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naturopathic medicinewhat is naturopathic medicine?Naturopathic medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. Focusing on prevention, and using gentle non-invasive natural treatments, naturopathic doctors (NDs) support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathic treatment can complement conventional medical treatment or be used effectively on its own. The primary goal of naturopathy treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than simply suppress symptoms. Each person’s unique physical, mental and emotional state is considered in developing a personalized healthcare plan. the naturopathic visitNaturopathic medicine offers safe and effective treatment for all types of health problems. From infancy to old age, naturopathic medicine can be used safely and successfully. The goal of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors which impact on their health. what to expect at your first visitYour first appointment with Dr. Bitidis or Dr. Baron is an in depth assessment of all the factors impacting on your health. In order to allow enough time to understand all of your healthcare needs, 1 hour and 15 minutes is set aside for this visit. Your ND will take a detailed patient history. In addition, a physical exam will be performed and laboratory tests may be recommended. Prior to the first appointment, please take the time to fill our new patient forms. These forms help us understand your current and past health status and are very important.
To open these forms you will require Adobe Acrobat Reader (free to download) next steps….At your second visit, a personalized treatment plan will be presented with recommendations to help you achieve your healthcare goals. After this, subsequent visits are scheduled periodically to assess progress, make further recommendations and attend to any new issues. establishing a relationship with your naturopathic doctorOnce you have completed the initial visit, your naturopathic doctor will have a good understanding of your health history. Therefore, if you do become ill, or if any other health issues suddenly arise (such as bladder infections, colds & flu) you can easily access your naturopath for safe and effective treatment. naturopathic therapiesA number of different approaches may be used throughout the course of naturopathic care. Treatment options include:
clinical nutritionClinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Individualized diets and nutritional supplements are recommended to address deficiencies, treat disease processes and promote health. The benefits of improved nutrition may include increased energy, improved gastrointestinal function, enhanced immunity, and general well-being. botanical medicineBotanical medicine is plant based medicine that involves the use of herbal teas, tinctures, capsules and other preparations that assist in recovery from illness or support normal organ function. Botanical medicines are the subject of a growing number of clinical research studies and the majority of plants used by NDs have been proven safe and effective by scientific and clinical research. homeopathyHomeopathy is a form of medicine based on the Law of Similars; that is, the use of tiny doses of the very thing that causes similar symptoms in healthy people. These minute doses of plant, animal, or mineral origin, are used to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Homeopathy is a powerful tool that affects healing on a physical and emotional level. A homeopathic remedy is prescribed based on the unique characteristics of the patient. chinese medicine and acupunctureTraditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture are based on a 5000-year-old practice of balancing qi (energy) in the meridian pathways of the body. Pulse and tongue diagnosis help the ND decide on the direction of treatment. The goal of each treatment is to create balance and harmony in the mind and body. Acupuncture, the insertion of sterile needles in specific points of the body, is a highly effective treatment for many conditions. hydrotherapyHydrotherapy is the use of hot and cold water to stimulate healthy circulation in the vascular and lymphatic systems of the body. Hydrotherapy activates detoxification, promotes increased immunity and restores energy levels. infrared sauna treatmentsAll saunas are beneficial. The most comfortable and safest sauna is a far-infrared sauna. The heat from an infrared sauna penetrates 2-3 inches deep into the body to increase circulation, nourish damaged tissue and pull chemicals from fat storage directly into our sweat. With the infrared sauna, a sweat volume 2-3 times higher then that of a regular sauna is achieved at a lower temperature. Infrared sauna treatments are safe for people of all ages. ionizing foot detoxification systemThe ionizing foot detoxification treatment merges the healing properties of water with ionizing technology to create a powerful detoxification method without discomfort or side effects. intravenous therapyIntravenous therapy uses high doses of vitamins and minerals which are administered intravenously for enhanced absorption into the body. This treatment can be used for many conditions including immune problems, cancer treatment and neurodegenerative disease. At our clinic the naturopathic doctors are licensed to perform this treatment and administer all IVs personally. inhalation therapyNebulizing treatments are an inhalation therapy used to deliver natural substances directly into the lungs. This is a fast and effective treatment for lung diseases because it bypasses the digestive system and circulation. lifestyle counselingNaturopathic doctors are committed to educating and guiding their patients to make positive changes towards optimal health. By evaluating the environmental, mental, emotional and physical aspects of your life, your ND can help you to make choices which will enhance your well-being and reduce stress levels. facial rejuvenation acupunctureFacial rejuvenation acupuncture (sometimes called the “acupuncture facelift”) is an effective non-surgical and non-toxic method of reducing the signs of aging and improving the quality and tone of the skin on the face. However, it is much more than just a cosmetic procedure. It is a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed to help you look and feel younger and more vibrant! |
naturopathic medicine • chiropractic • massage therapy • acupuncture • shiatsu north toronto naturopathic clinic © 2008 nature photos courtesy of Michael Bartha |
