Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a primary care system that is based on the principle of finding and treating the nature of disease. Naturopathic physicians work toward the individual treatment of a person as a whole, incorporating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health to diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans. Using conventional diagnostic procedures (physical examination, lab work, and urinalysis) as well as a variety of treatment modalities, a Naturopathic physician is able to determine the root cause of a person’s illness and develop a treatment plan according to the individual needs of each patient. Naturopathic medicine is based on the following principles:
Prima non nocere: First, do no harm.
Vis medicatrix naturae: The inherent capacity of the body to heal
Tollum causum: Treat the cause.
Tollum Totem: Treat the whole person.
Docere: The Doctor as a Teacher
Prevention: Prevention is the best cure
Who Should See A Naturopathic Physician?
Anyone from newborns to the elderly can benefit from Naturopathic Medicine. At Vitality Clinic we encourage preventative medicine for all ages. Skin conditions, digestive disorders, anxiety and stress, detoxification, smoking cessation, chronic and acute pain, food Allergies and hormone Imbalances are just some of the conditions that can benefit from naturopathic treatments. Getting general health advice for children, teens or adults is part of achieving optimal health.
What You Can Expect on Your Visits with a Naturopath?
The initial consultation is a thorough intake which covers your chief concern(s), medical and family history, general lifestyle and diet, exposure to environmental hazards, stress levels, personal goals etc. In order to have a complete assessment, a complaint-oriented physical may also be included. This visit takes approximately one hour and will require that some forms be filled out beforehand. These can be downloaded from the website, emailed or faxed ahead of time to shorten the time you are in the office.
Generally treatment does not start on this visit, unless it is an acute situation. Subsequent visits will be determined according to the best treatment options for you.
What Are the Costs Involved?
Because Naturopathic Medicine is not usually covered by Medical Services Plan, NDs have to charge for the visits. Most extended health policies will cover a portion of the expenses. The cost for visits depends on the treatment modalities chosen.
What Diagnostic Tests Are Used by Naturopathic Doctors?
The following tests are available at Vitality Clinic:
- Hormone Testing (male, female and cortisol)
- Food Allergy Testing
- Heavy Metal Testing
- Full Laboratory Blood Work
- Urinalysis
- Pregnancy Testing
Naturopathic Modalities
Clinical Nutrition
Dietary assessment and modification are used to lay the groundwork for improved health. Further improvement