Naturopathy
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity. For many patients, this difference in approach to health provides them with a new perspective and awareness, and many patients with chronic illness have found tremendous benefits.
- Do No Harm
- The Healing Power of Nature
- Identify and Treat the Cause
- Treat the Whole Person
- Doctor as Teacher
Thorough Health History:
The initial visit includes a detailed history intake, to find out about relevant family history, lifestyle, different stressors in our life, past medical and surgical history, history of accidents or injuries, and other significant events in life that may have affected our health or well being.
Diagnostic & Assessments:
Naturopathic doctors use conventional and naturopathic diagnostic tools for assessing health concerns, and determining the most appropriate treatment program.
Natural Therapies:
Understanding nutritional status, eating habits and the type of food that we eat regularly is an important part of the naturopathic assessment. Naturopathic Doctors will take the time to assess the effect that diet is having on health and the body’s ability to process and tolerate the foods a patient may consume. In addition, clinical nutrition and therapeutic lifestyle changes, botanical (herbal) medicine, naturopathic injections, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and cupping, can also be used during treatments.
Naturopathy
At Revital Health, we provide certified medical services including Naturopathy. As the name implies, Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system. It blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. It lets you heal your body on its own by combining several techniques into one such as herbs, exercise, acupuncture, and other dietary supplements.
A naturopathic doctor is specially trained in naturopathic medicine. They combine holistic approaches with natural therapies and science as well. Conventional and complementary treatments both can be performed by using natural therapies.
Let's dive deep into naturopathy to get the idea how the treatment heals the human body.
Treatment Methods
The practitioners use different treatment techniques such as:
- Reducing the stress
- Changes in diet and lifestyle
- Herbs supplements
- Homeopathic medicine
- Exercise therapy
- Manipulative therapies
- Detoxification guided by practitioner
- Counseling
- Psychotherapy
How does Naturopathy Work?
Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavorable lifestyle habits. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity. For many patients, this difference in approach to health provides them with a new perspective and awareness, and many patients with chronic illness have found tremendous benefits.
Will It Work for Your Condition?
A range of health issues can be cured with naturopathy. Some common issues are;
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Digestion problems
- Fertility issues
- Obesity
- Imbalance of hormones
- Chronic pains
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
Naturopathic doctors are also licensed to perform a minor surgery as well. They can stitch up a small wound, and prescribe certain medication. They also receive additional training about natural childbirths.
Thorough Health History
Naturopathic doctor starts his work with the initial assessment of the patient. Clinical and medical records are of vital importance to start the procedure. The initial visit includes a detailed history intake, to find out about relevant family history, lifestyle, different stressors in our life, past medical and surgical history, history of accidents or injuries, and other significant events in life that may have affected our health or well-being.
They usually get their information by letting the patient fill the questionnaire or by Q/A session. They are qualified to perform different laboratory assessments such as X-rays or bloodwork as well.
Diagnostic & Assessments
Naturopathic doctors use conventional and naturopathic diagnostic tools for assessing health concerns, and determining the most appropriate treatment program. This holistic approach requires the complete understanding of the patient. Facial and body features are observed and eyes, tongue, pulse, spine, nails and tongue are also analyzed. However, Iris of the eyes and facial features are diagnosed predominantly.
Facial Diagnosis
The external appearance of the face is observed to understand the internal conditions of the body. It reflects the mental and physical process. The functioning is determined by the form, color and mobility of the face while the abnormality and diseased body will have its own variations.
Iris Diagnosis
This is the most powerful tool to diagnose any abnormality till date. The iris has the potential to reflect the person's overall state. Even the origin of the disease can also be found by studying the iris.
Different magnifying lenses, microscopes, flash lights are used to screen the underlying problems. The characteristics of the iris are studied from right to left and the signs like lesions, lacunae, crypts, collarette, pigmentation, radial furrows are really helpful to get the disorder such as nervous disorders, skin disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, gastrointestinal system disorders, etc.
Pulse Diagnosis
Traditional Chinese Medicine is famous for this technique. The pulse is diagnosed to find the imbalance in the human body. There are three locations on both of the wrists such as cun, guan, and chi. These locations are read to judge the flow of energy and the particular organ can also be recognized by using this flow as well.
The clinical and scientific value of the acupuncture pulse diagnosis has increased tremendously because of its increased demand.
Modern Diagnosis
A naturopathic doctor is well trained to use the modern science techniques with the blend of traditional naturopathy treatments. They usually compare their reports to rule out the disease and diagnose the ailment efficiently.
Natural Therapies
Understanding nutritional status, eating habits and the type of food that we eat regularly is an important part of the naturopathic assessment. Naturopathic Doctors will take the time to assess the effect that diet is having on health and the body’s ability to process and tolerate the foods a patient may consume. In addition, clinical nutrition and therapeutic lifestyle changes, botanical (herbal) medicine, naturopathic injections, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and cupping, can also be used during treatments.
To prevent your illness, or to boost your overall energy level you can try naturopathy. But it is not recommended in the conditions/situation where the patient needs immediate doctor help. Some serious cardiac diseases or cancer are also not cured by naturopathy.
FAQs
Q] What to expect on your first naturopathic appointment?
First appointment 60 min in length, that will allow us to review and discuss your current and past health concerns, your medical and surgical history and assess your current medication and supplement intake. We will also conduct a general dietary intake analysis and order or review recent laboratory results. During initial appointment we will conduct a complaint oriented physical exam. We might also recommend further specialized laboratory testing for further assessment. An individualized integrative treatment plan will be provided, which will be further developed in subsequent visits to meet ongoing assessment, and help you restore/optimize health and achieve your goals.
Q] I have a chronic illness, can I still benefit from naturopathy?
Yes it's clinically beneficial to seek naturopathic care for chronic illness, people notice marked improvement in their health concerns and quality of life.
Q] Do i need to chose between natural and conventional treatment, or is it possible to work together?
We encourage clients to combine the use of both naturopathic and conventional medicine, also known as the integrative approach. It is optimal to have the best of both worlds, together we make a great team.
Q] Is Naturopathic Medicine regulated in Alberta?
YES, it is a regulated profession under Alberta's Health Practitioners Act by the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta [CNDA]. Naturopathic Doctor must attend an accredited naturopathic school in North America, before writing the board exams and obtain the license to practice.
Q] Are Naturopathic Doctors covered by Extended Health Plans?
Yes, Naturopathic Doctors are covered by most extended health plans through employers, depending on the kind of health plan you have. Insurance providers pay for part of, or all naturopathic treatments.
Q] Are Naturopathic Doctors covered by Alberta Health Care?
At this time we are not covered by Alberta Health Care.
Q] Does Revital Health direct bill insurance companies?
We direct bill most insurance companies. To check if your insurance provider is one of those, please give us a call.
Q] is laboratory testing included in the scheduled visit fee?
Specialized naturopathic testing is not often covered by insurance, although this does vary from each individual's insurance plan. We recommend you check with your insurance company first.
Q] What makes our online dispensary different from local health food store?
Our online dispensary carries professional-grade supplements, assuring high quality, efficacy, and safety to our patients. Through our online dispensary you could purchase and refill personalized prescriptions and other natural health products and the products will be shipped within few days.