Naturopathy FAQ
The following are questions I thought you might like answers to. If there are any questions not listed, please call me at 905-845-4994 and I'll do my best to answer your question as well as publish it to this FAQ.
- What is Naturopathic Medicine? [click here]
Naturopathic Medicine is an individualized holistic health care system with focus on mental-emotional, physical & spiritual aspects of the person. Naturopathic Doctors use natural substances to support and stimulate the bodies inherent healing process. Art and science are combined in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. The focus lies in optimizing health through individualized patient care and education. Naturopathic Medicine focuses on treating the cause, not the symptom. An important part of Naturopathic treatment is providing preventative care before illness arises.
In Ontario, Naturopathic practice has been regulated since 1925 under the Drugless
Practitioners Act.
A brief history of Naturopathy
Dr. Benedict Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in New York City and graduated its first class in 1902. A number of other schools were organized and by the 1930's there were more than twenty naturopathic colleges and over 10,000 practitioners.
Into the 1940's due to lack of funding, Naturopathic education began to decline. This was largely due to financial assistance given to Allopaths (M.D's) by the pharmaceutical industry. These Allopaths began to use this strong relationship to their political advantage. Traditional doctors have
flourished, in my opinion primarily due to this relationship.
Only recently has the disenchantment with pharmaceutically trained doctors led people to once again begin exploring and embracing the God-given, simple, effective remedies found in Naturopathy.
Naturopathic Medicine is governed by six principles:
1. Do No Harm
Health care at the least risk for the patient by using methods and medicines with few or no side effects.
2. The Healing Power of Nature
The use of treatments which stimulate the bodies own inherent self-healing mechanisms.
3. Treat the Cause
Identifying and removing the cause of illness and avoiding suppressing symptoms.
4. Doctor as Teacher
To educate, and inspire patients, encouraging a sense of self-responsibility.
5. Treat the whole person
To treat the person and not just treat the symptoms. In essence, you look at the person as a human being who is out of balance, not a disease.
6. Health promotion as the best prevention
- What is the difference between Naturopathy & Homeopathy? [click here]
Homeopathy is one of the modalities (systems of medicine) which a Naturopathic Doctor would use when treating a client. Often I am asked what the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor and a Homeopathic Doctor is. A
Naturopathic Doctor uses many different modalities - like nutrition, vitamin & mineral supplementation, homeopathics, herbs etc. to treat their patients. A homeopathic doctor only uses homeopathy.
In addition, Naturopathic Doctors are licensed professionals. Two sets of very stringent board (licensing) exams are required in order to practice Naturopathic medicine. Because Naturopathic doctors are licensed, they are required to uphold certain standards of treatment and must answer to the board with regards to their treatment of patients. Homeopathic doctors are not licensed
practitioners and there is no governing board.
- What Treatment methods do you practice? [click here]
Although many Naturopathic Doctors choose to specialize, I have chosen not to limit myself. I have found that with many conditions, several different treatments are needed. I feel that many of my patients would not be able to receive maximum benefits from just one treatment type.
Clinical Nutrition
Clinical Nutrition, or the use of diet as a therapy, serves as a foundation of Naturopathic Medicine. There is a large and ever increasing scientific evidence supporting the use of whole foods and supplements. It is possible to effectively treat many conditions by dietary measures alone. Some examples include acne, arthritis, asthma, depression, eczema, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome and pre-menstrual syndrome.
Your treatment would include an in-depth analysis of your nutritional status. Specific diets, vitamins, minerals and other supplements are used as safe and effective agents of healing.
Lifestyle Counseling and Stress Management
Programs can be provided to modify detrimental factors in connection to lifestyle, diet and environment. This includes assessing risk factors such as exercise, sleep patterns, job stress etc. Medical doctors now admit that stress is plays a major role in over 85% of all disease.
Homeopathic Medicine
First developed in Germany in the 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann. This modality uses minute amounts of animal, mineral and plant substances to stimulate the body's self-healing mechanism.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient (5000 year old) Chinese system of medicine involving the stimulation of certain specific points on the body to enhance the flow of vital energy (chi) along pathways called meridians. The points are stimulated by massage or needles.
Botanical (Herbal) Medicine
The use of whole plants individually and in combinations administered in capsule, liquid or tablet form. These herbs help the body help itself by strengthening various systems. 25% of all prescription drugs contain ingredients isolated from plants. Herbs promote health and restore balance and disease. Naturopathic Doctors are professionally trained herbalists and know both the historical uses of plants as well as modern pharmacological mechanisms.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy may be defined as the use of water in any of its forms (hot, cold, ice, steam etc.) and methods of application in the maintenance of health or treatment of disease.- What education and training have you had? [click here]
4 year undergraduate pre-medical degree at McMaster University
4 year university level post-graduate program at Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (accredited institution)
scored well above average on required licensing board exams.
To learn more, see my Biography
Courses included:
| Anatomy |
Histology |
Pathology |
Pharmacology |
Hydrotherapy |
| Physiology |
Biochemistry |
Embryology |
Radiology |
Acupuncture |
| Immunology |
Toxicology |
Microbiology |
Gynecology |
Nutrition |
| Emergency Care |
Jurisprudence |
Minor Surgery |
Obstetrics |
Pediatrics |
| Homeopathy |
Soft Tissue
Manipulation |
Stress
Management |
Laboratory
Diagnosis |
Psychology and
Counseling |
| Traditional
Chinese Medicine |
Naturopathic
History and Philosophy |
Physical/Clinical Diagnosis |
Botanical
Medicine |
Therapy by
Physical Agents |
|
- What conditions do you treat? [click here]
Pediatrics
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Earaches
- Learning Disabilities
- Colds, Flus etc.
- Hyperactivity
|
Mental - Emotional
- Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
- Depression
|
Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Crohn's
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diverticulitid
- Ulcers
- Gastritis
- Heartburn
- Bloating
|
Women's Health Issues
- Menopausal Symptoms
- Osteoporosis
- Weight Loss
- Breast Disorders
- PMS
|
General Conditions
- Allergies (Food, Environmental or
Chemical)
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Fungal Infections
|
- Do you have a Biography? [click here]
Yes - click here to go to it.
- Do I have to stop seeing my medical doctor? [click here]
Naturopathic medicine is a complimentary healing system. I myself
have a medical doctor. All healing systems should work together. When I need
to, I refer to a medical doctor. Naturopathic doctors are trained to know
when to refer a case.
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