Naturopathic medical training uniquely integrates scientific studies of natural medicine efficacy and safety with knowledge of drug interactions. This allows NDs to create safe and effective treatment plans suitable for all patients, including those who may be currently taking prescription medications.
Nutritional Supplementation
Clinical nutrition and dietary counseling involves the therapeutic use of food and nutritional supplementation to treat a variety of health concerns. Establishing the fundamentals of healthy eating is achieved through dietary modifications that may involve removing food intolerances, replenishing deficiencies and correcting dietary imbalances. Naturopathic Doctors are also trained in the safe and effective use of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and anti-oxidants for the treatment of specific health conditions.
Lifestyle Counseling
Naturopathic Doctors focus on the mind-body connection in the treatment of illness by addressing stress, life events, relationships, thoughts and emotions. Providing patient with strategies to cope with the mental-emotional elements that impact overall health is an integral part of naturopathic treatments. In addition to other therapies, lifestyle counseling can provide support for those dealing with stress, fatigue, sleep issues and depression. Lifestyle counseling also encompasses factors such as diet, exercise, as well as occupational and environmental stressors.
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine involves the use of plants in a variety of forms to treat and prevent illness. Naturopathic Doctors have extensive training in the use of plants for therapeutic benefit. By knowing the correct dosages and interactions, Naturopathic Doctors ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes. The medicinal parts of plants can be prepared in a variety of ways including capsules, teas, tinctures, ointments, salves and essential oils. Plants can be used in their singular whole form, as standardized extracts or in combination formulas.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points to activate the body’s healing response and optimize the flow of energy. The modern scientific explanation is that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals that reduce pain, balance hormones and influence the body’s biochemical and metabolic processes. Acupuncture provides therapeutic benefits in the treatment of a variety of conditions including infertility, hormone imbalances, muscle and joint pain, stress, headaches, digestive issues and more.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient healing system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat and prevent illness. According to TCM philosophy, your health is a reflection of the quantity, quality and balance of your energy (qi). The goal of treatment is to normalize the flow of energy (qi) throughout the body. Naturopathic Doctors use herbs, acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and cupping to restore balance and thereby ensure optimum health.
Physical Medicine & Hydrotherapy
Naturopathic Doctors are trained in a variety of physical medicine techniques including muscle stretching, strengthening exercises, therapeutic ultrasound and massage, as well as topical applications of herbs or oils, like castor oil packs. Hydrotherapy - which is the use of hot and cold water - is another physical medicine modality used by Naturopathic Doctors to reduce swelling, pain and inflammation. Hydrotherapy techniques include hot and cold applications, immersion baths, saunas and medicinal packs. These tools encourage proper immune function, aid in detoxification processes and enhance circulation making them effective treatment options for musculoskeletal problems and nervous system imbalances.