considers the whole person in mind, body and spirit.
Health and disease can result from physical, mental,
emotional, genetic, epigenetic, environmental, social and
other factors. The goal of naturopathic treatment is to iden-
tify and treat the cause in order to guide the body back to
balance and health. This is done following one of the main
naturopathic principles of “First, Do No Harm.” NDs choose
the most gentle, appropriate, least invasive treatment options
first. The chosen therapies provide information to the body
to stimulate it to function, activating another naturopathic
principle, the “Healing Power of Nature.” NDs believe in the
innate healing power of the body. The body has the ability to
do all of the work necessary for well-being.
Treatment plans may incorporate any or all therapeutic
modalities that are available to NDs. In Connecticut, NDs
are licensed to treat patients using:
• nutritional medicine, dietetics and therapeutic fasting
by leigh White
• medicines of mineral, animal and botanical origin
• hygiene and public health measures
Seeing a Naturopathic

• homeopathy
• acupuncture and/or Chinese medicine
Doctor:a New Experience
• counseling
• naturopathic physical medicine, including naturopathic
• manipulative therapies, the use of hydrotherapies,
W
hen patients come to a licensed naturopathic physi- heat, cold, ultrasound, and therapeutic exercise
cian’s office for the first time, they are often unsure
A treatment plan will address the individual patient’s lifestyle
what to expect. It has been said that knowledge
and diet. The plan is created to encourage the prevention of
is power. With that in mind, here are some details intended
illness by strengthening and supporting the body’s natural in-
to help ease any apprehension. Naturopathic doctors (NDs)
telligence and removing obstacles to the patient’s well being.
encourage their patients to be empowered and active in their
Return office visits for patients with chronic health issues
health process, to ask questions, be curious and engaged.
are scheduled regularly so the ND can check on progress,
An ND’s role is to be an educator and provide patients with
discuss new or returning symptoms, or modify treatment
information and tools needed to feel their best. Acknowledg-
plans. Acute visits are offered when the body needs tune-
ing and honoring the body’s inner wisdom is the foundation
ups on an occasional basis. Acute treatment often involves
and spirit of this medical art. It is this wisdom that governs the
palliative therapies. These can ease symptoms while still
body in health and helps to rebalance it when external forces
addressing the underlying weakness that enabled the illness
override optimal functioning. Symptoms can be expressions of
to emerge in the first place. For example, a child with an ear
the body’s attempt to defend itself, adapt and recover, and heal
ache might be given topical mullein-garlic drops to the ear to
itself. All symptoms are produced by the body in an attempt to
relieve pain and act as an antimicrobial, but the ND would
realign functions. Therefore, it is important for patients tell their
also explore diet and hygiene to encourage faster healing and
naturopathic doctor about any symptoms they are experienc-
prevent a recurrence.
ing, as an ND considers all symptoms to be important clues to
Further information about naturopathic medical educa-
the source of the body’s imbalance. Symptoms are not to be
tion and licensing can be found in Dr. Artemis Morris’ article
ignored or suppressed. Suppression may, in fact, interfere with
“What is Naturopathic Medicine?”. The article appeared in
the overall healing process.
Natural Awakenings’ first Annual Natural Health and Well-
A first office visit with a ND typically lasts 60-90 min-
ness Resource Directory, printed in January 2009 and found
utes and consists of a health history, medication and supple-
online at: www.newhavennaturalawakeningsmag.com. An-
ment review, pertinent physical exams, diagnosis, and cre-
other resource with a wealth of information is the American
ation of a treatment plan. During the health history, patients
Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), which can
may be asked questions, some which have never before been
be found at www.naturopathic.org.
posed by physicians, such as: Are they happy and do they
have a good support system? What color are their bowel
Leigh H. White, ND, founder of Natural Family Health,
movements? How do they respond to stress? Do they prefer
LLC, specializes in natural family health care, assisting and
an arid or humid climate? What foods agree or disagree with
supporting families with everyday health issues. Dr. White
them? Do they sleep well? Current medications and supple-
provides guidance to men, women, and children in allowing
ments are reviewed for correct dosages, possible interactions,
the body to heal itself, as it is designed to do. Her office is
and need. When all the gathered information is put together,
located at 410 State Street in North Haven, CT and she can
a treatment plan will be formulated with the patient that
be reached at 203.980.0465.
32 New Haven/Middlesex Counties
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