Essential Questions to Ask Your Naturopath
Naturopathic medicine, with its holistic approach, can provide incredible benefits to your health. Here are a few essential questions to ask your naturopath…
Their reason to become a naturopathic doctor – This would help you understand the naturopathic doctor’s background and motivation to practice naturopathic medicine. Their story can reveal their values, principles, and the care they devote to their patients, and help you choose the best naturopath.
Their credentials – It is important to check on your naturopathic doctor’s education and training in the field, and if they are a member of a naturopathic association. Among the questions to ask your naturopath also find out the areas they specialise in.
Expectation from your first consultation – During your initial naturopathic consultation, along with a physical examination, your naturopathic doctors will ask you questions regarding your health history, current issues, and health goals. This will help your naturopathic doctor diagnose the root cause of your condition. During this consultation, questions to ask your naturopath could revolve around your health and related challenges.
Identifying health issues – You can ask your naturopathic doctor how your health issues will be diagnosed – whether by using physical tests, lab work, or other methodologies. Your naturopathic doctor may suggest blood, urine, stool or saliva testing to ascertain the cause of your illness. This would help identify nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and food sensitivities.
Determining if the treatments are working – You can ask your naturopathic doctor how many appointments you will need, follow-up visits, how your progress will be monitored. You can discuss how long the treatment is expected to take, further re-evaluation and adjustment to treatment plans.
Preparing for Your Naturopathic Consultation
A naturopathic consultation progresses differently from a consultation with a general practitioner (GP). A GP diagnoses and treats the symptoms. On the other hand, a naturopathic doctor considers the patient as a whole, including lifestyle, personal circumstances and medical history.
Here are a few points to be aware of as you prepare for your naturopathic consultation:
It will be time-consuming and thorough – During the course of an in-depth consultation which could last between 1 to 1.5 hours, your naturopathic doctor will investigate your medical history, family history, diet, and lifestyle factors including exercise, stress and sleep. This will enable your alternative health medicine practitioner to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and needs.
Carry along your medical results and medications list – Take along any recent pathology results, x-rays and a list of medicines and supplements that you are on, to your consultation. This will give your naturopathic doctor a better understanding of your medical history. With a holistic knowledge of your health condition, the appropriate recommendations can be made for your treatment plan.
Be truthful – It is important to honestly answer the questions that your naturopathy doctor may ask regarding your food consumption, bowel movements, etc. Your responses would give your naturopathic doctor a better understanding of your health status at present.
Maintain a food diary – For a week before your initial consultation, consider noting down everything you consumed during the day for your meals, including snacks. This could help your naturopathic doctor understand whether your diet is affecting your health condition. As a record of your daily meals, you could also consider taking photos of your meals on your phone.
Prepare to be committed – As part of your treatment plan, your naturopathy practitioner could also suggest making changes to your lifestyle habits or diet. These changes would require your co-operation, patience and persistence. You would also need to commit to the follow-up appointments as necessary.
Key Inquiries for Your Women’s Health Naturopath
Naturopathic medicine can help with several women-specific issues such as:
Infertility
PCOS
Low libido
Hypothyroidism
Constipation
Low energy
Weight gain
Sleep issues
Mood or irritability
Transition stages including menopause (night sweats, hot flashes)
Menstrual issues
We look at a few key inquiries for your women’s naturopath doctor:
The form of treatment that would be used – Naturopathic medicine or alternative health medicine includes different methodologies such as herbal medicine, homoeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, and recommendations on diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mental relaxation. You can ask your women’s naturopath about the types of treatment that will be used for you.
Whether you need to modify your diet – A diet rich in vegetables and fruits provides the body with all the essential nutrition. Consuming processed food or junk food is not healthy and leads to complications. Do check with your naturopath about any changes you need to make in your eating habits.
Whether you can continue with your allopathic medicines along with naturopathic medicine – Some herbal medicines as well as homoeopathy may not be compatible with allopathic medicine. This could result in lowered effectiveness or even toxicity. Do discuss with your naturopathic doctor and take their advice on this matter.
Your recovery period – Due to the nature of naturopathic medicine, depending on the severity of the problem, the healing process could go from weeks to months. Each individual will also respond differently to treatments. Do ask your naturopathic doctor in advance about the approximate duration of treatment expected. This would help stay committed to the treatment plan as well as identify if the treatment is being effective.
Possible side effects – Although naturopathic medicine uses natural remedies, there can be side effects caused by certain herbal medicines. Also, in case of homoeopathic remedies, there can be an initial aggravation of the problem before it starts to improve. Asking your naturopathic doctor about what to expect would help you be alert and mentally prepared for these side effects.
Understanding Naturopathic Medicine: What to Discuss
As people look for more holistic and natural approaches to healthcare, naturopathic medicine becomes increasingly popular as an alternative health medicine. Do discuss with your naturopathic doctor regarding the following…
- The approach of naturopathic medicine, its core beliefs and how it can contribute to a more balanced and vibrant life
- Traditional healing practices of naturopathic medicine
- How patients can be empowered to take an active role in their health and well-being
How to Choose the Right Naturopathic Doctor
When choosing the right women’s health naturopath, do keep the following in mind to find the best naturopath…
Relevant experience and success in treating specific health issues – Do read the women’s naturopath doctor’s bio or speak with them to find out if they have successfully treated your health issues in the past. In your search for the best naturopath also find out how they want to collaborate with you.
Required education – Do check on whether your women’s health naturopath has the required education at a naturopathic institution, and is authorised to practice naturopathic medicine.
Collaboration – If you are already consulting a conventional doctor or taking prescription medicine, do find a women’s health naturopath who would collaborate with your doctor.
(Sources: Dr Schlee, nhand, biomedica, the health site, gmcdhcc, caringhandsphysio, richmondnaturalmed)