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Naturopathic Treatments

One of the strengths of naturopathic medicine is its ability to tailor a treatment plan to the individual. This is due to a number of factors, including taking a complete health history and physical examination, and simply taking the time to learn the patient's interests, obstacles to healing and health goals. However, not to be overlooked is the wealth of treatments at an N.D.'s disposal. Listed below are the naturopathic treatments most commonly incorporated into Dr. Boudreau's practice.

Clinical Nutrition

Quite simply, a sound nutritional plan is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Selecting the right foods for the individual, in the right amounts, and prepared in the appropriate manner, can all have a profound impact on whole body health. Everything from energy and sleep quality to fertility and cancer risk are impacted by diet. Also worth noting is the fact that what constitutes an "optimal diet" depends greatly on the individual. To truly maximize the impact of sound nutrition, one must follow a nutritional plan that's right for them.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine 

Based on balancing the flow of Qi (energy) through meridian pathways, Chinese medicine includes the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. In Chinese Medical theory, organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys all have properties beyond those acknowledged by Western Medicine. By taking a detailed case history, as well as looking at a patient’s tongue and pulses, a Chinese Medical diagnosis can be made and treatment initiated.

Naturopathic Treatments

Reiki

A gentle, supportive therapy utilizing the practitioner as a channel through which a calm, relaxing healing energy may be transmitted. Clinical research has illustrated a wide range of therapeutic applications, such as stress management/anxiety, sleep support and pain relief.

Botanical (Herbal) Medicine 

The use of plants for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization and is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Plant substances from around the world are used for their healing effects and nutritional value. Commonly, extracts (tinctures) from one or more botanicals are selected and a certain number of drops are prescribed. However, teas, pills and capsules are some other ways of prescribing botanicals.

Advanced Injection Therapies (ex. Prolotherapy)

Supported by extensive clinical research, these therapies may offer benefit for both chronic and acute joint issues, from osteoarthritis to sports injuries. Prolotherapy involves administering small amounts of the sugar dextrose, the anesthetic procaine and vitamin B12 into the affected joint and surrounding tissues. The body's natural healing response may then be stimulated,  decreasing pain, and increasing joint function and range of motion.

Lifestyle Counselling and Stress Management 

Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors all have a profound impact on health. One faces a multitude of stressors during the course of daily life. The ways in which an individual copes with these stressors can often significantly affect health. Sleep, energy, mood, digestion, and skin are just a few of the body systems which can be adversely affected by stress. Naturopathic Doctors can help patients effectively manage stress, as well as make effective lifestyle choices.

Physical Therapeutics

Treatments include the therapeutic use of water (hydrotherapy), light, electricity, massage and exercise. Often, treatments such as hydrotherapy can be done in the comfort of one's own home, and incorporated into a daily routine as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Prescriptive Authority

On occasion, Dr. Boudreau will incorporate pharmaceutical medications into his treatment plans. While the focus of each naturopathic treatment plan should be on the evidence-based, natural approaches outlined above, there are sometimes instances where a medication is also required

(Please note that controlled substances including cannabis, narcotics and testosterone may NOT be prescribed by NDs practicing in British Columbia at this time).