What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is evidence-informed healthcare that uses natural remedies to prevent and treat disease, as well as augment your current health. It is deeply rooted in traditional wisdom and ancient practices, while being supported by scientific research.
Naturopathic medicine is based on the knowledge that the body has an innate wisdom and capacity to heal itself. Sometimes the body needs a bit of help, and sometimes we just need to get out of our own way.
When formulating a treatment plan, the whole person, body, mind and spirit, is taken into account to create a unique plan specifically for you.
Treatment is based on the six principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
1. First do no harm
2. Utilize the healing power of nature
3. Identify and treat the root cause
4. Treat the whole person
5. Physician as teacher
6. Prevention
Often people who seek out a Naturopathic Doctor have already seen their GP. They have had blood work and tests, which may have all come back normal, providing no clues or answers. But still they feel unwell.
Naturopathic Doctors have different tools and a different approach from conventional GPs. We are not better or worse, we are simply different. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I may be able to help, viewing your health concern from another perspective and looking for the root cause of your symptoms.
Herbs
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine. It simply means using plants as allies in our quest for health. The medicine may be made from the leaves, flowers, berries, bark or roots of a plant, and may be given as a liquid extract or tincture, or as a tea, usually to be taken 1-2x/day.
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and incredibly effective. I love that each batch that I mix for a patient is crafted individually for them, to address their specific needs. And because we use the Latin names of the plants, I like to call it “Harry Potter” style medicine :).
ACUPUNCTURE
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture is an ancient art that goes back over 3000 years. Life-force or Qi (pronounced "Chi") travels through channels or meridians in the body, the way blood flows through arteries and veins. Illness and dis-ease occur when the flow of Qi is interrupted or unbalanced. Acupuncture uses small, thin needles inserted at specific locations on the body to rebalance the flow of Qi, thus returning the body to a state of health.
Once inserted, needles are left in place for approximately 20minutes while you relax on the treatment table.
For optimal results, weekly sessions for 3-4 weeks are recommended.
NUTRITION
Food supplies us with the building blocks needed to keep us active and engaged in our day-to-day lives. Many of us know that healthy eating is important, but figuring out what exactly our body needs can be tricky - and dynamic. Our requirements change with our activity and stress levels, age, illnesses and seasons.
Supplements and vitamins can be helpful, but food always offers the most bioavailable and best-absorbed form of nutrients. For this reason, I ALWAYS have nutrition suggestions when working with patients (you may have to eat more veg - you’ve been warned).
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy uses dilute amounts of natural substances to guide the body back to a state of health. Given as small pellets or liquid drops, homeopathy contains none of the actual substance from which it is made. This may sound odd, however everything that we see as solid, including ourselves, is actually made up of millions of tiny particles vibrating at a specific frequency. Illness occurs when the frequency of our own body goes off-kilter. Capturing the resonant frequency of the original substance, homeopathy gently nudges the body back to a healthy vibration. It is a fascinating medicine and is safe, inexpensive and very effective when used with the guidance of a trained professional.
“Heather is deeply knowledgeable about her subject & offers a friendly, caring service. I was able to talk freely, discuss my needs & receive the correct products for my health issues. One feels as though they've known Heather for years - very much recommended!” S.W.