About Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine focuses on the diagnosing and treating of ailments using natural therapies. The emphasis is on prevention and the treatment of the whole person by understanding the root of the problem. Naturopathy assists each person in creating and fostering a suitable and healthy environment for their body and mind. Naturopathic medicine differs from Conventional (Western) medicine because Naturopathic Doctors seek to treat the root of the problem and not just the symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors will work closely with you to discover the source of the problem. An individual treatment plan is then instituted to get you back on track towards a healthy you. A variety of conditions that Naturopathic Doctors can assist with include:
  • Acute conditions: colds, flu’s, ear infections, headaches
  • Women’s health issues: menopause, PMS, infertility
  • Chronic health conditions: migraines, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis), environmental sensitivities, insomnia, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, mental health concerns (depression)
  • Gastrointestinal issues: IBS, crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
  • Autoimmune conditions: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, hashimoto’s thyroiditis, celiac disease
  • Children’s health conditions: ADHD, autism

The History of Naturopathic Medicine

Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived 2400 years ago, first formulated the concept of “the healing power of nature”. This concept has long been at the core of medicine around the world and remains one of the central principles of naturopathic medicine. In North America, naturopathic medicine traces its origins to Dr. Benedict Lust. He used the term “naturopathy” to describe a clinical practice, which integrated such natural healing methods as botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutritional therapy, manipulative therapy, acupuncture and lifestyle counselling. After the Second World War the trust of health care was placed on the advances in surgical techniques, the introduction of antibiotics and growth of the pharmaceutical industries. The more traditional healing practices lost ground. This was an era of scientific reductionism and an almost blind faith in the medical ‘miracle’. This approach continued through the 1950s. In the last twenty years, public desire for greater control in their health care process and a growing dissatisfaction with high tech solutions to health problems has resulted in a resurgent interest in the natural methods of preventive health care. This trend has increased demand for naturopathic services as people seek ways to improve their health, cope with day-to-day stresses and avoid illness. Source: Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

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