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•	What is Naturopathy
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Naturopathy

Naturopathic Treatments

A visit to a Naturopathic Doctor will be quite similar to a visit to a Primary Care Physician. The first visit will include a thorough overview of medical history, medications taken, family history, questions about lifestyle, current psychological and emotional stresses, sleeping habits, and diet. A physical exam will be performed, which may or may not include lab tests and other conventional tests. A Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysistesttest (CDSA) also allows the Naturopath to evaluate the bacteria present in the stool, levels of digestive enzymes, and nutrient absorption.

A Naturopathic doctor considers their relationship with their patient as a partnership, and not only provide treatment plans but also educates the patient on being an active participant in an approach to healthy living and disease prevention.

Naturopathic Doctors undergo extensive formal education, with particular focus on the treatment types below. Some choose to receive additional training in these and other complimentary disciplines (e.g. natural childbirth and acupuncture). In clinical practice, the individual treatment plan for each patient will incorporate several of these treatment types:

1. Clinical Nutrition
Considered a foundation in the field of Naturopathy, clinical studies have validated that sound nutritional principles can have a positive impact on many health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Many imbalances within the body are the result of digestive disturbances and toxic buildup from highly processed foods, chemicals, preservatives, and an unhealthy diet. The body becomes overwhelmed and unable to eliminate the toxins at the rate they build, which then leads to a variety of physical issues (including premature aging). In Naturopathy, nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals, purchased as fresh as possible and with minimal processing, are a main component in treatment.

2. Hydrotheraphy
A variety of water therapies are used in hydrotherapy, ranging from drinking fresh, clean water, to exercising in water, and taking baths. Hot and cold applications are also used on various areas of the body. Towels are soaked in hot water and squeezed before being placed on the front of the patient for several minutes. The hot towels are then replaced by one cold towel for several minutes, with the entire procedure then repeated on the back of the patient. This form of hydrotherapy stimulates the blood flow to the organs of the body and also stimulates lymphatic circulation to promote the removal of toxins to and from the organs.

3. Homeopathy
The treatment of Homeopathy is used by many Naturopaths. Based on the theory of treating “like with like,” Homeopathy involves using highly diluted “remedies” of a specific substance (or substances) which in higher doses would actually cause the illness or symptom being experienced. Homeopathic remedies serve to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. Similar principles form the basis of conventional vaccinationtesttest treatments, where the disease-causing virus or bacteria is given to the body, which then stimulates the body to become immunized against that particular disease.

4. Detoxification
Various therapies are included to remove toxic build-up from the body, including enemas, drinking large amounts of water and fresh juices, and fasting.

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