Naturopathic medicine is new to many people, so I hope to provide as much information as possible to educate my patients and potential patients. If you don’t find the information you are looking for here, let’s chat! Contact me!
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal
health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing
process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.
What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic physicians combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. Steeped in traditional healing methods, principles and practices, naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is the naturopathic physician’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.
Naturopathic physicians work in private practices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers. NDs practice throughout the United States and Canada. Qualified naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training before they become licensed health-care practitioners. Please visit this link for more information: http://aanmc.org/naturopathic/rigorously_trained/
NDs treat all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family health care. Among the most common ailments they treat are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. NDs can perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or stitching up superficial wounds. However, they do not practice major surgery. NDs are trained to utilize prescription drugs, although the emphasis of naturopathic medicine is the use of natural healing agents.
Philosophy and Principles
First Do No Harm — Primum Non Nocere
The highest goal of all physicians, to never harm the patient
Healing Power of Nature — Vis Medicatrix Naturae
To utilize natural therapies to support the body in restoring it’s normal functioning and optimal health
Identify and Treat the Causes — Tolle Causam
I don’t just treat symptoms, I treat the root cause of the imbalance in your health, (the cause of your “dis-ease”) for lasting, sustainable health & wellness
Doctor as Teacher — Docere
Education is key!! If you don’t understand, just ask! My job is not done until you understand every aspect of your care completely.
Prevention
Ongoing, optimal health and wellness!
What is “determining” your health?
ESSENTIAL: breath (clean air), water & hydration, sleep, nutrition and digestion, rest and recreation (vitamin “R”)
INBORN: genetics, birth order, exposure, constitution (susceptibility)
HISTORY OF DISTURBANCES: illnesses, medical interventions (or lack there of), exposures to toxic and harmful substances, mental & emotional stresses and traumas
MOVEMENT: structural integrity, exercise, and flexibility
MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL: intention, LOVE, mental function and emotions
SOCIAL: education, cultural, and economical influences
EARTH: elements, light cycles, environment, geography
How can Dr. Whitney help you to restore optimal function?
Re-establish the basis for health: By addressing any determinants above that are out of balance
Stimulate the vis medicatrix (the healing power of nature): By using natural therapies to restore and support normal function in the body, not simply replace function or cover up symptoms
Strengthen affected body/organ systems: By utilizing targeted natural therapies to strengthen these weakened areas
Correct structural integrity: By combining naturopathic care with additional modalities and regimens such as yoga, Ta Chi, chiropractic, acupuncture and various massage therapy treatments
Prescribe specific natural substances: By adding specific botanical, supplemental, and homeopathic remedies for targeted relief from acute concerns