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Why Naturopathic Medicine?

 

Naturopathic medicine is a patient-centred primary health care profession that combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural medicines.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a patient-centred primary health care profession that combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural medicines. Naturopathic medicine is built upon the philosophy of harnessing the natural healing mechanisms of the human body to treat the underlying cause of disease (rather than simply treating the symptoms). Symptoms are interpreted as signs of dysfunction (dis-ease) from the body, originating from improper lifestyle habits. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity.

Naturopathic medicine practice includes the following diagnostic and therapeutic modalities: laboratory testing, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, naturopathic manipulation/physical medicine, hydrotherapy, healthy lifestyle counselling, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine/ acupuncture, intravenous and injection therapy.

In Canada, the naturopathic profession’s educational framework includes accredited naturopathic medical institutions/programs, standardized North American Board Exams (NPLEX) and jurisdictional (provincial) exams, national standards of practice and regulation in five provinces to date, including Manitoba.

© 2022 used with permission of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a medical doctor?

Both professions provide primary care and both are similarly trained. The primary differences between naturopathic and conventional medicine are the guiding principles/philosophies and the therapies employed. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) treat the whole person by addressing the physical, emotional lifestyle, and environmental aspects of health. The application of naturopathic medicine by naturopathic doctors allows the practitioner to find and treat the root cause of the disease using a variety of natural therapies.

© 2022 used with permission of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

What can naturopathic medicine do for you?

Naturopathic medicine can be used to treat most health concerns, in patients of all ages, from acute to chronic health problems, and from the physical to psychological. Naturopathic medicine can benefit:

  • Patients that are looking to optimize their health and prevent disease;
  • Patients that are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments with the aim of minimizing side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, surgery or other medical interventions;
  • Patients that have many symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other healthcare providers;
  • Patients that have been diagnosed with an illness, often serious or chronic, and are looking for alternative treatment options. Naturopathic medicine is very effective for improving quality of life for those with serious and life threatening illnesses.

© 2022 used with permission of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

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