Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is a system of primary health care using natural therapies, such as nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, physical medicine and lifestyle counseling to prevent and treat illness.
- Primum non nocere – first to do no harm
- Vis medicatrix naturae – to co-operate with the healing powers of nature
- Tolle causum – to address and treat the fundamental cause of disease, not to just palliate the symptoms
- Docere – doctor as teacher, to encourage, provide guidance and encourage patient responsibility for their own health
- Tolle totum – to treat the whole person, as a unique individual
- To teach the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine, at the individual, community and global levels
Conditions we treat
Naturopathic doctors are primary care practitioners, meaning they treat a wide variety of health concerns, similar to family physicians. Commonly treated conditions include: colds, flus, allergies, arthritis, PMS, dysmenorrhea, menopause, thyroid conditions, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, ADD/ADHD, autism, depression & anxiety, insomnia, skin conditions, back pain,
chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, digestive concerns, weight loss, fertility concerns
and many more.
What to expect on your 1st visit
Your first visit at the WIHC is the time for your N.D. to gather information about you and your health concerns. During this time you will be asked many questions about your current and past health history. Your N.D. will perform a comprehensive physical examination, and will ask you for a urine sample. Gynecological and breast exams are not routinely done on the first visit, but can be performed upon request. This visit typically takes 1 ½ hours.
Your Second Visit
During your second visit, you will receive your report from your N.D. This includes a diagnosis and treatment plan, detailed and printed out for you to take home. It will include suggestions using any or all of the therapies employed by N.D.’s, including nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, physical therapies and lifestyle counseling. There will be plenty of time for you to ask questions during this visit, and if acupuncture is recommended, you can receive your first session during this time. This is generally a 1 hour visit.
Any subsequent visits are usually a ½ hour, whether they are for an acupuncture treatment, a progress follow-up, an acute illness, or any other reason.
Services We Offer
Core Naturopathic Treatments: We routinely use all of the core Naturopathic Treatment methods including: Clinical Nutrition, Botanical & Herbal Medicines, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Physical Medicine and Lifestyle Counselling
Lab services
Food allergy testing, salivary hormone testing,
neurotransmitter testing, hair-mineral analysis and
heavy metal testing. Blood testing including: complete blood count (CBC), thyroid testing, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood glucose and more, urinalysis, gynaecological testing including Pap tests, and cultures.
Healthy & Active, the Metabolism Program: H&A is an individualized nutritional program that is remarkably effective for weight loss, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, balancing blood sugars, improving digestive function and dealing with many chronic illnesses. Participants in this program receive a nutrition plan and food list, designed specifically for them, based on extensive blood work. The foods on the list are those that will optimize that individual’s metabolism, so everyone’s list is different. It is a completely food-based plan, and no pills, shakes or powders are required. This program is being used extensively in Germany and is making its’ way to Canada amid many success stories.
Naturopathic Flu Clinic: Held annually in the fall, this homeopathic remedy can be used as an alternative to the flu shot, or in conjunction with it. It is a safe and effective tool to help protect you and your family against colds and flus throughout the winter months. It is safe for seniors and children and is taken by mouth, not through an injection. Although October is the most popular time to take the remedy, the flu clinic is available year round.
Helixor Mistletoe Therapy for Cancer Care: Various mistletoe preparations have been used for treatment in cancer patients over many years, and many have shown successful outcomes. Helixor is a relatively new preparation (about 25 years old) from the European mistletoe plant.
Helixor is very safe, and to date, no interactions with any chemotherapy medications have been observed. It can be used during chemotherapy, radiation, prior to and after surgery.
Helixor has marked toxic effects on tumour cells, slowing their growth and destroying the cells completely. It also improves a person’s quality of life by stimulating appetite, decreasing pain, preventing bone marrow suppression and improving energy. Common effects include: increased energy, better sleep, less pain, increased appetite, less weight loss and improved general well-being.
