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Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine
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Naturopathic medicine can help support overall health and treat a wide variety of conditions such as infections, arthritis, depression, asthma, psoriasis, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, and fatigue. Naturopathic treatments are all natural, and are free from drugs or surgeries which have harsh side effects. Naturopathic medicine is administered in a peaceful environment by a caring practitioner who listens to you and discusses holistic solutions to your health problems. As such, naturopathic medicine treats the entire person (mental, physical, and emotional) not just the single problem identified by the patient. Finally, many people use naturopathic medicine when they have a recurring health issue that conventional medicine cannot treat.
A first visit to a naturopathic physician is usually an extended appointment. The physician will interview the patient at length about his health history, reasons for the visit, and lifestyle (such as diet, stress, alcohol and tobacco use, sleep, and exercise). The phyisican may perform examinations and, if in her scope of practice, order diagnostic and screening tests. A naturopathic doctor may ask you to make changes in your diet if he/ she feels that there are underlying factors contributing to your symptoms. Food contains many vitamins and nutrients needed to heal the body, and is adjusted to improve body functions such as digestion and excretion. The naturopathic doctor many also recommend nutritional supplements, herbs, and spices which can work together with the body's natural chemicals to improve functions such as immunity.
Toward the end of the appointment, a management plan is set up to address the patient's general health and problems with illness. Referrals to other health care providers may be made, if appropriate. There are several different types of naturopathic treatment. The right treatment for you depends on your symptoms and your personal preferences. Examples of a treatments include:
- Acupuncture (depending on State/Province)
- Dietary changes (for example, eating more whole and unprocessed foods)
- Vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements
- Herbal medicine
- Counseling and education on lifestyle changes
- Homeopathy
- Hydrotherapy (for example, applying hot water, then cold water)
- Manual and body-based therapies such as manipulation and mobilization
- Exercise therapy
- Mind-body therapies such as yoga and meditation
- Asian medicine
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