A look inside

There are many techniques and therapies employed by the naturopathic doctor in order to provide effective and individualized care for the patient. Some naturopathic modalities used by the naturopath include:

Botanical Medicine The combination and use of plants and their therapeutic properties to treat/manage an illness. Depending on compliance and ease of intake, botanical medicines can be ingested in various forms such as teas, tinctures (extracts in alcohol), encapsulated powdered herbs. It is important to note that some plants have strong effects in their concentrated forms and may interact with other herbs or drugs currently being taken. It is imperative to consult with a trusted healthcare professional such as a naturopathic doctor before starting any new botanical medications.

Nutrition Dietary counselling utilizes food as medicine; nutritional therapy employs the use of vitamins, minerals, and supplements to support the body in correcting any deficiencies or excesses that may have been caused due to modified absorption.  A naturopath may recommend any nutritional supplementation as part of the individualized treatment plan in order to stimulate the body’s healing response in a safe and controlled manner.

Traditional Chinese Medicine The philosophy is founded on the notion of balance; energetically and physically, everything exists in a balanced state of yin and yang. There are 5 elements (water, earth, fire, metal, wood), each which express yin and yang as represented by different organ systems. This means, when one element is imbalanced (an organ as an imbalanced state of yin, yang, or both) the body expresses illness or disease in relation to that element’s organ. Acupuncture works to stimulate pressure points specific to the organ, and other organ systems to help restore balance in the body. Physiologically, acupuncture causes a microtrauma in the skin that stimulates the body’s response to healing. The response enables blood, oxygen, and other cells to clear out any inflammatory residue that may be in the area causing pain.

Lifestyle Counselling Naturopathic doctors deeply understand and acknowledge the importance of mental and emotional support throughout the healing journey. This modality encompasses a variety of tools to help educate and support patients; talk therapy and motivational counselling are just some of the techniques used by our naturopaths in order to provide holistic care.

Physical Medicine Physical medicine is the assessment and diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders of the spine and joints and sports and soft tissue injuries. During the assessment, our NDs recommend and performs treatments to manage these conditions with an array of techniques such as hydrotherapy, cupping, and even acupuncture.