Naturopathic Medicine
Natural Substances and Treatments
Clinical Nutrition
Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Nutrition is the
foundation of good health, and an ND will almost invariably offer nutritional suggestions.
Special diets may be recommended. Treatment may include nutritional supplements such
as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutraceuticals. In other cases, simply a gentle
adjustment of food choices is advised.
Botanical/Herbal Medicine
The use of botanical medicine for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization
and is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Plant substances from around the world
may be recommended in various forms for their healing effects and nutritional value.
Naturopathic doctors are well trained to review your current health situation before
recommending botanical medicine as some herbs have the potential to cause adverse
drug interactions when used in combination with prescription and over-the-counter
pharmaceuticals.
Homeopathy
Based on the principle of "like cures like", homeopathic medicine uses minute amounts
of natural substances to stimulate the self-healing abilities of the body. Homeopathy
restores the body to homeostasis, or healthy balance, which is considered its natural state.
The symptoms of a disease are regarded as the body's own defensive attempt to correct its
imbalance, rather than as enemies to be defeated. Homeopathic remedies are designed to
stimulate this internal curative process rather than suppress the symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Physical medicine includes massage, Bowen, hydrotherapy, peat therapy and other
physical therapies such as laser and infra-red therapy. Physical modalities can restore
structural soundness to the skeletal system, joints, and soft tissue, as well as build
immunity and support detoxification. Your ND may offer physical treatment or refer you
to other practitioners at The Neighbourhood Clinic for their expertise.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has diagnosed,
treated and prevented illness for thousands of years and incorporates acupuncture,
acupressure, diet, massage, and Asian herbs and foods. TCM aims to balance yin and
yang, and the flow of qi (energy) through the body to strengthen the body’s ability to
respond to stressors and maintain health.
Lifestyle Counselling
Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. Lifestyle
counselling helps patients make informed choices to reach and maintain their optimal
health. By helping you identify and adjust the habits that contribute to ill health, your
ND will help you maintain wellness over the long term.
