South Surrey – White Rock Location : - Book Online 604-535-7705

Surrey - Delta Location : - Book Online 778-607-2300

South Surrey – White Rock Location : -
Book Online 604-535-7705

Surrey - Delta Location : -
Book Online 778-607-2300

About Naturopathy

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a holistic system of medicine that combines the wisdom of ancient healing arts with modern science. Naturopathic doctors treat the underlying cause of a person’s disease and place an emphasis on prevention by using your body’s inherent healing potential and treating the whole person.  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Modern naturopathic medicine is science-based yet holds true to the wisdom of natural therapies. For example, herbal remedies have been successfully used for hundreds of years in Ayruvedic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) and are now being researched for their therapeutic properties. Naturopathic treatments are without side effects toxicity or dependency when used appropriately by a trained naturopathic doctor.  (See Services)

License and Training

Naturopathic Doctors are licensed by the BC government to be primary care physicians trained as general practitioners of complementary medicine. Naturopaths are graduates of a 4 year doctorate in naturopathic medicine from an accredited Naturopathic medical school. The prerequisite to a degree in naturopathic medicine is a bachelor’s degree. (Bastyr.edu)

What to expect during a visit?

We offer a better health experience that allows you to ask questions and voice your concerns; one that allows us to take the time to listen, understand and assess your health. During the appointment we’ll discuss the best options for your care. Initial appointments last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and will include a verbal interview to gather your pertinent history and any needed physical exam. We will also discuss the use of suitable diagnostic workup including blood testing and explain our assessment and treatment plan. It would be helpful if you bring a copy of recent test results to your appointment since they can be used to in your assessment and treatment plan.

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

There are three major differences. The first is training. The second is regulation. The third is treatment.

In regard to training, naturopathic doctors are generalists in alternative medicine. They receive at least 3-years pre-medical training at university, then 4-years at an accredited naturopathic college. They are primary care physicians using a variety of therapies and modalities according to each patient’s need.

In BC and many other provinces and US states naturopathic medicine is regulated just as MDs, nurses, chiropractors and other health professionals are licensed and regulated. At present, homeopathy is not a licensed or regulated health profession in BC. In one sense, only NDs are licensed to practice homeopathy.

Another difference is treatment. A homeopath would only prescribe a homeopathic medicine. An ND may use botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or any combination to treat a patient.

Fundamental Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Nature)

Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent ability in the body which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery and to facilitate and augment this healing ability. Your body is working to repair and regenerate every cell in your body every day. For example if you have a cut on your skin then your body will try to repair it, if you have a fracture, you must set the bone and your body can repair the fracture. The key is to create an environment that allows the body to heal itself. This is done by the improving the repair and function of your body while decreasing the breakdown.

Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)

The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or merely suppress the symptoms. For example, if you have a headache, is taking pain killer the solution? No, although it will temporarily stop the suffering. Health conscious patients, like ours, are looking for more than just masking symptoms of disease. They wish to understand how their health condition developed so they can treat the cause. Simply, there is much more to a person’s health than just controlling and managing their symptoms. Functional lab testing is also used to help determine the cause.

First Do Not Harm (Primum Non Nocere)

Naturopathic medicine utilizes treatments(link to services) that minimize the risk of harmful side effects. By respecting the individual’s healing process and using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.

Doctor as Teacher (Docere)

Naturopathic physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. By creating a comfortable environment that allows patients to share their experiences, naturopaths are able to provide valuable insight into how to help improve their health. Naturopathic medicine recognizes that true health and well being is based on a patient’s ability to understand his or her state of health.

Treat the Whole Person

Naturopathic physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health can also include spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path.

Prevention

Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive. Through education naturopaths can teach patients how to maintain optimal health and prevent future health problems.

Reference:
Definition of Naturopathic Medicine: AANP Position Paper, 1989 Snider P., Zeff J., Co-Chairs: Select Committee on the Definition of Naturopathic Medicine AANP House of Delegates, Rippling River, Oregon

Call Us:

 

604-535-7705

for South Surrey – White Rock Location

778-607-2300

for Surrey-Delta Location

or