What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a holistic system of primary health care that incorporates science with natural and alternative treatments that are intended to prevent disease, treat the underlying cause of illness, and promote health and healing.
Naturopathic doctors support your body’s own healing ability using an integrated approach to prevention, disease diagnosis, and treatment of physical, mental, and emotional conditions. This is accomplished using patient education and natural therapies.
How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?
Licensed naturopathic doctors complete a science based undergraduate degree, as well as a four-year bachelor of naturopathic medicine program at an accredited naturopathic medical school. Naturopathic doctors are educated in the same basic medical sciences as MDs, but they also study naturopathic modalities for 4 years, which consists of: Chinese medicine and acupuncture, North American botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, clinical nutrition, counseling, spinal manipulation, and hydrotherapy.
Aa an ND in the province of British Columbia, Dr. Lori Ferguson also has a license to prescribe pharmaceutical medication. In addition, she has current certification in basic life support and naturopathic advanced life support.
What are the principles of Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Doctors are guided by ‘The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine”. As a Naturopathic Doctor, my goal is to get to the root cause of health problems, as well as emphasize disease prevention. After assessing risk factors for potential disease or identifying the causes of ill health, I work with the patient to implement appropriate Naturopathic interventions. The goal of which is to prevent disease or disease progression, or to begin the process of reversing the disease process. The following are ‘The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine”:
First, do no harm – (Primum Non Nocere): Naturopathic doctors use diagnostic tools and medicines that minimize the risk of harmful side effects, as well as methods that don’t suppress symptoms.
Identify and treat the cause – (Tolle Causum): Naturopathic doctors strive to identify and remove the underlying cause of illness, as well as eliminate the acute and chronic symptoms of disease.
Treat the whole person – (Tolle Totum): Naturopathic doctors customize an individualized treatment plan for each patient, by looking at the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors that contribute to their illness.
Support the healing powers of the body – (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Naturopathic doctors work to identify and remove the obstacles to cure in each individual patient by recognizing an ordered and intelligent self-healing process that exists in our bodies.
Doctor as teacher – (Docere): Naturopathic doctors work together with their patients by sharing their health knowledge and empowering them to take responsibility for their health and healing.
What is the difference between Naturopathy & Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of natural treatment that was developed in Germany in the early 1700’s. It is based on the principle of “like cures like”, using minute amounts of substances to stimulate the body’s innate healing ability. Homeopathic medicine is one of the treatment modalities that Dr. Ferguson may use as part of her treatment plan. Naturopathic doctors study homeopathy for four years as part of their naturopathic training. Dr. Ferguson traveled to India to study homeopathy under world-renowned homeopathic doctor, Rajan Sankaran.
What types of health problems does Dr. Ferguson treat?
Dr. Ferguson is a general practitioner of naturopathic medicine. She treats virtually all medical conditions, but she has a special interest in weight loss, women’s health, digestion, fertility, pregnancy and pediatrics.
Women’s Health
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Menstrual Irregularities
- Menopause
- Infertility
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Prenatal & Postnatal care
- Fertility
Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Infant colic
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Food Allergies
- Parasites
- Celiac’s Disease
- Infant Reflux
Endocrine Disorders
- Acne
- Migraines
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Hypothyroid/Hyperthyroid
- Stress
- Hormone Imbalances
- Weight Gain/Loss
- Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease
- Hypertension
- Angina
- Atherosclerosis
- Arrhythmia
- High Cholesterol
Immune Disorders
- Chronic Fatigue
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cancer
- Eczema/Psoriasis
- Viral Infections
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Lupus
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Celiac Disease
Neurological Disorders
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
Musculoskeletal
- Rotator Cuff Restrictions
- Sports Injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Sprains/Strains
- Tendonitis
- Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
Respiratory
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- COPD
- Colds
- Acute Viral Bronchitis
I’ve never had acupuncture: How does it work?
Acupuncture, which is part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), originated in China thousands of years ago. In TCM, when your energy flow, or Qi (chi) is out of balance, the human body cannot efficiently adapt to stress, leaving you more likely to develop chronic illness and pain. Acupuncture works to restore the natural flow of energy or Qi.
Acupuncture has been studied and proven effective in the treatment of pain. It is also beneficial in relieving or improving acute and chronic conditions such as: fatigue, migraines, muscle pain, back pain, arthritis, infertility and hormonal imbalances, insomnia, skin conditions, nicotine and other addictions, and respiratory conditions.
Acupuncture is a safe, painless, and effective technique of inserting fine, flexible, and sterile needles into areas of muscle pain or specific acupuncture points. These points are distributed along energy channels called meridians that are located all over the body. Acupuncture needles are usually left in place for 15-30 minutes. The needles can also be stimulated manually, with a heat lamp, with a burning herb called moxa, or with a mild electrical current, to enhance the effects of the treatment.
What can I expect from my first visit with Dr. Lori Ferguson?
Dr. Ferguson uses a detailed intake form as well as a 1 – 1.5 hour first appointment, to gather a comprehensive health history. A screening physical examination, as well as laboratory testing may be necessary to obtain a complete diagnosis. An individualized treatment plan is prepared for each patient and given to the patient at the second visit, which is usually 1 week later and 45 minutes in length. Subsequent or follow-up visits are usually 30-45 minutes long. If you have had current lab work or medical tests, please have them available for your 1st appointment.
Are Naturopathic Services covered by health insurance?
The province of British Columbia does not pay for naturopathic services; however, most private extended health plans have Naturopathic coverage. Contact your employer or insurance provider to find out the details of your coverage.