Hygeia’s Mission
- We dedicate ourselves to providing the most effective treatments for our patients, utilizing the latest and best of western medicine and complementary therapies
- We offer a wide variety of clinical services and therapies to help you achieve and maintain optimal physical and emotional health and wellness
- We offer a multi-disciplinary approach to treat common, acute and chronic health conditions
- With Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture, we bridge the gap between alternative and conventional medicine
- We provide primary care including physical exams, laboratory testing, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, physical medicine, massage therapy, nutrition therapy and counselling, weight management, detoxification, stress management, and treatment for general and chronic health problems
Hygeia’s View of True Health
- High level of well-being with minimal symptoms
- Restful sleep
- Absence of chronic disease
- Quick recovery from acute illnesses
- Positive mental outlook and balanced moods
- Ability to readily adapt to life’s stressors
- A connection with community and nature
- Graceful aging
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine (sometimes called “naturopathy”) is a distinct system of health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) blend centuries-old knowledge and a philosophy that nature is the most effective healer with current research on health and human systems.
Naturopathic medicine focuses on identifying the underlying causes of disease, while naturopathic therapies are supported by research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality.
The therapeutic modalities used in naturopathic medicine (including physical medicine, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy and mental/emotional support) integrate conventional, scientific and empirical methodology with the ancient laws of nature.
Most NDs provide health-care through office-based private practice. Many receive additional training in areas such as midwifery and acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Because NDs view natural remedies as complementary as well as primary, they cooperate with other medical professionals, referring patients to (and receiving patients from) conventional medical doctors, surgeons and other specialists when appropriate.
How does Naturopathic Medicine Compare to Conventional Medicine?
Educated in all of the same basic sciences as a medical doctor (MD), a naturopathic doctor uses the Western medical sciences as a foundation for diagnosis and treatment. Just like MDs, naturopathic doctors must pass rigorous professional board exams before they can be licensed. And, for at least the final two years of the naturopathic medical program, naturopathic medical students intern in clinical settings under the close supervision of licensed Naturopathic Doctors.
NDs, however, also study holistic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and promoting wellness.
In addition to a standard naturopathic medical curriculum, NDs are trained in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, physical medicine and counseling. Another distinguishing feature is the treatment philosophy: Naturopathic doctors see the doctor as someone who facilitates healing by identifying and removing barriers to health.
For more information, see the Ontario and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors website (OAND and CAND). For more details on the requirements, testing and ND Register please see the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) website.
Naturopathic Doctors
- High level of well-being with minimal symptoms
- Restful sleep
- Absence of chronic disease
- Quick recovery from acute illnesses
- Positive mental outlook and balanced moods
- Ability to readily adapt to life’s stressors
- A connection with community and nature
- Graceful aging
NDs collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals through consultation and referral.
NDs identify and manage the root cause of a disease or disorder, not just its symptoms. Naturopathic medicine involves a functional medicine approach to healthcare, identifying the biochemical and physiological imbalances within the individual, using natural, scientifically proven solutions to rectify these imbalances.
NDs focus on naturally occurring substances, minimally invasive methods, and the promotion of natural healing. The emphasis of naturopathic medicine is on the prevention of illness through stress reduction and a healthy diet and lifestyle.
NDs are trained in a variety of modalities (therapies) and techniques, focusing on the individual patient.
NDs take the time to complete a full history and screening of each patient and work collaboratively with other professionals in the patient’s health care team to get to the root of health concerns.
An ND’s bottom line is to help patients achieve an optimum level of health.
The Naturopathic Doctor’s Oath
- I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of Naturopathic medicine.
- I will honor my teachers and all who have preserved and developed this knowledge and dedicate myself to supporting the growth and evolution of Naturopathic medicine.
- I will endeavor continually to improve my abilities as a healer through study, reflection, and genuine concern for humanity.
- I will impart knowledge of the advanced healing arts to dedicated colleagues and students.
- Through precept, lecture, 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, our families, and future generations.
- According to my best ability and judgment, I will use methods of treatment, which follow the principles of Naturopathic medicine.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Naturopathic medicine recognizes the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors identify and remove obstacles to recovery to facilitate this healing ability in patients.
- First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient:Use methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects;Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms;Acknowledge and respect the individual’s healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.
- Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic doctors treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic doctors encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path.
- Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
The naturopathic doctor seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.
- Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Naturopathic doctors educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
- Prevention
Naturopathic doctors emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Naturopathic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.
- Wellness
Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone, regardless of dis-ease(s). If wellness is recognized and experienced by an individual, it will more quickly heal a given dis-ease than direct treatment of the dis-ease alone.
(NOTE: The wellness principle was adopted by Bastyr University and added to the six principles.)
