Therapies
Naturopathic Medicine
As one of the oldest primary healthcare systems in the US, Naturopathic medicine blends natural healing therapies with modern medical science. It is distinguished by its six principles that underlie and determine its practice using the observation of the nature of health and disease.
The healing power of nature
Identify and treat the cause
Treat the whole person
First do no harm
Physician as teacher
Prevention
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained as primary care doctors who utilize:
• diet and clinical nutrition
• botanical medicine
• homeopathy
• hydrotherapy
• naturopathic physical manipulation
• mental health and behavorial change
• minor office procedures (in licensed states)
• oriental medicine
• presciptive medicine (in licensed states)
Treatment methods are chosen upon the basis of patient individuality and emphasize promotion of health, prevention of disease, patient education and individual responsibility. Naturopathic therapies are not prescribed to simply relieve symptoms but are intended to restore the underlying health and balance.
Accredited Naturopathic Schools
National College of Natural Medicine
Bastyr University
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine
Chinese Medicine
The antiquity, beauty, and efficacy of Chinese medicine have drawn Western scholars for years. Classical Chinese Medicine is over a 3000 year old complete medical system that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, moxabustion, bodywork, dietetics, and qi gong.
Chinese Medicine theory acknowledges that human beings are unique bioenergetic systems. Secondly, these systems contain a vital life force called Qi (pronounced "chee"), which flows through all things. In this theory when the balance of qi, (or energy),is disturbed due to either trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or emotions then pain and disease may result. Chinese Medicine focuses on correcting these energetic imbalances and removing blockages, thus stimulating the body to heal itself. Treatment is tailored to the individual's needs, with emphasis placed on identifying and eliminating the underlying cause of the imbalance.
Acupuncture:
When the balance of qi is disturbed, illness can occur. This balance is corrected by the insertion of fine, sterile, one-time-use hair-thin needles to redirect the movement of energy. Harmony is restored to the mind, body, and spirit.
Chinese Herbology:
For most of the world, herbs are the primary source of medicine and nutritional supplementation. Classic formulas with demonstrated clinical efficacy are personalized to treat a wide variety of conditions. Most formulas consist of two to thirteen different types of herbs. Energetically balanced, these high quality custom formulations enhance well being with less harmful side effects than western pharmaceutical products. Herbs can be used with or without acupuncture and are available in bulk (raw) or granules.
Moxibustion:
Believed to be a therapy which pre-dated acupuncture , moxibustion is a warming therapy using the herb mugwort over acupuncture points of the skin. The intention is to stimulate circulation through the points and induce a smoother flow of blood and qi into the affected area. Moxa bustion is considered especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems or "deficient conditions" (weakness) such arthritis, back pain, or tight muscles.
Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is an exciting new way of treating sports injuries for nerve and disc injuries, muscle pain, inflammation, scar tissue, fibromyalgia, shingles, and many other conditions easily, comfortably. Studies show by using specific microamperage current (the same kind of current your body produces on its own within each cell) which is imperceptible by the patient, ATP production (fuel for cell energy) is increased in the injured cells by 500%, nutrient transport (amino acids) increases by 70%, stimulate waste product removal, and reduce the body's inflammatory messengers (cytokines) by 62%. All elements to enhance healing and repair are turned on!
Please note:
Typical TENS devices and other types of electrical stimulation therapies (with current to 1000 micro amps, or one milliamp), although effective to produce muscle fatigue and relaxation, were actually seen to reduce ATP production.
Microcurrent was first used in the early 1900's, before 1934, medical and osteopathic physicians (Dr. Albert Abrams and from Dr. McWilliams) using electromagnetic therapy devices to treat patients. In the 1980's, European and US physicians used it for stimulating acupuncture points, stimulating healing in injured athletes, and stimulating bone repair in non-union fractures. In 1994, two chiropractors began reintroducing frequencies, obtained from a retired osteopath, on their chiropractic patients to see if any effects could be observed. The results were immediate and FSM was reborn.
Hydrotherapy
Centuries old and still thriving, European hydrotherapy techniques assist your body in recovering from acute and chronic illness. Through the use of hot and cold water, circulation is stimulated, immune function is regulated, and metabolic wastes are eliminated for the maintenance of health and elimination of disease. Hydrotherapy is often recommended as a supportive therapy to greatly enhance your body's response to botanical medicines, special diets, homeopathy and nutritional supplementation.
Infrared Sauna
As one of the most advanced naturopathic techniques for detoxification, infrared sauna therapy consists of heaters producing radiant energy similar to the heat from the sun only without the harmful ultraviolet rays. The hot air created causes the body to heat up, eventually accelerating the body's natural sweat mechanism, as well as, stimulating circulation. Hence, health is promoted through detoxification. Research demonstrates improvement in chronic pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; improvements in ventricular arrhythmias, chronic heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension. Infrared therapy is also the treatment of choice for multiple chemical sensitivity patients and patients with toxic environmental exposures.
NATURAL
HEALTH CHOICES
Marshall Lim, ND, MSOM
Raffaella Marcantonio, ND
4080 Delaware Avenue
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Phone: 716.873.8700
Fax:716.873-8701
naturedocs@msn.com
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Naturopathic Doctors
• Attend a four-year, accredited graduate doctoral program in a Naturopathic medical school
• NDs must pass North American board examinations to obtain a license to practice medicine
• NDs must attend continuing education seminars yearly to maintain their license
Patient Resources
Alternative medicine Review
Integrative Medicine Journal
Alternative Therapies In Health and Medicine
Pubmed
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Professional Associations
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners
Council of Naturopathic Medical Education