Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends scientific research with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity.
Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient – their physiological, structural, psychological, social, environment and lifestyle factors. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments.
Our approach:
We believe in helping patients receive good medicine, that is individualized for each patient.
We believe that as a patient, you should understand your health condition and also understand both the benefits and drawbacks of any type of therapy you choose, whether conventional or naturopathic. They are not exclusive, and as a patient, you should get the best of both worlds to optimize your health.
We will collaborate with any other regulated medical practitioner that you have whenever possible to ensure the most comprehensive and effective care.
We believe that empowering you with knowledge will allow you to make educated decisions about your health. This is how you can achieve your best health - which is our ultimate goal as your naturopathic doctor.
We spend time and listen carefully to your health concerns, and we believe that optimum health is a balance of a healthy mind, body and spirit.
Services
Within the scope of Naturopathic Medicine, Alan Vu, ND and Zeynep Uraz, ND are trained in primary care, as well as 6 different core treatment approaches. In most cases, you will be treated using a combination of these modalities tailored to you and your health concerns. These treatments include:
Clinical Nutrition
You are what you eat! The food and nutrients we put into our body really do make up the foundation of our health. As much as possible we focus on getting nutrition through whole foods, and nutritional supplements are used when necessary.
Lifestyle Counseling
Stress and anxiety are a part of just about everyone’s life.
You can’t avoid stress – but how well do you manage it? There are many other lifestyle choices that you can make to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. We can help you identify these strategies, and also have training in counseling skills.
Traditional Chinese/Asian Medicine (TCM)
Developed over thousands of years, TCM is a comprehensive medical system that has been refined over many, many years and is constantly being validated with medical studies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as a “valid” medical system. We use either acupuncture or Chinese herbs to help you achieve your goals. Acupuncture is also a great way to treat painful muscles – often tight muscles will be much more relaxed after a treatment. Acupuncture is also a great alternative to deep tissue massage as it can relax painful muscles without the painful kneading.
Homeopathy
A remedy can be picked for you, based on your physical, mental, and emotional picture. The better the match, the better the results! As the remedy is based on your whole picture, it can have effects on all levels for you – physical, mental, and emotional.
Physical Medicine
We can use various physical techniques to help you feel better, including active stretching, manipulations similar to chiropractic and Bowen therapy. Which ones used for you will depend on you and your case!
Botanical Medicine
We use herbal treatments in various forms – tinctures, teas, or powders for example. Regardless of the form, plants/herbs can have very powerful pharmacologic medicinal effects. The difference between herbs and pharmacological drugs is that we are using the whole plant providing a combination of many constituents instead of a single compound. Used properly, botanical medicine can have great beneficial effects on your health with minimal side-effects.
About the Doctors
Naturopathic Doctors must achieve the following in order to be able to qualify for a license to practice naturopathic medicine.
*Licensed naturopathic doctors must be registered in Ontario with the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy (BDDT-N)
If you have any doubts on whether someone is licensed or not, please contact the BDDT-N to be sure! Insurance companies verify with the BDDT-N before filling any health benefits package claims.
Alan Vu, ND and Zeynep Uraz, ND are both licensed Naturopathic Doctors.