Naturopathic Medicine is medicine that treats the underlying cause of disease; it is the art and science of supporting the natural healing processes of the patient through the removal of any obstacles to these processes. It is the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical, mental and emotional conditions; and it is the promotion of well-being using therapeutics that support or enhance a patient’s overall health.

In BC, naturopathic physicians (NDs) are licensed to provide primary care. They are trained as general practitioners in complementary medicine, providing a full range of diagnostic tests and therapies as described below.

MANIPULATIVE & PHYSICAL MEDICINE
Corrections of stress or trauma-induced misalignments of muscle, connective tissue and the skeletal system. The therapeutic use of water, light, electricity, ultra sound, massage and exercise.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
TCM includes the use of acupuncture, electro-dermal screening and Chinese herbology.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Many NDs are board certified in complementary therapies such as chelation, bio-oxidative medicine and prolotherapy.

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
A comprehensive assessment of an individual’s health risks including diet, exercise and stress, as well as the development of preventive health protocols based on this assessment.

NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE
Using dietary protocols, nutritional advice and supplements to heal the body.

BOTANICAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE
NDs are professionally trained herbalists and know both the historical uses of plants as well as modern pharmacological mechanisms.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Minute amounts of natural substances used to stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities.

Manual Osteopathic Therapy is a gentle, hands-on manual treatment that looks at the way the body functions as whole, rather than viewing its parts or symptoms separately (i.e. a sore shoulder or a neck pain).
The goal of osteopathy is to restore that proper balance and function, allowing your body to heal through its own natural processes. It works to stabilize your nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems, improving your range of motion and relieving discomfort or other symptoms.

The techniques include:
Osteoarticular techniques (structural alignment)
Myofascial release
Craniosacral techniques
Visceral manipulation (organ release)
Common conditions treated with osteopathy include:
Neck and back pain
Sciatica
Headaches and migraines
Chronic fatigue and pain
Plantar fasciitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Frozen shoulder
Scoliosis
Whiplash
Post-operative pain or adhesions
Cramps, nausea and digestion issues
Respiratory problems (i.e. asthma)
Pelvic health issues
Repetitive strain injury and postural related pain
Mental health and stress
In addition to treating current conditions, osteopathy can also be used as a method of injury prevention and in the maintenance of good health.

Massage therapy has a therapeutic effect by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems to maintain and improve physical function, promote relaxation, stress relief and alleviate pain. By increasing blood circulation to the body, oxygen and nutrients to tissue is enhanced, allowing massage to promote the body’s natural healing process.
Treatment can always be modified or adjusted at any time based on your comfort level and health goals.