Naturopathy

Naturopathy comes from Greek and Latin words ‘naturo’ for nature and ‘pathia’ for suffering or disease.  It is based on the central idea of the healing power of nature; the body has the inherent ability to heal itself.  A naturopath seeks to support the body’s healing capabilities and so to use treatment methods that are natural and non-invasive.  There are some basic tenets of naturopathy upon which naturopaths are guided:

•  First do no harm:  use treatments which minimize risk adverse side effects, avoid if possible suppressing symptoms, acknowledge the individual healing process of each patient
• The healing power of nature:  seek out obstacles that would affect the body’s ability to maintain and restore health
• Identify and Treat the cause: goal is to seek out underlying cause rather than dealing with or suppressing the symptoms
• Treat the whole person:  look at all contributing elements in a person’s health state: physical, emotional, mental, family history, environmental
• Doctor as teacher:  doctor should provide information so that patient can better understand his or her health and how to achieve optimum health; dialogue is essential
• Prevention of disease and promotion of health

The basic idea of the healing power of nature can be traced back to the days of Hippocrates.  Dr. Benedict Lust founded the first naturopathic medical school in the U.S. in 1902.  By 1920 naturopathic practice was established here in Canada, first beginning in Ontario.   The first laws outlining naturopathic medicine practice were in 1936.  As the demand for naturopathic physicians grew in BC, the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine was established in 2000.  Today there are naturopathic doctors in every Canadian province and practitioners in Victoria, BC provide botanical medicine, allergy and sensitivity counselling, and IV Nutrient Therapy. Naturopaths can also offer homeopathy, nutritional and lifestyle counselling as well as hydrotherapy.

A typical initial visit to a naturopathic clinic will be anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour to include a consultation of medical & personal history, current medications, a physical examination, and lab tests if required.  At that point, the naturopath can design an individual treatment plan specifically designed for the client.