Naturopathic Doctor
Naturopathic doctors provide primary and adjunctive health care to people of all ages, focusing on the rational use of natural therapies to support and stimulate healing processes.
A licensed naturopathic doctors have attended a standard premedical undergraduate curriculum before entering a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school, leading to the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. He or she is educated in basic medical sciences with further emphasis on studies of holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on the prevention of illness. With successful completion of a rigorous professional board exam, she is licensed as a primary care provider. Additionally, the N.D. is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, botanical medicine, psychology and counselling.
The underlying principles that guide the naturopathic doctor’s selection of therapies for individual patients are:
- utilization of therapies that are the least invasive, i,e. first do no harm (Primum Non Nocere)
- recognition of the inherent healing ability of the person (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
- identification and treatment of the causes of disease (Tolle Causum)
- the primary role of the doctor as teacher (Docere)
- treatment of the whole person through individualized care
- prevention of disease through healthy lifestyle and control of risk factors
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is a system of healthcare that blends modern scientific knowledge with a holistic and natural approach to assessment, diagnosis and treatment of an individual. The primary treatment goal is to treat the cause of disease through restoring and stimulating the body’s inherent capacity to heal itself.
Naturopathic Medicine may be helpful for any of the following conditions:
- Anxiety / Depression
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Chronic Illness
- Digestive Health
- Immune health
- Pediatric Health
- Pre and Post Natal Care
- Men’s Health
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Skin Conditions (e.g. acne, eczema, psoriasis)
- Sleep Issues
- Women’s Health
- Weight Management
Clinical Nutrition
What we put into our bodies not only affects us physically, but also affects our moods and energy levels. Proper diet and nutrition are key aspects of your wellbeing. Establishing a strong connection between diet and nutrition is essential to healthy living.
Nutritional Education Includes:
- Nutritional requirements
- Understanding food labels
- Eating chemical free
- Appropriate foods and food combinations
- Nutrient deficiencies and toxicities
- Safe detoxification
- Determining food sensitivities and allergies
- Nutritional supplement regimen specific to your health needs
Acupuncture
This ancient form of medicine is based on the concept of balancing inner energy, called Qi. Illness results when your Qi is disrupted or blocked. Acupuncture and herbal medicine help to restore the body’s natural function.
Acupuncture treatments are effective in treating such imbalances, and have been effective for a variety of conditions including: joint and muscle pain, digestive difficulties, anxiety/depression and fertility.
Botanical Medicine
Botanical Medicine is the study and use of herbs to treat a wide range of medical conditions. Herbal plants can be extremely healing and beneficial to numerous health conditions. Although Herbal Medicine is thought of as gentler, not all natural products are necessarily safe — natural products can have harmful interactions with certain drugs and/or medical conditions.
Lifestyle Counselling
Naturopathic medicine not only addresses the physical body, but also explores the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Lifestyle patterns and behaviours – the mind-body connection – are integral to all aspects of life. Self-awareness and lifestyle modification promote movement towards a healthier wellbeing.
Consult with Dr. Sunmi Cha, ND to find our how to maximize your health.
