Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care. It combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It emphasises the use of natural approaches such as nutrition, lifestyle counselling and botanical medicine to bring about wellness and treat illness. Naturopathic doctors work according to a set of basic naturopathic medicine principles. This includes practices that stimulate the healing power of the body and address the underlying causes of disease, rather than focussing on reducing symptoms. Naturopathic medicine understands the illness within the context of a person’s whole life.
Naturopathic doctors practice complementary medicine, taking a holistic approach to treating your health care needs. As naturopathic medicine means utilising other healing methods besides taking prescription drugs and performing surgery, it means less side-effects and risks.
That said, naturopathic medicine can be used along with conventional medical therapies to support healing. This approach is known as integrative medicine.
The naturopathic approach also places emphasis on patient education and self-care.
Preparing for Your First Naturopathic Consultation at HealthBuddha
Naturopathic medicine has become very popular as a means to deliver healthcare via your naturopath in Canada. As you make your naturopath appointment, here’s what to expect during your first naturopath consultation at HealthBuddha.
Longer appointment
While a conventional medical visit is generally around 20 minutes long, your first visit to a naturopath in Canada at HealthBuddha could take anywhere from 60 minutes to 90 minutes. This is because your naturopathic medicine practitioner needs to get to know you and learn thoroughly about your past and present health.
Desired results
Your naturopath consultation will also include questions about your health goals and the results you are looking for. You need to communicate your particular health issues or ailments that are a concern or your health goals such as needing to feel more energetic or healthier.
Past health record
A large part of your first naturopath consultation will involve your naturopathic doctor making a detailed record of your health history and concerns. Your naturopath in Canada will investigate your current and past health, medications, and lifestyle. It is important to give your naturopathic doctor an honest and comprehensive look at your health history. A full understanding of your individual experience will enable your naturopathic practitioner to recommend the ideal plan for your health and wellness.
Diet-related information
Food plays an important role in naturopathic medicine. Your naturopath in Canada will ask many questions about what you eat regularly, supplements you take, and how you feel after eating certain foods. This is connected to gastrointestinal health, energy, stress and sleep. This information will help your naturopathic doctor to create an individualized plan for you that focuses on the root cause of your issues. In some cases, before your first visit you may be asked to complete a food diary and other paperwork.
Physical examination and tests
Your naturopathic doctor will conduct a physical examination and may also prescribe relevant laboratory tests. This will help the proper assessment and diagnosis. Using conventional diagnostic tactics and the principles and practices of naturopathic medicine, the naturopathic doctor will make an assessment.
Individualized plan
Your naturopathic doctor would make some initial suggestions and speak with you to together create an individualized treatment plan and follow-up appointment schedule. Your naturopathic practitioner could recommend any or all of the following treatments, depending on the findings from the intake and examination: focused therapeutic nutrition, herbal medicine, supplements, IV nutrition, mind-body techniques, homoeopathy, physical medicine, stress reduction approaches, lifestyle counselling, hydrotherapy, and more.
Communicating Effectively with Your Naturopathic Doctor
Effective communication with your naturopathic doctor is key to your healing and wellness. During your naturopath appointment, being honest about your condition, successes and failures strengthens the relationship with your naturopathic doctor. A naturopath doctor-patient relationship is a two-way street, with both working as a team. When you voice your needs and concerns, your doctor can individualize your treatment plan to suit your needs, based on your feedback. Effective communication ensures your naturopathic doctor is able to support you to the fullest.
Sharing your challenges experienced in your recommended treatment plan will help your naturopathic doctor to find blocks that need to be resolved so you can continue to heal.
It is important to advocate for yourself and your needs. Share your doubts and ask questions; most naturopathic doctors are very open to addressing all your concerns.
Finding the Right Naturopathic Doctor for You
When looking for the right naturopathy treatment, it is important to find a naturopath who will offer quality services. Choose the right naturopath who will suit your needs. The following cues can help you find a naturopath who is a good fit for you…
Read the bio or speak to your naturopathic doctor to find out if they have experience in successfully treating your specific health issues. Also, in your quest to find the best naturopath, check on how they want to collaborate with you.
Before making your naturopath appointment, check on the relevant educational qualifications of the practitioners to find the best naturopath. In certain provinces and states, naturopathic doctors are required to finish four years at a naturopathic institution to be authorised to offer naturopathy treatment.
If you are already consulting a conventional doctor or taking prescription medicine, it is important to find a naturopath who will collaborate with your regular doctor. Naturopathic doctors know of the link between naturopathic medicine and traditional medication. If you are preparing for further traditional treatment or surgery, your naturopathic doctor would also be able to help speed up your recuperation.
It is also important to feel at ease around your naturopathic doctor and have confidence in them for effective naturopathy treatment.
(Sources: aanmc.org, cnme.org, caringhandsphysio.com)