Naturopath expectations?

[Michele]

I am considering going to a naturopath...have never been to one and don't know what to expect...

What happens when you visit one? Do they take blood? Do they do some sort of physical check (eyes, tongue, ears, hands, other)? Or do you just say, "Hey, this hurts or needs improvement...what can I do?" Do they only deal with one issue at a time (like Canadian docs in our health care system) or should you bring a list of areas you want to work on (ex. low energy, migraines, skin rash, neck pain)...what sort of things can they help with?

Anyone who has seen one, how was your experience? Would you go again? Did you follow their advice? Did it work?

What things should I be looking for when selecting a naturopath? Are they accredited?

As you can probably tell by my questions, I know very little on this topic. Any advice is very much appreciated.

[Michele]

Sometimes you just have to answer your own questions.

While I was at my favourite health food store, I asked about Naturopaths and if she could recommend one...she gave me a few names and a pamphlet. The pamphlet contained the following info (keep in mind this is Canadian focused):

Naturopatic doctors (ND) have a university degree that includes premedical studies followed by 4 years at a recognized college of naturpathic medicine. The curriculum encompasses medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.

The goal of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors that impact health. The ND will take an in-depth patient history. In addition, the information from a physical exam and laboratory tests may assist in making an assessment and diagnosis. The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness rather than simply treat or suppress symptoms.

Naturopathic treatments can be combined with conventional medical treatments. Therapies offered:
Acupunture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Botanical/Herbal Medicine
Homeopathy
Nutrition and Diet
Physical Medicine
Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications

Natural Approaches for:
Flu
Menopause
Indigestion/Reflux
Depression

Not sure if the above is about all NDs or just the woman ND that the pamplet belonged to...not sure how to select an ND...I would also like to hear from people that have seen one...what their experience was like and if the advice given worked.

[Fitness Nette]

Hi Michelle,
I'm not sure if this is the equivalent of an ND but I currently see a physician who's part of an Integrated Medicine center. The center has: Traditional Western Medicine, Whole Alternative Medical Systems, Mind-Body Medicine, Biologically-Based Practices, Manipulative and Body-Based Practices and Energy Medicine. Even my traditional doctor focuse a lot on preventative care through holistic ways... vitamins, minerals...keeping your systems running in tip top shape in order to prevent illness. I really like the entire approach. To me it seems like the best of both worlds, scicnce working w/ nature. I give two thumbs up to the approach!

[Michele]

Is this clinic in Canada or the US? I am hoping Canada - meaning maybe someday there will be one near me...

[Michele]

A friend of mine has seen a ND before so I asked her how to find a good ND in my area (we live far apart so I choose not to see who she sees). She emailed me the following (maybe it will help you as well):

The KEY is to research a good one, before you go see them. Don't just go see any naturopathic doctor, N.D. Go to one that is strongly recommended, and preferrably one that studies chinese medicine because they really know how to identify based on physical traits (eyes, nose, ears, teeth, mouth) and they can see what might be wrong with you, and likely tell you what your symptoms are, before you even open your mouth to speak. Plus, they are very skilled at identifying weaknesses in your system that you can take easy preventions for...

[onesmartcookie]

Michelle,

Did you go or find one?

[Michele]

No I didn't. It is in the back of my mind but it just has not been a priority for me lately. Not sure I want to spend the money on it right now.

[photogirl67]

keep doing Sunrider you're on the right track already - trust yourself is what I say