Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
What does a naturopath do?
Do the deep investigations. Be truly heard. Feel better with Naturopathic Medicine.
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Not Your Typical Healthcare
Naturopathic Doctors are keen researchers of your underlying health architecture. Our practice is data-driven, so we want to learn as much about your case as possible, including an extensive intake (which can be up to 1.5 hours), as well as lab testing to determine what's happening under the hood.
In collaboration with our patients, we develop a thorough treatment plan structured around resolving the root cause of your imbalance.
We first try gentle natural therapies (like botanicals, dietary changes, and movement), which can be VERY powerful, and are truly at the core of health. When required, we may have to rely on more aggressive therapies, such as bioidentical hormones, IV therapies, and then if needed patients are fortunate to have pharmaceutical and surgical options available to them via their family doctor and their referrals.
The goal is to GET WELL. The deeper we dig, the closer we get to the root cause.
Book a chat and see what we can do!Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is rooted in several core principles aimed at treating the root cause of health issues while supporting the body's natural healing abilities. It focuses on personalized and patient-centered care, aiming to restore balance and promote wellness.
Root Cause Investigation
We do a thorough investigation, including an extensive intake interview, collection of previous lab testing, current lab testing, nutritional data assessment and more. We need to fully understand the complex underpinnings of your physiology to crack the case and create a proper treatment plan.
The Healing Power of Nature
The body has an inherent ability to heal once the obstacle to wellness is identified and removed. Natural therapies are prioritized, however the goal is always to get the patient well, and we are supportive of all options needed to achieve that.
Collaboration Between Providers
We believe you are the central hub of your health care team. We play the role of health researchers and private investigators of your wellness, working alongside your other providers towards your better health.
Patient-Centered Empowerment
Patient education is paramount. By teaching the patient how their body works and helping them understand their obstacles to wellness, we are truly empowering them to take control of their health and change the trajectory of their condition for the better.
Treat the Whole Person
The human body is not divided into separate silos. When one system is out, the others get affected. Often, by addressing the root cause, other body areas that seem unrelated to the patient's chief concern return to healthy on their own.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
It is much easier to avoid the iceberg than to save the sinking ship. The foundations of preventative medicine are good sleep, a balanced diet high in veggies, lowered stress, physical movement and community.
Role of a Naturopathic Doctor
What is a naturopathic doctor?
A licensed naturopathic doctor in Ontario can be a primary care provider who can diagnose, treat, and manage patients who suffer from a range of symptoms and conditions. At Sequence Wellness we often fit into the role of a specialist referral. If the patient feels that they didn't receive the solution they were looking for, they seek out our investigative health services to more effectively determine the root cause of their concern.
Education and Training
Naturopathic doctors undergo rigorous training encompassing conventional medical sciences alongside holistic and natural healing modalities. Our NDs have completed 4-year undergraduate degrees in neuroscience, psychology and nutrition, followed by a 4-year naturopathic medical school degree. We also require on-going continuing education to guarantee that we are up to date on current research and practices.
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Conditions Treated with Naturopathic Medicine
Common Conditions Treated
Naturopathic medicine is always valuable either as primary care or adjunctive care for all health concerns. At Sequence Wellness we focus on women's health, digestion and burnout, and treat issues like perimenopause, irregular painful or heavy periods, PMS, PMDD, PCOS, BV, recurrent yeast infections, low libido, hormonal hair loss, hormonal acne, hormonal weight gain, digestive problems, bloating, SIBO, IBS, gut health, and thyroid concerns.
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Tools that naturopathic doctors use to help you get well.
The naturopathic doctors at Sequence Wellness rely on nutritional changes, lifestyle modifications, vitamins and minerals, advanced supplements, herbs, and bioidentical hormones. We love collaborating with other practitioners, and refer out when other treatment modalities are indicated (like acupuncture, massage, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, pelvic care, etc).
