Naturopathy or Naturopathic Medicine is a form of alternative medicine employing a wide array of “natural” treatments, including homeopathy, herbalism, and acupuncture, as well as diet and lifestyle counseling. Naturopaths favor a holistic approach with non-invasive treatment and generally avoid the use of surgery and drugs. Naturopathic philosophy is based on a belief in vitalism and self-healing, and practitioners often prefer methods of treatment that are not compatible with evidence-based medicine. According to one critical appraisal, naturopathic medicine is replete with pseudoscientific, ineffective, unethical, and possibly dangerous practices.

Naturopathic doctor in Wei’s Nature Health Clinic is a highly-educated primary care provider who integrated standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. Naturopathic medicine plays an important role in integrative health care, and treatments can be used on their own or together with conventional medicine.

As a distinct system of primary healthcare, naturopathic medicine addresses the root causes of illness. Naturopathic medicine supports the body’s own healthy ability using treatments and prevention techniques that include Acupuncture/Asian Medicine, Botanical Medicine, Physical Medicine (such as massage and hydrotherapy), Clinical Nutrition, Homeopathic Medicine, and Lifestyle Counseling.

Who is it for?

Naturopathic medicine is for people of all ages and health histories who want to take their health into their own hands. Naturopathic Doctors are primary health providers and are qualified to see and treat everyone.

What conditions do naturopathic doctors commonly treat?

As primary health-care providers, naturopathic doctors manage a variety of conditions, including:

• • Digestive complaints such as GERD, IBS, IBD, constipation, food intolerances
• • Stress management
• • Respiratory complaints, such as allergies, asthma, colds and flus
• • Depression and anxiety
• • Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia Hormone problems, for example, acne, infertility, menstrual complaints
• • Pain management, for example, arthritis, and sports injuries
• • Diabetes
• • Cardiovascular diseases such as cholesterol and blood pressure

What will my treatments be like?

Every person will get an individualized treatment plan catered specifically to their needs. No two people are exactly alike, and so no two treatments are exactly the same. Your treatments will depend on your specific current health concerns, your general health history, your tolerances and intolerances, and what you have the ability to do at home as well as in the office.

Sometimes people with longstanding chronic conditions require more time in order to see improvements in their conditions. Because naturopathic medicine aims to address the source of a condition, rather than simply applying a band-aid fix, you may need to be patient to see results. Feel free to ask your ND questions about your treatment plan and prognosis; getting healthier is a team effort.