Getting to the ‘root’ of common health problems

May 30, 2007

At a time when obesity and Type 2 diabetes are growing at astounding rates among Canadian youth, maintaining a healthy lifestyle has become of critical importance to many.

And while resources abound on topics like diet and exercise, other disease prevention and treatment methods are gaining momentum as a means to ward off illness.

Naturopathic medicine, for example, is appealing to many for its focus on the natural treatment and prevention of disease with an approach that cares for not only the body, but one’s mental, emotional and spiritual health as well.

While some naturopathic doctors offer a wide range of therapies including botanical and Chinese medicine, homeopathy and clinical nutrition, their main focus is promoting the body’s own natural healing process through diet and lifestyle changes, explained Howard Owens, Naturopathic Doctor (ND)
‘Simple, rational things’

“There’s so many simple, rational things that people can do to get results, without having to take a pill,” said Owens, who operates Muskoka Naturopathic Family Practice in Bracebridge.

As a naturopathic doctor, Owens treats many ailments including anxiety and depression, digestive problems, weight problems, headaches and heart disease with botanical medicine, and diet and lifestyle recommendations. He also uses Chinese medicine, acupuncture and some homeopathy with patients, often with great success.

“I’ve seen people with chronic constipation get better . . . people with digestive problems experience relief . . . someone with 20 years of migraines suddenly see them disappear.”

While some dismiss naturopathy as more theory than medicine, Owens notes that the practice is based largely on science.

“Everything we do is evidence and research-based,” he said, explaining that NDs must undergo extensive educational training prior to entering the practice.
Before an individual can even attend a naturopathic college they must have at least three years of pre-medical sciences at an accredited university, the same qualifications as someone entering traditional medical school.

While the practice has its skeptics, it has its believers, too, Owens noted.
“If this didn’t work, we would have stopped doing it thousands of years ago.”

Naturopathic medicine can be incredibly powerful, he added, countering another popular myth that plant-based medicine has no clinical strength.

“Natural is not a synonym for safe,” he said. “The medicine can be potent.”

So, while their tools are somewhat different from medical doctors, the goal — to promote and aid the healing process — is the same. Many NDs actually work closely with physicians to incorporate elements of traditional medicine into the healing process. Some like Owens refer their patients to medical practitioners for further or alternative treatments.

The goal is to integrate various forms of medicine into targeting the cause of sickness, rather than just treating the symptoms.

“There is the idea of getting to the root cause of the problem,” said Owens. “I like to get people to understand why something is happening the way it is.”

For more information on naturopathic medicine or to find a naturopathic doctor near you, visit the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors website at www.cand.ca.