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What is Naturopathic Medicine? |
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To achieve this mission, we raise people's
awareness about the effects their actions and lifestyle have on their
own health and that of the environment. We help people understand
how to respect Nature's cycles and rhythms to live healthy and
productive lives. We help people find their own Vision and follow
that Path to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
We educate people so they can take control
of their own healthcare. We strive to find the cause of illness
and treat each person as a whole rather than focusing only on
individual symptoms. We use the least amount of intervention
necessary to help people heal in a gentle and lasting way.
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of medicine that uses lifestyle changes and natural therapies to stimulate the body’s own healing process. Supportive natural therapies are given which not only address current concerns, but focus on prevention and optimal health. Naturopathic doctors seek to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms and to treat you as a whole person.
The
Healing Power of Nature (Vis
Medicatrix
Naturae): Naturopathic medicine recognizes an
inherent
self-healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent.
Naturopathic physicians act to
identify and remove obstacles to
healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent
self-healing
process.
Identify
and Treat the Cause (Tolle causum): The naturopathic
physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of
illness, rather than to merely eliminate of suppress symptoms.
First Do
No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): Naturopathic physicians follow
three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:
Utilize
methods and medicinal substances which minimize risk of harmful side
effects
Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms
Acknowledge,
respect, and work with the individual’s self-healing process
Doctor as
Teacher (Docere): Naturopathic physicians educate their patients
and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize
and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
Treat the
Whole Person (Tolle Totum): Naturopathic physicians treat each
patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional,
genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. Since total
health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physician encourage
individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
Prevention (Preventare): Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease – assessing risk factors, heredity, and susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.
Naturopathic doctors complete four years of post-graduate education at an accredited naturopathic medical school. Naturopathic doctors are trained in conventional medical sciences, diagnosis, and treatment in addition to nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and physical medicine. For more information about naturopathic education and training, please visit www.naturopathic.org.
Naturopathic doctors are currently licensed in 15 states and the District of Columbia. They must pass comprehensive post-doctoral board exams and complete annual continuing education in order to fulfill licensing requirements. Although at this time there is no established licensure in North Carolina, we are working to change this. There are many practitioners of natural healing methods who call themselves naturopaths, but who have no medical or clinical training. Licensure will help the public differentiate between different practitioners so they may make an informed decision for their health care needs. Both Dr. Glenn and Dr. Marty hold licenses to practice as naturopathic physicians in the state of Oregon.
Absolutely! Naturopathic medicine is successfully used alongside conventional medical therapies. We are knowledgeable about interactions that may occur between prescription medication and herbs or nutrients and can safely recommend a plan that will enhance your current regime. You must continue to see your primary care physician in order to monitor your progress and your medications. We often find that as people get healthier, their need for medication decreases. We would be happy to speak with your doctor about your care, and invite a collaborative relationship between all the members of your health care team.
The first visit is spent getting to know each other, introducing naturopathic philosophy, and gathering valuable information such as labs and records from other practitioners. We will discuss your health history in detail, perform necessary physical exams, and put together a comprehensive plan tailored specifically for you.
The first appointment is quite extensive and lasts 90 minutes. Return visits are typically 45 minutes in length.
Any previous medical records, labs results, and/or imaging studies such as x-rays. Also bring any medications, supplements, herbs, and/or homeopathic remedies you may be taking. Please bring a list of any allergies you may have.
The
first appointment costs $200. Return
visits are typically $90 but can be more or less depending on the
nature and
length of the visit. We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, and
Discover.
Yes, we do offer discounts for those who cannot afford the full price listed above. We do not typically offer payment plans, but we will consider barter.
No,
health insurance does not cover naturopathic medicine in the state of
North Carolina. You may use Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
accounts to pay for visits.
We are general practitioners who can be of help in any condition. We are most helpful in chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, allergies, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
We typically see you every 2 to 4 weeks at first and less and less as your health improves and you learn how to improve your own health.
We use homeopathic remedies, herbs, diet, lifestyle changes, hydrotherapy, nutritional supplements, exercise, and relaxation techniques to improve your health.
Homeopathy is just one tool that a naturopathic doctor may use. A specific homeopathic remedy is chosen for you based on your symptoms, personality, and overall patterns of dis-ease. A homeopathic remedy helps you respond to stress in a more efficient way. For more information, visit our web site at: http://www.throughwoods.com/Natural%20Therapies/Homeopathy.html.
Herbal medicine uses plant extracts to provide nutritive support for different systems of the body and correct patterns of dis-ease. Herbs can also be specifically targeted for your condition.
Hydrotherapy uses heat and cold to stimulate your body’s immune system, decrease inflammation, increase detoxification, and decrease pain. One commonly known form of hydrotherapy is soaking an injured ankle in ice water to reduce the pain and swelling.
Yes, we use conventional lab testing as well as specialized lab testing. We can also help you understand the results of your lab tests. Lab tests can tell us a lot about the body’s level of health.
We cannot order imaging in North Carolina, but it is very helpful if we can read any images or reports you may have.
Yes, but you will need to travel to Brevard for the first visit. We can follow up by phone after that in many cases.
We can
definitely
help support your body’s immune system to decrease the duration and
severity of
colds, flus, and many other acute conditions.
We can also help with many acute musculoskeletal conditions, but we
will
sometimes need to refer you for imaging or other services.
