Naturopathic medicine has been a cornerstone of medicine for many centuries, taking different forms and roles throughout. In its modern iteration, it is an evolving field employing new and innovative treatments to meet an ever-changing health landscape. New methods of assessment and treatment are constantly emerging, empowering both patients and naturopathic doctors to achieve optimal health goals effectively.
If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to your health, look no further than the incredible benefits of naturopathic medicine. Below are some explanations and key questions to ask that will help you find the right naturopathic doctor in Calgary.
How Does Naturopathic Medicine Work?
One of the tenets of naturopathic medicine is the philosophical understanding that the body possesses an incredibly powerful ability to heal itself. The goal of Naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person using a combination of therapies, which may include treatments involving natural compounds introduced by mouth, injection or intravenously.
A comprehensive approach may also include lifestyle considerations and/or diet and nutritional counselling. Naturopathic medicine looks at the body holistically—mind, body, and spirit—and aims to heal the root cause of illness, thus helping to prevent further disease.
How Does Naturopathy Benefit Me?
The benefits of naturopathy treatments differ from person to person, depending on their health goals, medical history, and current conditions. What you can expect from a naturopathic doctor is an individualized treatment plan based on a comprehensive health assessment. Some of the benefits that our patients enjoy are:
The option of using non-invasive and natural treatments – Naturopathic treatments are generally safe and evidence-based. Natural therapies tap into the body’s self-healing mechanisms, mobilizing various systems such as the immune, endocrine and neurological systems to promote optimum health and wellness. This can be enhanced with optimizing nutrition, movement and exercise, or employing non-invasive therapies to assist.
Optimal health promotion – Treatment can be used not only to promote healing and wellness, but in turn can help to identify obstacles preventing the body from healing. By addressing the underlying cause and not the symptoms, the body can restore its natural, optimal function.
Focuses on education and prevention – A naturopathic doctor spends time with each patient to educate them on making self-care decisions to prevent future health problems. As much as naturopathic medicine can help identify the obstacles to cure and provide effective natural treatments, the goal is to empower patients to make good health decisions and advocate for their own wellness.
Naturopathy can be used harmoniously with conventional medicine – Some Naturopathic clinics like ours work alongside other healthcare practitioners to create a tailored treatment plan. Naturopathic medicine can be an excellent combination with conventional medicine to help you reach your health goals.
5 Important Questions To Ask A Naturopathic Doctor
1. Why did you choose to become a Naturopathic doctor?
One of the first questions to ask a naturopathic doctor is why they chose this career path. While by no means exclusively the case, many NDs choose this calling because of their personal health experiences. Often, they themselves may have been helped by Naturopathic medicine, driven by the desire to provide these benefits for others.
Asking this question might help one quickly understand their background and what motivates them to practice Naturopathic medicine in Calgary. Often, their story provides great insight into their values, principles, and the care they devote to each patient.
2. What are your credentials?
To practice as a Naturopathic Doctor in Alberta, one must have the required education and extensive training in the field. If your ND operates in a reputable clinic and is regulated by the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta, you can rest assured that they have the right credentials and skills to effectively treat patients.
3. What can I expect in my initial consultation?
Typically, an initial consultation involves your ND asking questions about your health history, current conditions, and your health goals. A qualified Naturopathic Doctor aims to obtain a comprehensive medical history, asking questions to determine the root causes of your illness or discomfort. During the consultation, this is also an opportunity for you to ask questions regarding your health, as understanding your health concerns are key to your success.
4. How will you determine my health issues?
Following the initial consultation, to complement any questions pertaining to health history or physical exams, your ND may request an additional series of tests to ascertain the underlying causes of an illness. These tests can include blood, urine, stool or saliva testing to identify any deviations from good health, such as nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, food sensitivities and more.
One of the fundamental principles of Naturopathic Medicine is that your body operates functionally and holistically, as opposed to independently, or each system is disconnected from one another. An issue in one system can lead to problems in another. By determining the root cause of the issue, your Naturopathic doctor can assist your body in optimizing its health and function and beginning to heal as a whole.
5. How will you determine if the treatments are working?
Once you are provided with a treatment plan, your ND will monitor your progress regularly. The variance in treatment effectiveness often lies in the idea that no two patients are exactly alike. Even health challenges that appear similarly may, in fact, be unique. Some health concerns may resolve rapidly, while others may take longer and require further re-evaluation and adjustment to treatment plans accordingly.
Final thoughts
Naturopathic Medicine is a novel, holistic approach to wellness for those wanting a balanced and involved avenue of health care. Our body is a powerful system that has the ability to recover, heal, thrive, and sustain us for life. Consider Naturopathic medicine as the vehicle to get you through a lifelong journey of optimal health and wellbeing.
Your Naturopathic Doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan based on your unique needs and will strive to achieve improvements for your overall health and wellness.
Discover the Benefits of Naturopathic Care with Dr. Schlee
Choosing Naturopathic medicine means taking an active role in your health, and finding the right practitioner is key to your wellness journey. We are committed to providing personalized, holistic care that addresses the root causes of health concerns—not just the symptoms. Whether you’re looking to improve digestion, manage pain, restore energy, or explore alternative therapies, our clinic offers a wide range of evidence-based naturopathic treatments tailored to your needs.
From IV therapy and regenerative injections to lifestyle counselling and natural remedies, Dr. Schlee is a naturopathic doctor in Calgary who works closely with each patient to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to support long-term health and wellness. Backed by years of experience and a patient-centred approach, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about your health.
If you’re ready to experience Naturopathic medicine firsthand, schedule a consultation today at Dr. Schlee’s Clinic. Let us help you take the next step toward optimal health, balance, and well-being—naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can a naturopathic doctor treat?
Naturopathic doctors can help with digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, allergies, stress management, and more using natural and holistic treatments. To support healing, naturopathic doctors use evidence-based natural therapies, including nutritional counselling, herbal medicine, IV therapy, regenerative injections, lifestyle modifications, and much more. In many cases, they often work alongside conventional medicine to provide comprehensive, integrative care tailored to each patient’s needs.
How does naturopathic medicine differ from conventional medicine?
Whenever possible, Naturopathic medicine focuses on treating the root cause of health issues through lifestyle changes, nutrition, herbal medicine, and other natural therapies rather than symptom management.
Are naturopathic treatments safe?
When provided by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, treatments are evidence-based and tailored to your health concerns. Often, safety is paramount when recommending and employing various treatment recommendations.
Can I see a naturopathic doctor alongside my family physician?
Absolutely! Many patients integrate Naturopathic care with conventional medicine to achieve a well-rounded, holistic approach to their health.
What should I expect during my first naturopathic consultation?
Your first visit will involve a detailed health history review, lifestyle assessment, and discussion of personalized treatment options. You will have the opportunity to ask Dr. Schlee any questions about Naturopathic medicine in addition to your specific health concerns.
Blog posts from Dr. Schlee are for general information only. The content should not be considered medical advice. If you are in need of professional medical advice or assistance, please reach out to your local doctor or clinic.
