An Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine
Since a very young age I knew I wanted to be a doctor. Having spent most of my childhood living in rural areas of the maritimes, I had very little exposure to health professions outside of the conventional system. After graduating from ARHS (not that long ago) it seemed only natural to pursue a career in medicine. However, during my undergrad at Dalhousie, I found myself drawn to specific aspects of health and wellness, including nutrition, disease prevention, and spirutality. As i wasn't sure a career option that blended all of my growing interests, I became discouraged.
Around the same time my uncle was in an accident and crushed his ankle. It wasn't healing properly and he started seeing a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) for acupuncture. When he told me about his experience and the results he was getting, I was intrigued and decided to visit the ND for myself. Within minutes of entering his office I was hooked on naturopathic medicine and my passion has continued to grow ever since.
What is naturopathic medicine?
It is comprehensive and holistic approach to improving health and treating illness in people of all ages. It is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention using a combination of ancient and modern techniques and therapies.
A naturopathic doctor blends current clinical sciences with traditional healing practices. NDs are trained as primary care professionals and treat many conditions from acute infections, such as common colds and the flu, to the management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis. Naturopathic medicine can be effective on its own or as a complement to other medical treatments.
Naturopathic doctors are well trained in a variety of modalities. The modalities I emphasize in my practice include:
Clinical Nutrition: the use of foods, special diets, and neutraceuticals (vitamins, supplements) to optimize dietary value and improve digestive health.
Botanical medicine: the use of plants as medicine. Herbs from around the world are used to support the body's healing abilities in the form of capsules, tinctures, teas, food, and salves.
Acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine: the use of sterile needles inserted in specific points along energy pathways to bring the body into balance. Chinese herbs, food choices, and lifestyle factors are also considered.
Lifestyle counseling: exploring issues such stress, exercise, and sleep and actively finding ways to achieve harmony in all levels of health; physically emotionally, psychologically, spiritually
IV therapy: administering vitamins and minerals intravenously
Naturopathic medicine has several guiding principles that accurately reflect the approach I have in my practice.
- First, To Do No Harm
- To Cooperate with the Healing Powers of Nature
- Identify and Treat the Root Cause
- Treat the Whole Person
- Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- To Teach the Principles of Healthy Living and Preventive Medicine
Of the 6 principles, I feel especially passionate about the last. NDs spend a great deal of time with each patient (and their families) and make a concentrated effort to educate about choices; to provide information and resources with the intention of generating self-responsibility in health care decisions.
One last thought (from the CAND website): Health is more than just the absence of disease. Health entails functioning on the highest possible levels, and is obtained by proper nutrition, exercise, a balanced lifestyle, positive emotions, thoughts and actions. The capacity for optimal weelness or an imporved quality of life is inherent in every body.
Just imagine what naturopathic medicine can do for you!
Melissa Blake's biweekly column will explore various aspects and hot topics related to naturopathic medicine. Topic suggestions and related questions or comments are welcomed.
Melissa Blake is a licensed naturopathic doctor. She completed her pre-med studies at Dalhousie university before graduating from the 4 year medical program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. Dr. Blake is registered with the Canadian, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia Associations of Naturopathic Doctors and is the current Vice-President on the NB board. She also represents NB on the Canadian Naturopathic Coalition Council - a group constantly working towards consistent national naturopathic standards. Melissa is especially interested in working with integrative-minded professionals to optimize patient care. She practices with a team of practitioners at The Pear Tree Naturopathic Clinic in Dieppe, NB and has recently felt a pull towards her roots in Amherst. She is excited to be accepting patients at The Hatha Yoga Room and can be reached at (506) 857-1300 or thepeartreenaturopathicclinic@gmail.com
