Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a philosophy that takes a holistic approach to healing by using natural herbs, supplements, diet and homeopathy to heal, rather than traditional drugs.
Naturopathic doctors take a holistic approach to patient care. They complete the same eight years of schooling as a medical doctor, but unlike medical doctors, their treatments may include nutritional counselling, herbs, supplements and homeopathic remedies.
Naturopathic doctors are guided by six principles:
1. First, do no harm
2. Use the healing power of nature
3. Treat the whole person
4. Identify and Treat the Cause
5. Doctor as Teacher
6. Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
For more information on naturopathic medicine, you can visit the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors at www.cand.ca.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is the method of treating diseases with remedies that produce symptoms similar to those caused by the disease. The active ingredients in the remedies are highly diluted to prevent toxicity to the patient. This serves to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism. For example, a patient suffering digestive problems with possible signs of dehydration and burning pain may be prescribed a highly diluted form of arsenic - known to cause gastrointestinal disorders, nausea and dehydration. Homeopathic practitioners, as with other holistic healers, look at the whole person and their history before prescribing treatment.
More information on Homeopathy and for a list of Homeopathic Doctors you can visit the Homeopathic Medical Council of Canada at www.hmcc.ca.
Chiropractic
Another drug-free approach to health care, Chiropractors aim to heal back pain, neck pain, headaches, sprains and strains or other pain through adjustments. Chiropractic medicine focuses on treating neuromuscular skeletal injuries. Treatments include manual manipulations of the spine, joints and soft-tissue. Look for a Chiropractor who is registered with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO). The CCO was established by the Ontario provincial government to act as the governing body assigned to regulate chiropractors in Ontario.
For more information, visit the CCO website at www.cco.on.ca.
Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is the practice of massaging soft tissues - skin, muscles, tendons, fascia and joints. A massage therapist may also use hydrotherapy, pressure point treatment and lymphatic drainage as part of their therapy regimen. The massage therapy profession is regulated in Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act. It is important, when looking for a massage therapist, to find someone who is registered with the College of Message Therapists of Ontario. This ensures that your massage therapist has completed all examinations, 150 clinical hours, and is maintaining their registration by continuing their education and a Quality Assurance program.
For more information on the practice of massage therapy, as well as how to find a therapist, visit the Ontario Massage Therapist Association at www.omta.com.