Nutrition
We do the math to determine if you're getting everything your body needs, and assess if there are foods that are harming you. We roll out a plan that is actually doable and enjoyable.
Supplements
Sometimes in the short-term we need the targeted support of nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, etc.
Lifestyle Modifications
Stress, exercise, sleep, attitudes — all lifestyle habits that are the building blocks of either wellness or disease. We help you create a plan for optimal health.
Botanical Medicine
Plants are POWERFUL. They act as targeted multivitamins for various organs and can even change cellular activity. We draw on both historical and research-based uses.
Bioidentical Hormones
There are times when the body just needs the extra support of additional hormones. Dr. Sarah Goulding ND may prescribe transdermal estrogen and progesterone, as well as desiccated thyroid hormone when required. Prior to bioidentical hormone use, hormone testing is an absolute necessity. Common testing includes: Dutch hormone testing (urine), full thyroid panel: TSH, T4, T3, TPO, and possibly more.
When to see a naturopathic doctor?
When you want to finally feel better.
When you need clarity and answers.
When you need a teammate, a researcher, a compassionate ear.
When you need a champion for your cause.
No Judgement | Cost Transparency | Your Health, Your Decisions
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We are keen health nerds that love digging deep into cases. We want to know the ins and outs of your medical history, and frankly also just enjoy our conversations with our patients. And we are good at what we do.
We are your personal health investigators that will allow you to get to the bottom of your issue. Done with your symptoms and ready to move on with your life? Book yourself in for a visit! See you soon!
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BOOK NOWFAQ
When seeing a licensed naturopathic doctor in Canada it's less about choosing natural treatments versus pharmaceuticals, and it's more about choosing private versus publicly funded care. With an ND you're investing your time and money to do a much more thorough assessment than is normally accessible via your family physician. We have the privilege of taking 90 minutes in the first visit to chat and really address all of the nooks and crannies of your case.
We then have access to more extensive lab testing than is usually covered, and it is totally in your control as to what we decide to test. Many family doctors have the know-how and expertise to properly investigate these concerns, but they are confined by the funding model and time as well as resource constraints therein. With naturopathic medicine comes autonomy and patient empowerment, and ultimately answers and wellness!
The primary difference between a nutritionist and a naturopath is that naturopaths are more extensively trained in assessment, and in Ontario and other provinces and states legally have the ability to diagnose (a protected act). Naturopathic doctors have access to laboratory testing such as blood work, as well as stool, saliva and urine testing.
Seeing a naturopath is more akin to seeing a medical doctor, rather than a diet consultant. Nutrition is an aspect of a proper naturopathic treatment plan, but naturopathic doctors also use other modalities such as botanicals, supplements, bioidentical hormones, etc.
Naturopathic medicine's effectiveness varies, with some praising its holistic approach. However, scientific evidence supporting its overall efficacy is limited. It's important to consult healthcare professionals and consider individual needs when exploring these methods. Naturopathic approaches may complement conventional treatments but should be approached with a balanced perspective.
Every case is unique, but as a general rule we see patients a minimum of 5 times.
Initial visit = 60-90 minutes and involves a thorough intake to review health history, sleep quality, exercise, nutrition, stress, etc. We then provide you with a case review to help you understand the big picture and root cause of your concern.
2nd visit = 45 minutes two weeks later, where we review any lab tests, complete any screening assessments, and roll out the comprehensive version of the treatment plan. WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE NEW PATIENTS TO BOOK THEIR SECOND APPOINTMENT ALONG WITH THEIR FIRST to ensure that we can proceed forward with your plan without delay.
3rd visit = 30 minutes 1 month later, where we promptly check in on the immediate progress of the plan so that we can achieve health gains as soon as possible.
4th and subsequent visits = 30 minutes, usually a few months later, where we check in on the plan and make modifications as needed.
When the chief concerns are resolved we usually see our patients on-going every 6 months, in the fall to prepare for winter and in the spring to re-do lab testing and reset for summer.
