Modalities

Naturopathic physicians are trained in the fundamentals of oriental medicine and diagnosis. TCM, which includes acupressure, acupuncture, Asian foods and herbs, is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated and prevented illness for thousands of years. The fundamental basis of TCM is that the body’s energy flows along certain pathways called meridians. This energy is known as Qi. It enters the body at conception and is the vital principle in the human body throughout life. Health is when the flow of Qi is harmonious and uninhibited, and when Yin and Yang are in balance.  When Qi is blocked, disease may result.

Homeopathic medicines are very small doses of natural substances that can stimulate the body’s self-healing response. This powerful system of medicine is more than 200 years old, and based on the “law of similars” (like cures like). Since the causes of your symptoms are unique to you, your naturopathic doctor will examine the cause of your pain or illness before prescribing the right homeopathic medicine. Homeopathic remedies function on both the physical and emotional levels. Some conditions that do not respond well to conventional medicine respond effectively to homeopathy.

Naturopathic physicians use plants as therapeutic agents to treat or prevent disease.  These plants are chemically complex and contain hundreds or even thousands of different phytochemicals.  They have been used medicinally for thousands of years and many pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plant substances. Naturopathic physicians are trained in both the art and science of botanical medicine. As natural medicines, herbs are relatively inexpensive, accessible, gentle and easily absorbed by our bodies.

Naturopathic physicians employ therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy, bio-electrical therapies, light therapy, massage, ultrasound, and manipulation of the bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues, among other physical therapies. These therapies are carefully applied to help with general healing, reduction of pain, and improvement of joint and muscle function.

Lifestyle counseling encompasses a wide array of tools and education to support each individual patient in their goals for wellness and healing. To achieve the best results from your naturopathic treatment, you need to understand and practice the principles of healthy living. By helping you identify and adjust the habits that contribute to ill health, your naturopathic doctor will help you maintain wellness over the long term.

A naturopathic physician may implement meditation, visualization and a variety of mindfulness techniques to encourage more integration of mind and body. Modern science has clearly demonstrated the strong connection between the human mind and health. Emotional states, attitudes and beliefs, conscious or subconscious, exert a strong influence on the workings of the human body.

Hydrotherapy is defined as the use of water to effect change in the body as a treatment of disease or trauma. Hydrotherapy has been a staple of Naturopathic medicine for over two hundred years and is used to stimulate the body's own ability to heal.