Natural Healing


Hearing people say "my Naturopath" is becoming an increasingly familiar phrase, but for those of you who aren't familiar with with title, welcome to the wonderful and natural way of healing!

I can't exactly remember the first time I heard about a Naturopath, but I know over the last three years I would meet people who would make comments like "I am avoiding _____ food because my Naturopath has me on a diet" or "since going to my Naturopath I have lost 30lbs and feel great". All I could say is "what is a Naturopath? Please tell me more!"

The following information has been taken from: The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (http://www.cand.ca/index.php?51&L=0 ).

Naturopathic History

The idea of natural healing has been around since the beginning of time.. we all heard about shaman and medicine men/ woman. Well 2400 years ago, a Greek Physician Hippocrates first formulated the concept of "the healing power of nature". This concept is recognized world wide and is the foundation for Naturopathic medicine.

In North America, naturopathic medicine traces its origins to Dr. Benedict Lust who not only used the term Naturopathic medicine to explain several areas of clinical practice, he founded the American School of Naturopathic medicine, which graduated its first class in 1902. By 1920, Naturopathic medicine had made its way to Canada. (yeahh Canada!)

Once the Second World War came to an end health care was changing based on the advances in surgical techniques, the introduction of antibiotics and growth of the pharmaceutical industries. The more traditional healing practices lost ground. This was an era of scientific reductionism and an almost blind faith in the medical 'miracle'. This approach continued through the 1950s.

Over the last several decades individuals have been learning the truth.. that current medical practices are missing a component of the picture, a holistic approach to health. Currently, we look at the body as parts, separate from each component. Why do you think we have separate doctors for each aliment? I'm not saying that modern medicine is "bad" or "wrong", every healing practice has its place and modern medicine has allowed for many miracles to happen since its inception. I am saying however, that I am open to the idea that the body is its own healer and that we have the ability to heal  ourselves.

So after many years of interest in Naturopathic medicine, I found myself a Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Rosalyn Hayman. I choose her specifically because she has a focus on hormones, perfect for me. Before even meeting her I had to fill out and drop off a few sheets (3 days before your appointment) covering every aspect of my life, you even write down everything you ate for the past three days, and when you poop! Instantly, you notice Naturopathic doctors take a Holistic approach, looking at your body as a whole.

When I first met with Doctor Hayman, we met for an hour and a half and she listening to my health history and what brought me to her that very day. The most interesting and eye opening aspect of that visit was she asked me "have you accepted your tumor?" (for those who didn't read the first post I have a pituitary tumor..don't worry its not cancerous). This stumped me..who thinks about accepting tumors? I thought about this question and realized I didn't.. consciously I tried to convince myself I did, but deep down I didn't. I didn't want to think about it, I hardly told anyone only my parents and a few close friends that I had a tumor and I only really brought it up when I had a few too many to drink (classic denial).

After meeting Dr. Hayman that day my life forever changed! I was put on a strict diet (no sugar) for 4 weeks and I learned about nutrition and my body for the first time in 25 years. Over the past 8 months I have come to accept the tumor and since that time my health has been improving! But the most important gift that Dr. Hayman gave me was hope! In Occupational Therapy School (which I am currently in), we learn about the importance of hope for clients and that you should NEVER take away someones hope. I now appreciate that on so many levels, as I optimistically asked Doctor Hayman if my body could heal itself through natural means, resolving the tumor; she said "most definitely". Thank you Dr. Hayman!

As Naturopathic medicine becomes increasingly important to Canadians many insurers are providing coverage for these services. However, you still need to pay some cash. My first appointment was around $120.00 CAD, but I am lucky that I had the financial means make an appointment. My wish is that someday everyone will have equal access to such wonderful services. I am also happy to announce that some towns and cities hold weekend clinics for individuals who may benefit from such services but cannot incur that financial cost. There is a clinic in Halifax and it has been excitedly embraced by the Halifax community here is the link   http://www.saturdayfreeclinic.blogspot.com/







Thank you for stopping by to check out my blog and if you have have the opportunity to go to a Naturopath I highly recommend it.

Cheers,

Angie