The foundation of Naturopathic Medicine is based upon a philosophy that recognizes inherent wisdom in nature and human beings. While many of us are conditioned to take a pill to alleviate a symptom, this approach does not create health. Naturopathic physicians strive to determine underlying factors that lead to signs and symptoms rather than erase these important clues with strong agents. When your doctor is a board certified and licensed Naturopath you can expect a consultation that assesses and values all aspects of well being. This standard of care is philosophically based allowing you, with your doctor's guidance, to individualize treatment. This gentle process assembles an intricate balance between the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components of health. Active participation in this process by the patient empowers personal stewardship towards well being and lasting preventative health.

Naturopathic medical principles: A philosophically based standard of care

• First Do No Harm
• Identify and Treat the Cause
• Remove Obstacles to Cure
• The Healing Power of Nature
• Doctor as Teacher
• Treat the Whole Person

Naturopathic physicians are board certified and licensed to practice medicine as primary care physicians in 14 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U. S Virgin Islands. Medical training consists of 2 years of basic science training and science board exams after the second year, and a subsequent 2 years of clinical science training with clinical science board exams after the fourth year. Each graduate of naturopathic medical school has met rigorous clinical checkpoints for adequacy in practicing naturopathic medicine as a primary care physician. Naturopathic physicians diagnose acute and chronic illness/imbalances/disease through history, physical exam, and laboratory tests. Treatment approach utilizes gentle therapies that stimulate the body's ability to recover and heal itself. Therapeutics include homeopathy, western and Chinese herbs, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, physical adjustments, and counseling.

Our focus is to treat individuals and not illnesses. Therefore creating a list of conditions that we treat is difficult. In our approach we strive to create health and lasting change. We find that the most effective way to create health is to restore communication among organ systems, improve metabolic and circulatory function and regain biochemical balance in the body. When this approach is followed, patients attain optimal health and symptoms go away on their own. Illnesses are groupings of symptoms. We believe that symptoms are not necessarily the root of the problem. Rather, they are expressions of imbalance and important warning clues. Focusing on them is not as effective as creating health. The following list is comprised of many of the common conditions (symptoms) that patients seek treatment for. Please click on the condition below for additional information.

What can I expect from my first visit to Trillium Natural Medicine?
Will my naturopath interact with other health care practitioners?
If I am taking prescription medications, will herbal medicines interact with them?
In what ways are naturopathic and conventional physicians alike?
How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?
Is naturopathic medicine cost-effective?
Who can use naturopathic treatments safely?
What conditions can be treated with naturopathic medicine?

Q: What can I expect from my first visit to Trillium Natural Health?

A: The first visit lasts one and a half hours. During this time your practitioner will take a detailed history of your health concerns and may spend some time explaining the overall goals of natural medicine. They may opt to perform physical exams, order lab tests or perform an acupuncture treatment. A treatment plan will be devised and time will be spent to ensure understanding of the approach.

Q: Will my naturopath interact with other health care practitioners?

A: Yes. We believe that patients receive the best quality of care when all practitioners involved are informed. We frequently communicate with any other health care practitioners about treatment goals and outcomes.

Q: If I am taking prescription medications, will herbal medicines interact with them?

A: Naturopathic physicians are trained extensively in pharmaceutical medications and herbal medicine. This training includes the potentially adverse effects that may occur if improperly combined. Your naturopathic physician will avoid harmful combinations of both drug-nutrient interactions and drug-herbal interactions. Providing your physician with a list of your medications is essential.

Q: In what ways are naturopathic and conventional physicians alike?

A: The academic training in medical sciences of naturopathic and conventional physicians is similar. Both study modern physical, clinical and laboratory diagnosis and are trained to diagnose a disease. Both refer patients to other health care providers when appropriate. Naturopathic physicians may also perform minor surgery and prescribe some drugs.

Q: How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?

A: Naturopathic medicine differs in its philosophical approach. Rather than suppressing a few key symptoms, naturopathic physicians treat patients by restoring overall health. Naturopathic physicians attempt to find the underlying cause and use treatments that promote the natural healing mechanisms of the body. More time is typically spent with patients during naturopathic visits and side effects occur much less frequently. Education of patients and answering questions is considered an important aspect of care.

Q: Is naturopathic medicine cost-effective?

A: Yes. The preventive approach of naturopathic medicine reduces the likelihood of high-cost chronic conditions. It provides alternatives to expensive high tech procedures, and reduces both immediate and long-term costs.

Q: Who can use naturopathic treatments safely?

A: Pregnant women, newborns and all phases of life from pediatrics to geriatrics can use it. Terminally ill patients can also benefit from naturopathic medicine.

Q: What conditions can be treated with naturopathic medicine?

A: Naturopathic physicians treat both acute and chronic disease. As general practitioners, they treat the full array from acute upper respiratory infections to Diabetes. Please refer to the Common Conditions section for more information.