Primary Care at AIM
Naturopathic medicine is grounded in ancient teachings as well as current advances in the study of whole body wellness. The medicine focuses on approaching every patient as a unique individual and believes in supporting the body’s own inherent abilities to heal. Naturopaths range in their styles and approaches. At AIM, our approach is really about how we can impact the root cause of a person’s health concerns, and deliver a functional solution that may include natural and alternative therapies, and may include some conventional treatments too.
We see primary care as something personal, proactive, and that walks with you on your path to great health. It starts with an office visit. Hope to see you soon.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is grounded in ancient teachings as well as current advances in the study of whole body wellness. The medicine focuses on approaching every patient as a unique individual and believes in supporting the body’s own inherent abilities to heal.
Naturopathic Medicine is grounded in six principles:
- First Do No Harm
- Identify and Treat the Cause
- Treat the Whole Person
- The Body Has Inherent Wisdom to Heal
- Doctor Means Teacher
- Prevention is Cure
Naturopathic Physicians emphasize the use of diet, exercise, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, physical medicine, and herbal therapies to prevent disease and promote wellness with few or no side effects. Naturopathic Physicians attend accredited four-year graduate level Naturopathic medical schools to become primary-care practitioners. They receive the same basic training as an MD or DO, and also study clinical nutrition, physical medicine, psychology, homeopathic and botanical medicine.
NDs treat the same conditions that an allopathic (conventional medical) doctor can treat, even in conjunction with your doctor.
How is Naturopathic medicine different from Conventional medicine?
While conventional medicine often relies on “quick fixes” that in some cases can be harmful in other ways, Naturopathic medicine seeks to truly heal the individual with a focus on root causes, not just on masking your symptoms with the first drug that comes to mind. Through both natural and conventional medicine combined with education, Naturopathic Physicians help bring people into their bodies.
This is why a typical visit to our doctors is much more comprehensive than your typical doctor visit, which only covers the conventional response to a single complaint. Insurance really only covers that narrow definition of a visit, and a narrow range of services, which is why we have Concierge Care to allow us to provide those more comprehensive visits, in addition to the other value of Concierge Care.
How does having a Nurse Practitioner on staff help support holistic health care?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can significantly broaden the holistic care that Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) offer by incorporating their medical expertise, particularly in areas of medication management and specialized care.
Medication and Pain Management: NPs are skilled in pharmacology and can prescribe medications, making them invaluable in pain management. They can provide conventional pharmaceutical options to complement the natural pain relief methods employed by NDs, such as botanical remedies or acupuncture, ensuring a comprehensive pain management strategy.
Integrative Approach to Health: Combining their knowledge in conventional medicine with naturopathic treatments, NPs offer an integrative approach to healthcare. This creates a harmonious blend of medication management with natural therapies, aimed at treating the individual’s health as a whole.
Botox and Aesthetics: NPs with certification in dermatological procedures can offer aesthetic treatments, such as Botox injections, within a naturopathic care setting. This service is more than just cosmetic; it’s about enhancing the patient’s overall well-being. Botox treatments can play a part in a patient’s holistic care by improving self-image and mental health, bridging the gap between internal health and external self-perception.
Expanded Clinical Care: With their extensive training, NPs can manage acute and chronic conditions effectively. They can swiftly address medical issues with their diagnostic and prescriptive capabilities, supporting the ND’s focus on wellness and preventive care.
Collaborative Models of Care: The synergy between NPs and NDs fosters a comprehensive healthcare model, where patients benefit from a full spectrum of services. This collaborative care model ensures that patients’ health concerns are addressed from multiple angles, combining the strengths of both naturopathic and conventional medicine.
In summary, NPs add a valuable dimension to naturopathic care, providing advanced medical interventions, pain management, and aesthetic services like Botox, all within a collaborative framework that supports a holistic approach to the patient’s health and well-being.