide primary care through office-based private clinical practice, hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Many receive additional training and licenses in areas such as midwifery, acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Because NDs view natural remedies as complementary as well as primary, they are trained to work cooperatively with other medical professionals, referring patients to (and receiving patients from) conventional medical doctors, surgeons and other specialists when appropriate.
Educated in all of the same basic sciences as a medical doctor (MD), a naturopathic doctor uses the Western medical sciences as a foundation for diagnosis and treatment. Just like MDs, naturopathic physicians must pass rigorous professional board exams (Basic Science Board Exams after 2 years and Clinical Science Board Exams upon graduation) before they can be licensed by a state or jurisdiction.
Naturopathic Doctors also study holistic and integrative approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing functional wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, NDs are trained in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, physical medicine and counseling. Another distinguishing feature is the treatment philosophy: Naturopathic doctors see the physician as someone who facilitates healing through educating the patient and by identifying and removing barriers to health.
Most NDs provide primary care through office-based private clinical practice, hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Many receive additional training and licenses in areas such as midwifery, acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Because NDs view natural remedies as complementary as well as primary, they are trained to work cooperatively with other medical professionals, referring patients to (and receiving patients from) conventional medical doctors, surgeons and other specialists when appropriate.
Educated in all of the same basic sciences as a medical doctor (MD), a naturopathic doctor uses the Western medical sciences as a foundation for diagnosis and treatment. Just like MDs, naturopathic physicians must pass rigorous professional board exams (Basic Science Board Exams after 2 years and Clinical Science Board Exams upon graduation) before they can be licensed by a state or jurisdiction.
Naturopathic Doctors also study holistic and integrative approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing functional wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, NDs are trained in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, physical medicine and counseling. Another distinguishing feature is the treatment philosophy: Naturopathic doctors see the physician as someone who facilitates healing through educating the patient and by identifying and removing barriers to health.
How is Naturopathic Medicine used?
Naturopathic doctors have similar basic training with conventional medical doctors. You might think that the only difference is that medical doctors use pharmaceutical and Naturopathic doctors use supplements. The truth is that both types of doctors are now using both tools. Naturopathic doctors are unique in their approach to your individual case.
We are guided by the following 6 principles:
- DO NO HARM. This principle reminds us to use protocols that minimize the risk of harmful effects of certain treatments.
- THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE. This principle reminds us that we all possess the unique ability to heal ourselves & the role as the doctor is to simply assist in the natural healing process.
- IDENTIFY & TREAT THE CAUSE. This principle guides us to ask "Why are you suffering with these symptoms?" Signs and symptoms are how the body communicates with us. Instead of simply managing symptoms by suppressing them with treatments our goal is to address the root cause of the problem.
- TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON. You are not just a symptom or condition. You have unique qualities that make you an individual. These unique qualities contribute to your health so we take them into consideration, customizing a health plan that is just fit for you.
- PREVENT DISEASE. Maintaining health is such an important lifestyle choice because it can reduce long term suffering and mortality. Being consciously healthy helps you live a life with more vitality so that you can fullfill your purpose and achieve your personal goals.
- DOCTOR AS TEACHER. My job is to give you information on the treatments available to you so that you can make informed choices about your healthcare. This approach is empowering and allows you the free will to choose the treatments and lifestyle that best suits you.
Naturopathic medicine is a practice of medicine which emphasizes
- Prevention of disease
- Natural medicines
- Patient education
- Partnership with patients
- Long-lasting wellness
Naturopathic medicine utilizes the following:
- Clinical nutrition
- Botanical medicine
- Homeopathic medicine
- Chinese medicine
- Spinal & Joint Re-alignment
- Diet & lifestyle counseling
- Hydrotherapy
- Biotherapeutic drainage & detoxification
- Mind/body medicine
- Biofeedback
- Home remedies
