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AN INTRODUCTION TO NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE By Dr. Raza Shah, BSc, ND. Naturopathic Medicine.
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AN INTRODUCTION TO NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE By Dr. Raza Shah, BSc, ND
Naturopathic Medicine Naturopathic Medicine is the art and science of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease using natural therapies with a focus on optimizing health and well-being through individualized patient care.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine • Do No Harm • Healing Power of Nature • Identify and treat the Cause • Doctor as Teacher • Treat the Whole Person • Health Promotion is the Best Prevention
Is Naturopathic Medicine Scientific? Many current research studies have been conducted on all modalities used by NDs. These studies have shown the effectiveness of naturopathic therapies on their own, in combination with, or instead of conventional therapies.
Education • Pre-Medical University Studies • 4 Year Post-Graduate Program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine; only accredited school in Canada
Physiology Anatomy Histology Nutritional Biochemistry Differential Diagnosis Physical Clinical Diagnosis Laboratory Diagnosis Principles in Research Parenteral Therapy Immunology Soft Tissue Manipulation Joint Manipulation Hydrotherapy Counseling Acupuncture Nutrition Obstetrics and Gynecology Geriatrics Orthopedics Integrative Clinical Studies Education: Courses
Naturopathic Therapies • Clinical Nutrition – assessment of the dietary influences on a given condition. Intervention can be in the form of changes in eating choices, habits, or vitamin mineral supplementation. • Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine – The use of Oriental System of energy meridians in the body to assess and treat from an eastern perspective. Therapeutic intervention includes the use of eastern botanicals and acupuncture • Botanical Medicine – The use of herbs in the treatment of conditions. Can be in the form of teas, tinctures, essential oils or capsules
Naturopathic Therapies • Homeopathic Medicine – The use of dilute amounts of plant, animal or mineral substances used to stimulate the body’s healing reactions. • Physical Therapies – The use of interferential, ultrasound, manipulation, bodywork, and hydrotherapy. • Lifestyle Counseling – An assessment of risk factors and programs to modify behavior emphasizing self-responsibility.
What Health Concerns do NDs Treat? Naturopathic Doctors are Primary Care Physicians able to treat a wide array of health concerns. Naturopathic medicine is a flexible and comprehensive approach to overall health. It can be applied to virtually any health concern from acute to chronic conditions or from prevention to general well-being.
What Can You Expect When Visiting A Naturopathic Doctor? Primary Visits • 1 hour • History of the Chief Concern • Detailed Family History • Lifestyle Habits • Diet Analysis • Current Supplements and Medication • Review of Systems • Screening Physical Exam
What Can You Expect When Visiting the St. Jacobs Naturopathic Clinic?
What Can You Expect When Visiting A Naturopathic Doctor? Follow Up Visits • 20-30 minutes • Lab Work (as Needed) • Urinalysis • Review of Diet Diary • Review diagnosis, prognosis and treatment protocol, allowing the doctor to follow the progression of treatment.
What Can You Expect When Visiting the St. Jacobs Naturopathic Clinic?
Does Health Insurance Cover Naturopathic Medicine? • Most private insurance plans cover naturopathic treatments. Insured patients are encouraged to contact their employer or individual insurance agents to determine if they are covered and to request that their policy he extended to include naturopathic services if it does not already do so.
Naturopathic Medicine in Today’s Health Care System • Over 80% of Canadians use natural health products on their own – Naturopaths provide valuable guidance in preventing interactions with other therapies • Diet & Lifestyle Changes are fundamental components in many treatment protocols – Naturopaths are trained in facilitating these changes with information and resources to increase compliance