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The methods and medicinal substances used by Naturopathic Doctors are selected to support and stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms while minimizing the risk of harmful side-effects. Naturopathic Doctors are also concerned with not suppressing symptoms that are a reflection of the body’s natural healing response. Finally, care is taken in the diagnostic procedure to identify patients who need to be referred to other health care practitioners.
Natural healing mechanisms in the body and mind have a powerful ability to regulate and restore health. Often disease results from the sub-optimal functioning of our inherent healing systems. Naturopathic Doctors seek to identify and remove obstacles to recovery, and to use medicines and techniques that gently support and rejuvenate your natural healing capacity.
The primary goal of Naturopathic Doctors is to find and remove the underlying cause of your disease, as opposed to treating or suppressing the symptoms. This may include treating nutritional deficiencies, identifying dietary or lifestyle factors that are aggravating a condition, addressing hormonal imbalances, or correcting structural abnormalities. Treating the cause is the only way to truly achieve long-term healing.
Your present state of health is the result of a complex interaction physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, lifestyle, social, and other factors. Disease is a reflection of the health of the whole person, and cannot be addressed by simply treating a specific organ or system. In your Naturopathic assessment, all possible factors contributing to your state of health will be evaluated in order to customize a treatment plan to your individual needs.
The word doctor stems from the Latin term docere, which means to teach. Educating patients in making responsible decisions for their health is the ultimate goal of the Naturopathic Doctor. All aspects of the treatment plan are carefully explained. In facilitating your understanding of the processes contributing to and underlying your overall state of wellbeing, you will be empowered to make choices that will maximize your health and vitality.
The Naturopathic treatment of minor ailments can help prevent the development of more serious or chronic degenerative diseases. Patients are taught principles for living a healthy life today, to help maximize vitality and prevent major illnesses in the future. |
