Naturopathic Medicine is a comprehensive primary care system that promotes wellness and prevention of illness. The focus of Naturopathic Medicine is to discover the root cause of diseases and stimulate the healing power of nature. Naturopathic care is individualized for each patient. A naturopathic doctor assesses your current health (physical, emotional and mental), family history as well as lifestyle choices all of which informs the diagnosis and treatment.
The philosophy of naturopathic medicine is to assist each patient in optimizing the healing power of their body and treat the underlying cause of disease. In the view of naturopathic medicine, symptoms of disease are warning signs of the body dysfunction, and lifestyle habits that may interfere with your optimal level of health.
Naturopathic treatment utilizes a broad range of modalities. Depending on the doctor’s approach and the needs of the individual patient, treatments may include the following:
Clinical Nutrition
Many diseases are caused by nutritional imbalance, intolerance, excess or deficiency. A proper nutritionally balanced diet can restore hormonal balance, prevent diseases, and reduce pain/discomfort. Many chronic diseases can be eliminated or reduced in severity by the right nutritional component. With clinical nutrition, a naturopathic doctor can help patients achieve a healthy state by providing macro and micro nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals through foods or supplements, and correct any imbalance when needed.
Botanical Medicine
With thousands of years of history, botanical medicine has been and will continue to be one of the most important aspects of medicine. Herbs can be very effective and fast acting in the right dosage and combination. Naturopathic doctors are trained extensively on botanical medicine to ensure there is no side effect or interactions with your current medication. Herbs can be taken as teas, tincture, pills or capsules.
Homeopathic Medicine
Originated in 18th century by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathic medicine has been used widely in Europe, India and many other countries. Based on the theory of “like cures like”, homeopathic medicine can treat physical, mental and emotional conditions other methods may not. It triggers the vital force of the body to heal with no side effects. It is safe to use homeopathic medicine with young children. Homeopathic remedies are made of trace elements of animals, plants or minerals in form of granules or liquids.
Physical Medicine
Many musculoskeletal conditions can be treated by physical medicine. Naturopathic
doctors can use therapeutic massage, muscle and joint manipulation, ultrasound, diathermy, electrical impulses to treat muscle, joint and soft tissue conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete 
medical diagnostic and treatment system based on meridians and the flow of Qi (the vital force). The Qi in all organs has to be balanced in healthy people. Acupuncture is the primary way to restore the balance. Tiny needle will be inserted into specific meridian points, each have different actions. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture in many chronic and acute diseases.
Lifestyle Counseling
Emotional well being and stress management is 
an important aspect of health. The mind is so influential that it can alter the physical body and produce symptoms of disease. Adjusting daily routine and reducing stress can have a tremendous impact on one’s health. Naturopathic doctors are trained in lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, emotional stress management, work, home and environmental trigger identification to ensure optimal health.
Dr. Saisi Yang ND 