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TREATMENT METHODS
Clinical Nutrition
Clinical Nutrition is concerned with the relationship
between diet and disease. Nutrition is a cornerstone
of naturopathic practice. Many medical conditions can
be treated more effectively with dietary changes and
nutritional supplementation than they can by other means.
Many of the chronic health problems that plague people
today are the result of poor dietary and lifestyle choices.
Illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease,
hypertension, cancer and gastrointestinal problems develop
as a consequence of the food we choose. Naturopathic
doctors help patients make better food choices and a
complete nutritional program may also involve vitamin,
mineral, and enzyme supplementation. By changing our
diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle, we can often
change or reverse the course of an illness and restore
health.
Botanical Medicine
Botanical Medicine involves the use of plants for healing
which goes back to the beginning of civilization. Today,
80% of the world’s population uses plants to treat
illness. Where single chemically-derived drugs may only
address a single problem, botanical medicines are able
to address a variety of problems simultaneously. Naturopathic
Doctors use plant medicines from around the world and
their organic nature makes botanicals compatible with
the body's own chemistry; hence, they can be gently
effective with few toxic side effects. Herbs are used
to enhance immune function; improve digestion; normalize
bodily functions; destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi;
soothe irritated tissues; calm nerves; and relax muscles.
Acupuncture
The body's energy (“chi”) moves along pathways
called meridians in a yin and yang balance. The “chi”
is accessed through acupuncture points along the meridian
pathway to help restore function and balance to the
body, mind and spirit. Acupuncture is effective for
more than simply the popular notion of pain relief.
Acupuncture provides a method of treatment which harmonizes
the imbalances present in disease conditions.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is based on the principle of "like cures
like". In the 18th century, Dr. Samuel Hahneman
discovered that substances that cause specific symptoms
in large doses could cure those same symptoms in minute
doses. For example, when a healthy individual is given
quinine in large doses, it produces symptoms of malaria.
Yet, when very small doses of quinine are given to an
individual with malaria, it helps ease the symptoms.
Homeopathic medicines are produced from animals, plants,
and minerals. These substances stimulate the body's
healing processes. It works on a subtle yet powerful
energetic level, gently acting to strengthen the body's
healing and immune response. Naturopathic doctors prescribe
remedies based on an individual’s unique symptoms
or characteristics. This means that two people who have
the flu may receive different remedies because their
symptoms are different. It requires training and skill
to determine the appropriate remedy. When the appropriate
remedy is given, it can produce powerful and effective
results. Homeopathy is used to treat all forms of acute
and chronic illness and injury and is safe for children,
pregnant or lactating women, and the elderly.
Lifestyle Counselling
The habits and daily living choices we all make tremendously
impact our health. Mental attitudes, negative self-talk
and emotional states are contributing factors to many
illnesses. Counselling, nutritional balancing, stress
management and cognitive-behavioural therapy are used
to help patients heal on a mental/emotional level. Naturopathic
doctors explore these choices with patients to determine
how they are affecting health.
Physical Treatments
Bowen Therapy is a gentle hands-on neuromuscular technique
that encourages a healing response and is effective
in the treatment of chronic and acute pain and many
common health conditions. Naturopathic doctors are trained
in other physical therapies, such as hydrotherapy, and
the therapeutic use of heat and cold, light, massage
and ultrasound. IV therapy is also available in Whitehorse.
Lab Services
Lab tests which are currently available include Urinalysis,
Blood Typing, Salivary Hormone Levels, Heavy Metal testing
and Hair Mineral Analysis. New tests are being added.
Contact the office for more information
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