I learned the word “Salveo” many years ago. It is a Latin word meaning “to be made whole”. In naturopathic medicine, we look at the whole body as a system that works in harmony to maintain good health. When one system fails, it often impacts many other systems, like when you suffer from chronic pain, it can impact your mental health, or when you have digestive issues, it can cause skin problems. You may wonder why during your visit I ask questions about your entire body system. It is so that I get the whole picture of what is going on, and so that I can heal the entire body so that it once again works in harmony.
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The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors sums up Naturopathic Medicine like this: “Naturopathic medicine is a distinct form of primary health care built on a patient-centred approach that emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that support the body’s natural ability to heal and help the patient achieve sustainable health and wellness. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) focus on naturally occurring substances, minimally invasive methods, and the promotion of natural healing. They also emphasize illness prevention and a healthy diet and lifestyle. Naturopathic Doctors focus not only on the symptoms but also the underlying conditions causing the symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors treat the root causes of disease and address preventable risk factors, using a wide range of science-and evidence-based, natural and conventional therapies. Naturopathic medicine focuses on an understanding of the origins of acute and chronic disease and working to support and assist the body’s natural ability to heal, getting to the root cause of what’s wrong. Naturopathic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the individual patient are accomplished by integrating modern and traditional care which includes clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. All therapeutic options are considered and applied to help regulate the process of disease over time rather than temporarily suppress it. Naturopathic medicine is evidence based, informed by clinical experience, research and the individual patient’s unique health situation.”
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During your visits, and while formulating your treatment plan, I will always follow and respect the principles of naturopathic medicine. The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges describes these as:
-First Do No Harm-by using the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies, and to never practice outside of our scope or level of skill
-The Healing Power of Nature-by using the natural world to aid and assist in the healing process and to harness the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself
-Identify and Treat the Causes-by avoiding symptom suppression and removing obstacles to cure
-Doctor as Teacher-by helping patients develop a better understanding of how to achieve and maintain health
-Treat the Whole Person-by understanding the interconnectedness of our body
-Prevention-by identifying potential areas of imbalance and teach patients how to get well and stay well.
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Naturopathy is a regulated health profession in Ontario and requires practitioners to obtain over 1200 hours of supervised clinical experience at an accredited naturopathic college and to be registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. Naturopathic doctors go through extensive training, and requires practitioners to obtain post-secondary education followed by a four year Doctor of Naturopathy degree from an approved College of Naturopathic Medicine. Successful graduates in Ontario must then pass three Entry To Practice Exams. Naturopathic doctors are required by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario to earn continuing education credits to maintain registration and good standing.