Hawthorn Healing Arts - Naturopathic Physicians
Family Medicine
Family Medicine: Family medicine is at the heart of Naturopathic care. Trained from the very beginning as general practice physicians, NDs have knowledge of a vast number of chronic and acute conditions. Often times a Naturopathic physician’s practice is largely made up of patients with many overlaying chronic conditions who have not received the care or results they desire elsewhere. The approach utilized blends conventional and natural therapeutics on the basis of a philosophy that recognizes the body’s own powerful wisdom of healing.
NDs spend far more time with each patient than in conventional medicine in order to understand all the factors contributing to their concerns and to educate them about what is happening in their body.
Services also include:
- Women’s Health & Preventative Care (Annual Exams)
- Men’s Health & Preventative Care
- Laboratory Testing
- Food Allergy Testing
Pediatric Care
Naturopathic pediatrics is a distinct approach to the health and wellness of your child. Diagnostic methods such as laboratory testing and physical exams are performed in a similar manner to conventional medicine, as it is important to be thorough and understand all contributing factors to any health concern. Prescription medication is available should your physician deem it necessary, but it is often not needed. “Well child” checks are performed regularly to monitor the health and growth of each child.
At this point, Naturopathic and conventional medicine part ways based mostly on the philosophical approach to treatment and wellness. In conventional pediatrics the focus is mainly on symptom management, meaning their objective is to make uncomfortable symptoms cease. Unfortunately, this does not address the underlying reason the symptom was there in the first place and can lead to it reappearing in the same or a completely different manner.
In Naturopathic pediatrics symptoms are addressed but the focus is on removing obstacles which interfere with health and proper functioning, supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal, and often helping to balance the emotional aspect of development. All this is done utilizing safe methods which set your child up to be their best so they can focus on the things that really matter, like having fun.
NDs spend far more time with each patient than in conventional medicine in order to understand all the factors contributing to their concerns and to educate them about what is happening in their body.
Common Pediatric Conditions Treated:
- ADHD
- Allergies
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Asthma
- Autism
- Behavioral Disorders
- Colic
- Developmental Delay
- Ear Infections
- Eczema
- Food Allergy Testing
- Food Introduction Counseling
- Vaccination Counseling
- Ill Effects of Vaccinations
- Night Terrors
Guiding Philosophical Principles of Naturopathy
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct holistic medical profession, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing underlying causes to illness and working with the bodies self-healing capacity in treatment. Naturopathic doctors are licensed as primary care physicians in Oregon, and have broad scope of practice, allowing a comprehensive and integrative approach to healthcare.
Healing Power of Nature
As Hippocrates stated long ago, the human body has the innate ability to heal itself from disease and return to a state of health. It is the natural state of any organism to be healthy. The role of the Naturopathic Physician is to support the body’s ability to heal while addressing and removing obstacles to the healing process.
Identify and Treat
Symptoms are rarely if ever the root problem and are not the sole focus of naturopathic treatment. Symptoms are the body’s natural expression in an attempt to deal with underlying imbalances. As such, symptoms are used to guide the physician to a truer understanding of what is going on. When these underlying causes are addressed long-term healing can occur.
Treat the Whole Person
As mentioned above, symptoms are the result of underlying causes that may stem from a variety of sources. Factors that contribute to any illness may include organ systems that are not functioning optimally, emotional and spiritual stresses, hereditary influences, as well as lifestyle, dietary and environmental factors. In order to affect deep and permanent resolution of any health concern, all of these areas must be addressed.
First Do No Harm
It is of primary and utmost importance to offer therapies that will not cause further harm. Following this tenet, medicines are not used that cause harmful side effects. Furthermore treatment is not given to suppress symptoms, a practice that can discourage healing and cause deeper disease.
Preventative Medicine
It has been said that we are doctors of health, not doctors of disease. This means that the focus of our treatment is on bolstering the physiology and vitality that is inherent to each of us. By addressing lifestyle and dietary issues, as well as emotional and spiritual concerns, we not only address present illness, but prevent the development of future disease.
Doctor as Teacher
The word “doctor” is derived from the Latin docere which means “to teach”. An important part of every treatment plan is providing the patient with education and tools for maintaining a diet and lifestyle that nurtures health rather that disease.