Naturopathic Treatments
Select a modality to read more...
| Clinical Nutrition | Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine |
| Botanical Medicine | Homeopathic Medicine |
| Lifestyle Counselling and Stress Management | Manipulation |
| Physical Therapeutics | Craniosacral Therapy |
Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Often, sensitivities to certain foods may result in a number of physical manifestations. Likewise, specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies may also need to be addressed for optimal health to be achieved. Special diets may be recommended, and treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other nutraceuticals.
Based on balancing the flow of Qi (energy) through meridian pathways, Chinese medicine includes the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. In Chinese Medical theory, organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys all have properties beyond those acknowledged by Western Medicine. By taking a detailed case history, as well as looking at a patient’s tongue and pulses (consisting of a 3 different pulses on both wrists), a Chinese Medical diagnosis can be made and treatment initiated.
The use of plants for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization and is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Plant substances from around the world are used for their healing effects and nutritional value. Commonly, the alcohol-based extracts (tinctures) of one or more botanicals relevant to a patient's concerns are selected and a certain number of drops are prescribed. However, teas, pills and capsules are some other ways of prescribing botanicals.
Homeopathic MedicineBased on the principals of "like cures like", homeopathic medicine is an energetic medicine which was first developed in the 1700's. Minute amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities. In finding an appropriate homeopathic remedy, a detailed case must be taken, as information about everything from dietary cravings to dreams to personal characteristics must be taken into account.
Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors all have a profound impact on health. One faces a multitude of stressors during the course of daily life, and the ways in which an individual copes with these stressors can often significantly affect health. Sleep, energy, mood, digestion, and skin are just a few of the body systems which can be adversely affected by stress. Naturopathic Doctors can help patients effectively manage stress, as well as make effective lifestyle choices.
Manipulation
Naturopathic Manipulation involves the correction of stress or trauma-induced malfunctions of muscle, connective tissue, and the skeletal system. Quick, low-impact (high-velocity, low-amplitude) thrusts are applied to areas of joint fixation to help regain normal function and flexibility.
Treatments include the therapeutic use of water (hydrotherapy), light, electricity, massage and exercise. Often, treatments such as hydrotherapy can be done in the comfort of one's own home, and incorporated into a daily routine as part of a healthy lifestyle.
An additional modality from those taught at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Craniosacral Therapy is a subtle, manual therapy which strives to re-balance the body's natural rhythms. It is often very effective in addressing Mental/Emotional concerns, such as depression and anxiety. However, it can be used to treat a wide range of health concerns, from chronic migraines, to temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, to digestive complaints.
Last updated 02/06/10
Erik Boudreau, ND
