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Naturopathic Medicine
Science. Tradition. Health.
Naturopathic Modalities: The tools we use for healing patients and managing symptoms
Naturopathic Principles: The core philosophical foundations of naturopathic medicine. They guide naturopathic doctors (NDs) in assessing, treating and supporting our patients.
Botanical Medicine
Using herbs in various forms as support and avoidance of side effects. Examples of forms in which herbs are used include teas, tinctures, salves, compresses, fomentations, creams, poultices, etc.
First, Do No Harm
NDs focus on natural, non-invasive, and low-toxicity treatments, keeping in mind that the most important aspect is safety of the body, mind and soul.
Homeopathy
A system based on the idea that “like cures like”—meaning a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can, in very small amounts, treat those symptoms in a sick person. Most importantly, homeopathy can stimulate the "vis" or the Healing Power of Nature, where the patients vitality starts the healing from within.
Vis Medicatrix Naturae Or the healing power of nature is what NDs use to guide them, using natural substances and promoting a healthy environment as essential to health. They harness the body's innate wisdom to guide patients toward wellness and overall health.
Supplements
Similar to herbal medicine, supplements extract the most active ingredients from plants or natural substances to provide effective support with less side effects.
Example: L-Theanine, a concentrated amino acid from green tea used for relaxation and focus.
Identify and Treat the Cause
There is a time and place for symptom suppression, however most naturopathic patients will benefit from identifying the underlying causes of illness and removing obstacles to cure.
Physical Medicine
A term used to encompass assessments and treatments which look at how the body is reacting to the state of the patient. Examples include using craniosacral to see and release tension in the fascia.
Docere - Doctor as Teacher
Naturopathic doctors elevate patient health literacy. That means that NDs are part of the team helping patients have a better understanding of what it takes to be and stay well. Through education and a trust-based relationship, patients better understand the steps they need to take to achieve and maintain health.
Nutrition
A fundamental aspect of healing, looking at what we put into our bodies and using food as medicine. Examples including using the Mediterranean Diet as a balanced approach to address cardiometabolic conditions.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic doctors understand the interconnectedness of our body, our environment and our lifestyle on total health. It is only through this whole-person-based approach that NDs seek to restore balance and health.
Hydrotherapy
Part of a larger system called Nature Cure, which focuses on water ,movement, diet, herbs and balance - hydrotherapy focuses on using water at various temperatures for both prevention and therapeutic purposes.
Prevention
Prevention is key in naturopathic medicine, which emphasizes avoiding illness. NDs utilize all six principles to identify imbalances and guide patients toward wellness.
For more, visit AANMC
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