What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is based on discovering the root cause of illness, and using natural healing methods to restore health. This stems from the philosophy that the body has an innate ability to heal itself; it is our role as Naturopathic Doctors to support that ability. Naturopathic Doctors use a variety of traditional modalities, often in combination to maximize benefit to the patient. These modalities can treat conditions that are both acute and chronic in nature, and they do not mask symptoms. Rather, they work to make the body and mind stronger, and better prepared for obstacles to wellness in the future.
The traditional modalities that comprise naturopathic medicine include: acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine (TCM), botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, physical medicine, and lifestyle counselling.
The traditional modalities that comprise naturopathic medicine include: acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine (TCM), botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, physical medicine, and lifestyle counselling.
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Acupuncture and the principles of TCM use very fine needles to improve the flow of Qi throughout the body. It also restores a balance between Yin and Yang in the body. Disease results when there is disharmony between these energy systems.
Botanical Medicine
Not only were plants used as the very first form of medicine by our ancestors, but they are also a foundational component of many of our pharmaceutical agents today. Botanical medicine comes in many forms, the most common of which are teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Clinical Nutrition
You've likely heard the saying you are what you eat. Naturopathic medicine is hugely representative of this statement, as it is centred around diet and nutrition, and the way in which everything we put into our mouths affects our daily lives. Whole foods are essential to our health and well-being.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is based on the principle that like cures like. As mentioned above, the body has an innate ability to heal itself and this modality in particular uses the body's vitality to facilitate healing. Due to the extremely dilute concentration of homeopathic preparations, it does not interfere with surgery or pharmaceutical agents.
Physical Medicine
Various forms of physical treatment are used to return the body to optimum physical function including electrotherapies, light therapy, hydrotherapy, massage, and spinal manipulation.
Lifestyle Counselling
Lifestyle counselling is incorporated into every naturopathic visit to some degree; to be your best self, a healthy mind is as essential as a healthy body. Naturopathic Doctors pride themselves on motivating others to take health into their own hands and begin to recognize and eventually eliminate barriers to optimal well-being.
Dr. (Mingay) Clare's Approach
Though there are many modalities from which to draw upon, my biggest focus is a patient-centred approach to naturopathic medicine. Simply because a remedy or treatment protocol has worked for one patient in the past does not mean it will be suitable for someone else. I spend time with each patient, which allows me to understand their individual needs. Furthermore, I feel patients need to believe in themselves, and believe they have the strength to find wellness with help from their ND. Naturopathic medicine is a team approach, and cooperation and compromise are essential to success. I have taken additional courses in Intravenous Therapy and Cosmetic Acupuncture to expand the range of options available to patients. Click About Dr. Mingay to learn more about these modalities.