Nutrition and the therapeutic use of foods is a cornerstone of Naturopathic medicine. Food intolerances, deficiencies, dietary imbalances or nutritional excesses have been associated with many medical conditions. Clinical nutrition includes both a balanced diet and supplementation of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to optimize health.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on the law of similars- like cures like – which means that a substance that can cause certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in an unhealthy person. Homeopathy aims to aid and stimulate the body’s own healing processes. With over 200 years of use, homeopathy is recognized by the World Health Organization as the second largest therapeutic system in the world.
Mental attitudes and emotional and nervous system states are important elements in health and healing. Counseling may include education around and incorporation of stress reduction techniques, visualization, guided neurosensory exercises, communication, and environmental factors – all of the aspects that affect our function.
Physical medicine offers treatment for many different health concerns. Treatments can include soft tissue work, naturopathic manipulation of fascia, muscle, bone or the spine, hydrotherapy techniques, gentle electrical impulses, ultrasound, exercise therapy.
Chinese medicine is an ancient system of healing based on the balance of an individual’s vital energy known as ‘qi’. The qi of all organs must be in balance, neither too active nor too dormant, for a person to be healthy. Qi moves along specific channels know as meridians which connect various organs and systems within the body. The uninterrupted flow of energy along these meridians contributes to health, while blockages and imbalances can lead to pain and illness. Using very fine sterile needles on specific meridian points, the flow of energy can be redirected. Meridians also mirror the western ‘fascial lines’ of the body, allowing for integration from both perspectives.
Botanical medicine is the therapeutic use of plants to facilitate healing. Herbs may be administered in many forms, including teas, tinctures, salves, capsules, volatile oils, infusions, and decoctions. Herbs may be used individually or in combination.
