A Note About Natural Remedies
What does it mean when a remedy is "Natural"? Beware of this label! Usually, the word "Natural" is used on a product or to describe a therapy as a marketing tool, since most people associate the use of the term "Natural" with safety, and there are no legal definitions of this term, so it may be used as an advertiser desires. In reality, plant medicine can be UNSAFE, as can certain supplements and other products widely considered to be "Natural". (From a broader perspective, almost everything is "Natural" in that it comes from the natural world, and it is only when we take those natural substances and modify them in some way that they become unnatural.) When you consider using a therapy or remedy that you have little information about, always consult a reputable trained practitioner about it's use under your specific circumstances.
Last updated 10Feb07
Herbal medicine is the use of medicinal plant material as treatment. Since plants
are a complex mixture of organic components, the action of a plant medicine is often
multi-
Homeopathic remedies are dilute formulations of plant, mineral or animal substances, distinct from herbal medicine with which it is often confused. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing power. This power is very great and many complaints heal themselves unaided. However, when the healing process is faulty, blocked or slow, the homeopathic remedy acts as a stimulus to the curative powers of the body.
One of the focuses of naturopathic training is the use of vitamins and minerals in therapeutic doses, for health maintenance, prevention, and for the treatment of symptoms. Nutritional supplementation can be a blessing a disguise in the treatment of many medical conditions. An important aspect of using supplementation is knowing what form of supplementation is best and why.
Our health is very influenced by the quality of the diet we put into our bodies. Learning about food and examining the role that diet has in chronic degenerative diseases is key to living a healthful life. So how do you do that when so many dietary suggestions conflict?!
Exercise is essential to fitness and to maintaining better health. Naturopathic doctors are trained to help you get the most out of your exercise regimen.
The power of touch is underestimated in our culture. The popularity of massage, chiropractic and spa treatments suggests, however, that people find physical touch essential to their health. Naturopathic doctors are trained to provide and/or refer you to appropriate physical treatments that will benefit you most.
The environment that surrounds us may be the ultimate in how healthy we are, starting from the outdoors and ending up indoors! Here is a section on environmental medicine and alternative to pollutants as well as resources and links.
The Bach Flower Essences were developed by Dr. Bach, a physician and homeopath, who spent his life searching for the purest methods of healing. Prepared from wildflowers, their purpose is to gently balance the emotional upsets we all experience.
Through Anthroposophy -
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The Naturopathic physician is trained to utilize a number of healing modalities when formulating a treatment plan for a client. Unlike practitioners that specialize in one therapy, naturopathic physicians can combine therapies that can complement each other, providing the best overall approach to health maintenance and treatment while taking the preferences of the client into account.
