Understanding the Naturopathic Approach to Integrated Therapy

Dr. Johnson employs a holistic approach that combines naturopathy and other treatments into an integrated therapy best suited to each patient. That sounds good but, when you’re investigating alternative medicine for the first time, a little skepticism is understandable. The term alternative brings with it several connotations that don’t fit well in a discussion of health care. However, a closer look often will reveal a world of tailored treatment you may not be accustomed to.

To fully understand the benefits of this approach it’s best to first examine a couple of terms.

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What Does Naturopathy Actually Mean?

Essentially, Naturopathy is a branch of traditional medicine where the care provider uses natural, non-toxic treatments to heal the body. It’s best known for its use of herbal remedies and other plants and substances to treat diseases in conjunction with other therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, diet changes, and vitamins.

Perhaps the best general description comes from the Naturopathic Physicians Association of Australia which states that: “Naturopathy encompasses many diverse systems of healthcare which use nature-based approaches (such as diet therapy) alongside conventional therapies.”

The word “naturopath” comes from the Greek word Natura meaning nature or origin. Naturopathic doctors believe the human body is self-healing if it receives proper care at all times; therefore they don’t prescribe medications unless absolutely necessary or there are no other options available.

Instead, Naturopaths focus on wellness through dietary changes, supplements, and exercise programs that promote healing while keeping stress levels low; this reduces pain levels so clients can feel better sooner rather than later.

The Benefit of Integrated Therapy

Integrated therapy, sometimes referred to as integrated medicine involves the integration of two or more approaches to treatment, each with its own set of health care principles and techniques. The goal here is to address the client’s problems with a personalized treatment plan that combines strengths from multiple therapeutic orientations.

Dr. Johnson believes Naturopathic Medicine can be one part of an overall plan to help her clients achieve optimal health which can range from chiropractic care to massage therapy to nutritional counseling/support. Integrated therapy can also include herbal remedies, recommendations for lifestyle adjustments as well as regular visits to your primary physician for checkups.

Integrated therapy is becoming more and more popular with the use of homeopathic remedies, botanical medicine, acupuncture, and other herbal therapies. Dr. Johnson believes Naturopathy and Integrated Medicine have a lot to offer her clients in terms of treating chronic diseases such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Lyme Disease, and many others.

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Integrated Therapy in Action. How Naturopaths Treat Anxiety and Depression

That Naturopathic Doctor’s approach to anxiety and depression reflects their holistic approach and the desire to address the root cause of these conditions – chemical imbalances in our brain which cause a disruption to normal chemical activity.

This imbalance causes very real feelings of anxiousness or depression and can lead to additional problems such as insomnia, obesity, digestive disorders, heart disease, and more.

With Integrated Medicine NDs employ a multitude of evidence-based nutritional and botanical supplements to help reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of generalized anxiety and panic disorders.

By using natural supplements which work with our body naturally to rebalance neurotransmitters (chemicals) so we become more comfortable within ourselves again. All in all, Naturopathic Medicine is a very effective way to treat the root cause of many chronic health conditions.

Integrated Medicine, A Natural Fit for Naturopaths

At Synergistic Health & Wellness, Dr. Johnson employs a holistic approach to promote natural healing in order to prevent, treat or resolve illness.

Call today to schedule a consultation. Explore how Naturopathy and the healing ability of your own body may be the correct approach for your specific health care, even when other traditional approaches haven’t worked for you.