Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is an age-old system of healing based on the belief that nature holds powerful healing abilities, and that given the proper “tools” the body can ultimately heal itself. The goal of naturopathic medicine is mainly the prevention of illness, utilizing natural therapies such as diet and lifestyle counseling, nutritional supplements, herbal and homeopathic remedies, and hydrotherapy to achieve that goal.
Why would I see a Naturopathic Doctor?
- I’m always getting sick
- I can’t seem to lose weight
- I’m always tired, or I just can’t focus
- I don’t want to take prescription medications
- I’m on medications but I’d like to see if there’s an alternative
- I was told I’ll just have to live with it / there’s nothing else they can do
- I just need to “get back on track”
- I just can't stop eating the cookies!
What does a Naturopathic Doctor treat?
Safe, gentle, and effective, naturopathic medicine combines its philosophical wisdom with the most current scientific research to address both acute and chronic illnesses from colds, flu, and ear infection, to migraines, cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders and stress-related illness, and much more. Because a naturopathic doctor is helping you control the chemisty of your body, there is a wide variety of issues that naturopathy can address. Hormonal imbalances associated with over- or under-active glands can cause a host of issues and deliberate nutritional recommendations and herbal supplementation can often have a positive effect. Believe it or not, fatigue and lethargy can be treated without coffee or soda! If you have a family history of or have been diagnosed with diabetes, a naturopath can help to ensure you are addressing all of your nutritional needs in addition to helping you lower your blood sugar.
What can I expect when when I see a Naturopath?
The core principles of naturopathic medicine, such as First do no harm, Identify and treat the cause, and Treat the whole person, are what guide the naturopathic doctor in his or her efforts to help patients restore and/or maintain optimal health – body, mind, and spirit. Through education, the naturopath empowers the individual to take an active role in his or her own health. Together, doctor and patient work to find the underlying cause of illness in an effort to remove obstacles which may be preventing you from reaching your health goals. Your initial consultation will consist of a 90-minute discussion reviewing your health history, pertinent lab results, diet and lifestyle, and all of your current medications and supplements. Your naturopathic doctor will look for interactions between medications and supplements and assess the quality and necessity of those supplements you are using. You will leave with a personalized plan for better eating and lifestyle habits, recommended nutritional and herbal supplements and a feeling that a doctor has taken an interest in you as a whole person.
Meet our Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine - Theolinda Barry, N.D.
