How Do Naturopathic Doctors Diagnose Health Issues?

November 15, 2024 By Yasmine Turner Category : Health and Wellness 3 min Read

Introduction:

Naturopathic medicine is a wellness approach that focuses on the root cause of the disease, unlike the conventional approach to treatment, where the disease is the centre of attention for the Doctors.  Naturopaths put their best foot forward and take into account the holistic health of the patient. It requires them to invest time in detailed consultations, where every aspect of the patient’s life is examined before the diagnosis has been made.

The Naturopathic Approach to Diagnosis

Naturopathic Doctors take a patient centred approach to care, where they make sure to address the root cause of the problem. They make sure that each time a problem occurs, it is taken care of with complete insight into the lifestyle, environmental conditions, symptoms, and, most importantly, evidence or research.

There are different stages in determining the patient’s condition, which are evidence-based. Before doctors can provide a tailor-made plan for each patient, they follow some routine examinations to make sure that they address the cause of the disease rather than giving medication based on the symptom presentation. Before you search for a Oakville Naturopathic Clinic, here are some of the steps in our process.

Physical Examinations:

One of the very first stages of consultation and examination for Naturopathic Doctors in Oakville is determining the physical attributes of the disease. In the primary stages of examination, the doctors take into account every physical symptom that is visible. This process also requires extensive questioning to better understand what is going on.

Laboratory Testing and Diagnostic Tools:

After the physical consultation and examination have been completed. The Naturopathic Clinic in Oakville will refer you for further lab testing. This includes basic blood work like a CBC, Lipid Panel, Thyroid Panel, Blood Sugars and more. Moreover, in some cases, different diagnostic tools and specialized tests are required to determine the nature of the disease and the various factors that may be responsible for the condition.

Specialized Naturopathic Diagnostic Tools:

Naturopathy is an evidence-based and research-backed form of medicine. Naturopathic doctors may also utilize additional diagnostic tools like salivary and urine testing. Some tests include the Organic Acids Test (OAT), Salivary Cortisol Testing and the DUTCH Hormone Test.

Comprehensive Nutritional Analysis:

In Naturopathic Medicine, one of the most commonly asked for test is a food sensitivity test. Often times, we can develop sensitivities to different foods. The best Naturopathic Doctors Near Me may have patients undergo some food sensitivity tests, evaluate dietary habits, and determine the overall nutritional intake of the patient. This helps them better understand the cause of the disease and the response of your body to certain food products.

Mind-Body Assessment:

In Naturopathic Medicine, the patient’s body is considered to be a whole element that works in coordination with mind and body. Spiritual inclination, environmental conditions, social factors, and the like are all assessed. To Naturopathic Doctors, the underlying cause of the disease is more important than the symptoms themselves, and therefore, mind-body assessment is part of the intake.

Detoxification and Environmental Assessments:

Detoxification and environmental assessment are core concepts of Naturopathic Medicine. Doctors evaluate patients’ health conditions by understanding their environment and how each patient’s response to it differs from the other. In the complete diagnostic and treatment plan, the role of detoxification and environmental conditions is taken into account to ensure that the disease is treated from various angles.

Conclusion:

In Naturopathic Medicine, a holistic approach towards diagnosis and treatment is adopted, making sure that the doctors address the core of the disease. The testing and evaluation are carried out on various levels to make sure that not only disease is treated but that long term wellness is established.