Naturopathic Medicine
at Natural Health Center
Naturopathic doctors diagnose, treat and help prevent diseases using a system that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. Naturopathic medicine utilizes the same physical exams, patient histories and laboratory tests used by medical doctors to diagnose illness.
However, naturopathic doctors differ from other doctors in our approach to healing. We are experts in natural medicine and work in a holistic way to restore and support the body’s inherent ability to return to health. Naturopathic doctors are extensively trained to use the least invasive therapies to achieve health with minimal side-effects. Our goal is to find the underlying cause of the illness and remove it. In this way, we do not just mask symptoms but strive to achieve a deep, long-lasting cure.
The naturopathic care offered at Natural Health Center includes:
Botanical medicine
Homeopathic medicine
Environmental medicine
Nutritional assessment and therapy
Annual exams for insurance/work
Gynecological exams and PAP smears
Well-child exams
Laboratory exams, blood testing, imaging
Women’s health issues, including natural support for PMS and menopause
Men’s health
Natural care for pediatric patients
Annual spring cleanse programs/detoxification
Natural thyroid management
Hydrotherapy
Principles of naturopathic medicine
Naturopathic doctors base their practice on six timeless principles founded on medical tradition and scientific evidence.
Let nature heal. Our bodies have a powerful, innate instinct for self-healing. By finding and removing the barriers to this self-healing – such as poor diet or unhealthy habits – naturopathic medicine can nurture this process.
Identify and treat causes. Naturopathic doctors understand that symptoms will return unless the root of illness is addressed. Rather than cover up symptoms, they seek to find and treat the cause of these symptoms.
First, do no harm. Naturopathic doctors follow three precepts to ensure their patients’ safety:
Use low-risk procedures and healing compounds – such as dietary supplements, herbal extracts and homeopathy – with few or no side effects.
When possible, do not suppress symptoms, which are the body’s efforts to self-heal.
Customize each diagnosis and treatment plan to fit each patient. We all heal in different ways and naturopathic doctors respect each individual patient’s differences.
Educate patients. Naturopathic medicine believes that doctors must also be educators. That’s why naturopathic doctors teach their patients how to eat, exercise, relax and nurture themselves physically and emotionally. They also encourage self-responsibility and work closely with each patient.
Treat the whole person. We each have a unique physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, sexual and spiritual makeup. Naturopathic doctors know that all these factors affect our health, and includes each in a carefully tailored treatment strategy.
Prevent illness. The adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has never been truer. Proactive medicine saves money, pain, misery and lives. That’s why naturopathic doctors evaluate risk factors, genetics and vulnerability to disease. A focus on wellness and addressing concerns early reduces the likelihood of future illness.
Want to learn more? “Naturopathic Medicine: What can patients expect?,” an article published in The Journal of Family Practice, may answer additional questions you have regarding naturopathy.
In addition to in-person appointments, our patients can also schedule virtual visits with our naturopathic physicians using our Doxy.me telemedicine platform. Learn more.
