Treatments

What types of treatments can I expect when I see a Naturopathic Physician?

A Naturopathic Physician has a wide array of tools available for use in treating and individualizing treatments for their patients. 2 patients with the same or similar symptoms may or may not have the same treatment plan. Each patient is unique in their approach to health and the Naturopathic Physician strives to tailor the plan for that particular patient. Treatments can include but are not limited to:

·      Clinical nutrition-This can vary from straight education about foods and healthy eating to suggestions in supplement and nutrient intake to increase the body’s vitality. Nutritional supplements include many things from vitamins and minerals to amino acids, and metabolic intermediates. These substances can have a profound effect on the body when used appropriately and at the correct dosage. The best part is that because these are substances that the body needs and recognizes anyway, there are virtually no side effects.

·      Homeopathy-This is a non-suppressive therapy that dates back over 200 years. It works with the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It is a system of medicine that is based on the laws of similars, or “like cures like”. This law of nature states that a disease can be cured by using a substance that can produce the same or similar symptoms of the disease. Homeopathic medicines are incredibly effective for a number of different conditions. They are prescribed based on a person’s total health picture, and are individualized to each person. Because they are prescribed based on a person’s total picture, these medicines act on a number of different symptoms and can achieve far-reaching results in a very short period of time.

·      Hydrotherapy-The healing power of water using age-old knowledge of its properties and how they can be applied to healing within the body. Using water at different temperatures the body responds in a predictable and reliable way that encourages healing in many different scenarios. This can range from suggestions for at home use to in-office procedures such as constitutional hydrotherapy treatments. These are especially aimed at increasing the vital force of a depleted patient.

·      Acupuncture-This is an ancient method of medicine that has been incorporated into naturopathic philosophy because of its power within nature. Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a means of stimulating the body’s own natural Qi or inherent energy. It uses fine needles placed at precise known points on the body to help achieve pain control, inflammation control, relaxation, and healing from acute or chronic conditions.

·      Naturopathic manipulation techniques- this is similar to what you might expect at your chiropractor’s office. This can range from simple massage and stretching of painful muscles to adjustments of joint areas that are out of alignment.

·      Botanical medications- the plants around us have always provided us with a tool of healing. Common forms of botanical used as medicines are in tinctures single or combined usually taken by mouth several times/day. Dried and encapsulated botanicals are also utilized as well as in the form of oils or salves to be applied to the body.

Dr. Thatcher’s goal is to use as few treatments as possible to achieve the highest desired outcome. She also strives to use the treatment modalities for as short of a time as possible in achieving your health goals.