Naturopathy is a subject being discussed much more today than ever before, yet so few people understand naturopathy, what naturopathic physicians do, or the differences between naturopathy and traditional medicine.
It so happens that while sourcing experts for an upcoming article I’m writing called Foods that Heal, I met Dr. Sacha Elliott, who is a naturopathic doctor in Vancouver. I asked her to share an article on what naturopathy is and what to look for in a naturopathic physician. Enjoy!
A journey into naturopathic medicine can be educational, enlightening and motivating. Imagine being able to spend a full hour with your doctor, sharing all your health concerns, and then being educated on the causes of your symptoms, how your body arrived in the state it is in, and what you can do to regain your health going forward.
Naturopathic physicians are extensively trained in unearthing and treating the root cause of an illness; they aim to help patients make life choices that promote health and cure disease rather than simply masking symptoms with natural therapies. This inherently makes sense to all of us.
Naturopathic doctors, or NDs, will use a variety of tools in order to tap into the innate healing power of the body and promote balance. Most commonly, they use clinical nutrition, supplements, lifestyle counselling, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and physical therapies like naturopathic manipulation to aid the body in re-establishing balance on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
Typical conditions that naturopathic doctors deal with on a daily basis are
- digestive disorders,
- food allergies and sensitivities,
- skin conditions,
- cancer,
- heart disease,
- mental/emotional imbalances,
- hormone disturbance,
- obesity,
- stress and fatigue.
When searching to find a naturopathic physician, it is good to consider a few things. First of all, your ND will be your health coach so you want to find one that has a special interest in your area of concern. Many naturopathic doctors have websites that describe their focus, or, alternatively, you can call their office and enquire. Secondly, many patients have a preference for a male or female doctor, and this should be taken into consideration when looking for an ND. Thirdly, when you do sit down to discuss your health history with your naturopathic physician, pay attention to how you feel.
It is essential that you have a strong rapport with your health care practitioner, as your relationship will be built on trust and communication.
Naturopathic physicians can be found using the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors website [www.cand.ca] or the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians [http://www.naturopathic.org/].
Written by: Dr. Sacha Elliott, ND, BA (Psych) www.drsachaelliott.com
Dr. Elliott practices holistic medicine in North Vancouver, BC. She has a passion for changing lives and helping others reach their true potential.
Really Nice Topic and well briefed. I was really looking for some info about naturopathy and I think this blog is really helpful to get the truth. I would like to share this with my online medical community here.
http://www.naturedockelly.com
Regards,
Dr. Kim Kelly
@Red Kathy I’ll be sure to pass on your thanks to Dr. Elliott! I love this subject, too, and hope to continue it.
@Mywritingworld Hi Fran – Yes many insurance companies are honoring people’s requests to have naturopathy and other homeopathic medical choices covered by insurance. I think that’s a very good thing!
@onlineboxprinting Great way to put it!
@Evelyn Parham You’re welcome, Evelyn! I will definitely let her know of the warm welcome she received here.
Hi Tia,
I certainly appreciate this introduction and would enjoy hearing more from Dr. Elliott. It has been my experience many MDs dispel and/or discredit holistic practices, particularly with oncologists. I personally believe otherwise. I know cancer patients who experienced recovery, comfort, and/or improved quality of life with blended treatment.
Thank you Dr. Elliott for the overview and the links. Hope to see you here again!
Have a blessed Sunday!
Informative post here. Naturoppathy is on of the alternative medicines which is slowly becoming the fad these days here in USA. However, Neuropathy is also handled by conventional medicine doctors also and is easily covered in Health Insurnance. Peopl are very aware of neuropathy, because of Diabetes 2. Thanks for an informative post.
Have a great week end.
Fran A
This is true that the vast research on Naturopathy is being done at present. Naturopathic medicine is defined by principles rather than by methods or modalities. Above all, it honors the body’s innate wisdom to heal.
Hi Tia,
Thanks for having Dr. Elliott.
Naturopathy is one of my interest and I hope to get some training in this in the near future. This article rekindled my passion.
This is such an interesting field of study and it is amazing what our bodies can do when the root cause of the illness is treated.
Thanks, Dr. Elliott for this helpful post and for the links to where I can find a ND in my area.
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