Naturophathic Medicine

Naturophathic Medicine

The principle of Naturopathic Medicine is to treat the cause of illness and disease and to “do no harm”. It is a blend of scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine.

Definition

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity.

Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient – their physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual, environment and lifestyle factors. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments.

In Canada, the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing, national standards of practice, participation in many federal health committee initiatives, and a commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research.

Link: The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

Naturopathic Medicine is a primary health-care system, which treats health conditions by utilizing the body’s inherent ability to heal. Naturopathic physicians aid the healing process by incorporating a variety of alternative methods based on the patient’s individual needs – nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, traditional chinese medicine and acupuncture. Diet, lifestyle, work and personal history are all considered when determining a health care regimen.

  • clinical nutrition
  • botanical medicine
  • traditional chinese medicine & acupuncture
  • homeopathy
  • lifestyle counseling

Clinical Nutrition

Clinical nutrition explores the relationship between diet and health. At Butterfly Buzz Jayne is dedicated to providing you with the proper information that will help you understand how diet and nutrition play an essential role in your health.

Educating patients on topics such as, quality of food, healthier cooking, diet and nutritional supplements is an important part of treatment. A thorough analysis of your diet and lifestyle will help assess if modifications are needed for you to achieve optimal health.

Botanical Medicine

The approach to botanical medicine involves combining modern scientific research on herbs and their chemical constituents with the time proven traditional uses of these same herbs.

An herbal formulation of many herbs or even just a single herb may be prescribed depending on the individual need of the patient.

Botanical medicines can be prescribed in the forms of tinctures, encapsulated standardized extracts, teas, essential oils, salves, or poultices.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on a medical system that seeks to balance the inner workings of the body and mind. This form of medical practice developed over five thousand years ago and to this day continues to present its clinical importance.

TCM focuses on promoting the smooth flow of Qi (pronounced chee) and balancing yin and yang within the body. If these elements are balanced, health is promoted. To achieve this balance, treatment most often includes acupuncture.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a therapeutic medicine based on the healing principle of “like cures like”. Developed 200 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. The World Health Organization recognizes homeopathy as the second largest therapeutic system in the world.

Homeopathic remedies are derived from a wide variety of natural substances. They work on the body by stimulating the body’s innate healing ability to restore balance. A homeopathic treatment at Butterfly Buzz involves a homeopathic intake, as homeopathic remedies are highly specific for each individual case. Jayne is both a Naturopathic Doctor and a Homeopathic Doctor, homeopathy being her favorite modality (see more under homeopathy)

Lifestyle counseling

Lifestyle counseling involves exploration of your day-to-day living and all aspects of your life that influence your state of health. For example, the ability to adapt to stress, daily level of stress, level of activity, behavioral habits, and overall state of mind are areas that greatly impact your health.

Together, we will look at mindful and health promoting techniques and exercises to encourage a more balanced way of life. Without a doubt, a balanced lifestyle is fundamental to seeing change.

Naturopathic Doctor’s Oath

I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of naturopathic medicine.

By precept, education and example, I will assist and encourage others to strengthen their health, reduce risks for disease, and preserve the health of our planet for ourselves and future generations.  I will continually endeavour to improve my abilities.  I will conduct my life and practice of naturopathic medicine with integrity and freedom from prejudice.  I will keep confident what should not be divulged.

I will honour the principles of naturopathic medicine:

First, to do no harm.
To co-operate with the healing powers of nature.
To address the fundamental causes of disease.
To heal the whole person through individualized treatment.
To teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine.
With my whole heart, before these witnesses, as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine,
I pledge to remain true to this oath.