Naturopathic Modalities
Learn more about the tools I use to help you achieve your health goals
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine is the use of medicinal properties of plants to treat health conditions, and is the source and inspiration of many pharmaceutical medications today.
Each plant has its own unique medicinal properties, provided to us straight from mother nature. Most modern pharmaceuticals are based on the medicinal action of a plant, however, they are only isolated, synthetic derivatives of the “active ingredient” within the plant. This single ingredient is widely known to produce unwanted side effects as a pharmaceutical drug, which in the long run may cause more harm than good.
The side effects of the active ingredient still exist within the whole botanical plant, however, much like the human body, whole plants are a unique system of balance (homeostasis). With this active ingredient, the plant also contains ingredients specifically to counteract these side effects, as well as other ingredients to enhance the action of the active ingredient.
Other plants can also be implemented to enhance the positive action of the primary plant, while counteracting the side effects. This system of synergy is known to us herbalists as an “entourage effect”. There are a wide variety of ways one could take a plant, such as alcohol, or aqueous-based tinctures, herbal teas, powdered capsules, and tablet forms. Naturopathic doctors are extensively trained in the use, dosage and type of botanicals, indicated for your condition.
Clinical Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine
Clinical nutrition and lifestyle medicine provide the basis of all my treatment plans. Without these factors being addressed, it is very unlikely one will see improvements with medications, supplements and herbs alone.
Our bodies function the best when we feed our bodies the right fuel, move our bodies in the right way, reduce chronic stress and maintain healthy sleep-wake patterns. Sedentary lifestyles and eating foods that are low in nutrient density fuel and accelerate chronic disease processes. Nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress and lack of movement can manifest as many commonly experienced symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, poor sleep and poor immune function.
My job is to find which areas need to be addressed, help you find an eat/sleep/movement schedule that provides both stability and flexibility and restore healthy circadian patterns.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral manipulation is a gentle, hands-on therapy geared towards improving organ functionality through addressing restrictions in the connective tissues that surround our organs and nerves.
All of our organs have a natural “motility” which means our organs are never still. The connective tissues, fluid and circulation around and in the organ determine the health of motility; restrictions can lead to organ dysfunction and can increase progression to chronic disease.
I will identify restrictions in connective tissues surrounding our abdominal organs and release them with the goals of restoring functionality, encouraging healthy tone and easy movement between our organs and other structures.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest forms of medicine to date. Its understanding of the human body and the disease process is based on thousands of years of clinical observation and is explained through flows of energy through each organ system. Many disease syndromes discovered through TCM theory parallel diseases discovered and explained by modern science today.
TCM’s principles revolve around the balance between the “Yin and Yang” of the organs; disease occurs when Yin and Yang are imbalanced. Naturopathic medical doctors are trained extensively to recognize imbalances between the organs, liver, heart, spleen, kidneys and lungs (and their counterparts) through symptomology and thorough case-taking. Treatments are based upon the rebalancing of these organ systems to achieve optimal health.
Acupuncture is a system that works both physically and energetically through the insertion of needles to specific points of the body. It has been used for centuries and works by promoting the flow of energy throughout the body. It can be useful in a number of conditions, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, digestive concerns, fatigue, fertility, and even the common cold. It is also useful in musculoskeletal health, from relieving minor muscle tension, to more serious conditions, such as sciatica and back pain.
Schedule a Visit with Me
If you’re interested in optimizing your health and working with me, let’s book an appointment.