Written by: Dr. Tiffany Eberhard, ND
1. Time
Naturopathic Doctors spend a lot of time (~60 minutes) with their patients listening to their health stories, educating them about their bodies, and creating an individual treatment plan to address the underlying cause(s) of their concerns.
I believe that knowledge is power so empowering my patients is a primary goal in my practice.
2. Root Cause Medicine
Thorough case histories are taken, performing indicated physical exams, and use blood tests and specialized testing to help uncover the root cause of your health concern.
3. More Treatment Options
These can include botanical medicine, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, dietary counseling, bioidentical hormone therapy, and IV therapy. NDs are often sought out once people have tried every other treatment without success. Our approach and therapeutic tools can shine in these cases.
You don’t have to choose between conventional care and Naturopathic care. My aim is to collaborate so you get the best comprehensive health care possible.
4. Testing Options
Naturopathic Doctors can requisition blood work but also have access to numerous specialized laboratory tests such as food sensitivity testing and in-depth hormonal testing (ex: DUTCH test).
I use testing to help us uncover the root cause and guide our treatment so you get the results you want faster.
5. Holistic Approach
You are not a disease or a symptom and that we must look at the whole body and mind in order to achieve optimal health.
I want to hear all about your health and your life since your experiences and lifestyle affect health on many levels. No piecemeal medicine here!
6. Seeking Natural Alternatives
Many people want to avoid medications or find a natural solution before resorting to pharmaceutical intervention. Luckily, there are many safe and effective natural treatments for most concerns. Some patients are able to avoid medications, reduce their dosing, or discontinue them using Naturopathic interventions.
*Note: Do not discontinue or modify dosing for any medications without discussing it with the prescribing physician. Â I can help you have this discussion with your doctor if it is indicated and desired.
7. Training
We must complete a four-year Naturopathic Medical Program after earning a four-year undergraduate degree. We learn medical sciences along with our naturopathic therapeutics. We must pass licensing board exams and in Ontario must hold an active registration. We undergo extensive continuing education to make sure I stay up-to-date with the latest research and treatments.
I hold additional training in IV therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
8. Personalized Medicine
Everyone is different, and that one treatment might not be the best for each individual. No one size fits all approach here!
Since I spend more time with my patients, I can truly understand their health goals and situation in order to tailor their treatment plan to their individual needs.
9. You’ve been told everything is normal but you don’t feel well.
This is a very common reason people seek out Naturopathic care. Without a diagnosis or something overtly wrong on lab testing, many people are left with no answers and continue to suffer needlessly.
I am here to listen and recognize that even if labs are “normal†there might be something else going on that needs to be addressed and that the lab ranges may not represent optimal ranges for you.
10. Visits are covered by most extended medical benefit plans.
Even if you don’t have any concerns, you can see a ND to get a health review and get on a plan that will prevent future disease. Some people want to know what supplements or vitamins to take and how much. I am happy to work with you to ensure you are taking quality products at the proper dosing so you see the results you want. This can ultimately save you time and money.
Tags: doctor, naturopath