A distinct primary health care profession, naturopathic medicine explores prevention, treatment, and optimum health through therapeutic methods and substances that help encourage individual self-healing by combining both modern and traditional methods of medicine. Currently, there exists distinct Board Certifications after graduation and receiving state licensure in Homeopathy and Oncology. There are some developments in Board Certifications in Endocrinology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology.
The principles of naturopathic medical practice:
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an innate healing power with us all and it is conscious and can heal us. In Chinese Medicine, it is called “chi” and in Yoga or Ayurvedic Medicine it is called “prana,” the breath of life. Naturopathic doctors call it the vis medicatrix naturae, or “the vis” for short. Naturopathic physicians identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery.
The late Dr. William Mitchell said, “In Naturopathic Medicine, we try to see where the body is healing itself and then enhance those processes”.
Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
Naturopathic physicians seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than to merely treat or suppress symptoms with only prescription medications.
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Naturopathic physicians follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient: Use the least force necessary to diagnose and treat patients; Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms. Acknowledge, respect, and work with individuals’ self-healing process.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Naturopathic physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. Dr. Madeira asks his patients to be willing and able to change their diet, lifestyle, exercise routines to achieve their goals. We believe the patient will change their health as us a the guide and teacher.
We also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship. The doctor-patient relationship is itself a healing remedy for many patients who see naturopaths for healing. Naturopathic doctors are often called “doctors who listen”, which is a rare occurance for patients prior to seeing a Naturopathic doctor.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and spiritual factors. Part of your healing is practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and slowing down your busy life. We often guide patients in these areas as part of their work here.
Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development (AHC doesn’t push any patient to believe any particular belief or system of beliefs and has no opinion on any specific religion or brand of spirituality).
Prevention
Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, and by making right interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.
Naturopathic Medical Visits
All visits with Dr. Madeira are naturopathic medical visits where you and your story will be heard, respected, and held as important. Here at Apollo Health Clinic, we are creating a partnership to help you reach your health goals. We subscribe to the belief that we are a guide in your journey for optimal wellness and holistic health. Together we will look beyond symptoms and aim to find and treat the cause. You will get to experience a truly holistic, warm, friendly, and healing experience as a client here unique in healthcare today.
We ask you to fill out comprehensive intake forms and may ask you to get laboratory testing as indicated. First office visits are 75-90 minutes and return visits are 45-60 minutes depending on your needs. The first visit is a fact gathering process and the first follow-up visit we will review your lab results and treatment plan.
