What to Expect from your Naturopathic Doctor
Not sure what to expect, or what you should expect? We’re here to guide you!
I believe that everyone has the power to become completely well within themselves, and should expect those results from their health care provider. There is, in our planet and within each one of us, a natural healing power. As we begin to come into harmony with its laws, this healing power will bring us steadily towards complete physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. This is the basis of Naturopathic Doctor care.
It is your Naturopathic doctor’s responsibility to ensure you have the information and guidance that you need to move from where you are now towards better health. Naturopathic Doctors take this responsibility seriously and for good reason!
You don’t have to be sick to feel better. A Naturopathic program is insurance for the future. You can begin to feel better now and you can reduce the likelihood of suffering and illness later in life.
Naturopathic medicine involves you as a participant
Dr. Chris Bjorndal describes her patient process:
You will find that I listen very carefully to what you have to say. I want to be sure that I understand why you came to see me. After I have gathered sufficient information through questionnaires, physical examination and by listening, I will make suggestions based on my findings. Then we will discuss your situation and decide together a plan of action. I feel it is very important to set goals together so that you are comfortable both with my recommendations and with your part of the responsibility. We will set dates to reassess your condition and your progress.
-Dr. Bjorndal
If you are presently quite healthy, you may not notice any dramatic short-term gains. The goal, however, is to learn how to maintain your health as you grow older, for nobody can deny the incalculable difference between a future spent glowing in vital health and one spent suffering from degenerative disease. The sooner you begin to learn and apply the principles of Naturopathic health care, the greater your prospects for a healthier and happier future.
Naturopathic medicine is concerned with identifying and treating the underlying causes of disease and ill-health
Each person is complex and this process of discovery is necessarily a gradual one. Deep-rooted conditions take time to uncover, but if you find progress, then you will know that it is worthwhile to continue.
Naturopaths do place the highest priority on relieving your pain and discomfort as speedily as possible, but they know that the suppression of symptoms gives only temporary relief. Long-term gains are made only be addressing underlying causes.
Naturopathy is aimed at identifying and managing stress
Stressors may be structural, chemical, biological, mental or emotional in origin. Yet, no matter what the source, the stressor should be identified and acknowledged.
As your ability to manage stress effectively increases, your immune system will begin to function better. Your resistance to all types of ill-health and disease will improve and the complaints you presently have will being to get better.
Naturopathic doctors treat acute conditions
An ND is trained in emergency medicine, but will always refer people to the appropriate emergency medical care as needed.
There are, however, many unpleasant acute conditions for which we can offer help to you and your family. The naturopath is a primary care physician. Many distressing conditions affecting children and adults can be quickly improved to help you avoid pain, loss of sleep, loss of work and anxiety. Naturopathic remedies are healthful – they work in harmony with your body and have few side-effects or after-effects. Don’t be embarassed to call, at any time, for advice.
If you or a family member feels ill, there is always an underlying cause. I want you to know as much as you can about these reasons or underlying causes. This knowledge will lead to better health by helping you prevent problems before they occur, or manage then sensibly through Naturopathic are, when they do.
Naturopathic health care is also for children
Naturopathic health care is for children as well as young people and adults. The sooner you act to safeguard and maintain the natural pristine health of a newborn baby, the fewer the problems later on. You can do no greater service for your children than to support their health and give them an informed healthy start to life.
Our contemporary environment generates stressors of many kinds which affect your children. Stressors such as our culture and belief systems, as well as our physical environment. The impressions created by commercial interests and the media as to what constitutes a good diet for your child can often lead to erroneous beliefs.
A deeper knowledge of nutrition can make a significant difference to your child’s present and future health.
Naturopathic health care is different
Some of the concepts which you will encounter in my office will be new to you, but I will always take the time to explain to you the reasons behind the things we will be doing together and may also recommend some reading material.
The most different, and for many the most challenging aspect of Naturopathy, is that my clients are encouraged to participate in their recovery and health promotion. Many conditions can be treated with minimal participation on your part. The results in terms of your ongoing freedom form illness and distress are achieved when you are actively involved.
The cost of Naturopathic health care is a concern for most people, but the truth is you cannot put a price on health. When you invest in your health, you broaden your horizons and open up opportunities for success in life. No expenditure is a better investment for a successful future.
