My first visit with the Naturopath Doctor was exciting.
In a 1-hour consultation, I felt like we made more progress with my health issues than the past few years with my regular family physician.
My regular family physician tends to dismiss everything I tell him and I feel like I’ve had no resolve for any of my digestive and reproductive issues. [I’m not saying that all family physicians are like this. I know there are great doctors out there.] I’m looking for a new doctor, but no one seems to be taking on new patients right now, especially because I already have a physician. I would have to first terminate my relationship with my current doctor and go on a wait list, which of course is a big risk when I’m not guaranteed to find a doctor right away. So I’m still on the hunt.
This is partly what made me seek out a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. Because it’s a private health care service, finding a doctor is easy and quick. The only downside is the cost. My insurance covers $15 per appointment, so most of the expense is coming out of my pocket. I’ve heard so many great things about ND’s, so I feel like the benefit will outweigh the cost.
I arrived about 15 minutes early and was greeted by the ND himself. He gives me a warm smile with kind eyes, while shaking my hand with what I think is the gentlest handshake I’ve ever felt. I feel like I’m crushing his hand and I quickly loosen my grip. I’m given a few forms to fill out which are mainly about my health history and present concerns that I would like to address. After filling out about 4 pages, we head into his exam room for the consultation.
The next hour was life changing.
After a brief chat, the doctor told me about his training and background. Impressive to say the least.
“What do you know about Naturopathy?”
Oh shit.
I mumbled something about treating the whole person and made wild gestures with my hands.
He smiled and nodded in a way that made me feel like a genius. I like him already.
I learned that Naturopathy is based on a holistic approach to health. In other words, it looks at the person as a whole. All of the psychological, physical, and social issues that make us who we are today are taken into account. You cannot treat an illness until you find and address the root cause of the illness. The goal is to help the body heal itself rather than using medication (unless necessary, of course).
The doctor told me that his main areas of clinical interest are gastrointestinal health, detoxification, and treatment of anxiety and stress related disorders.
The next hour was filled with relief. He listened to me as if what I was saying was the most important thing in the world. He didn’t dismiss anything I said. He was empathetic.
He even cracked jokes when he sensed that I was starting to squirm when talking about my poop.
That’s a good doctor.
I have been seeing a naturopath since April…my main concern is that she uses Standard Process supplements (which I know are great), but they contain gelatin and dairy sometimes. She also uses a homeopathic brand. How should I approach this? Would it be rude to ask her to only use the homeopathic brand?
Just part one is making me feel like I need to find a naturopath. I had a physical a few weeks ago and expressed some of my frustrations in a post, about how doctors use medications too much rather than holistic healing approaches. Can’t wait to hear the rest!
Thank you so much for sharing! I actually have been watching reruns of the X-Files (blast from the past!!) lately and a few of the episodes touch on the subject of Naturopathy. I hope it works out for you! I don’t have much faith in the doctors in my area but do not live near a doctor that practices Naturopathy. My local health food store is pretty knowledgable, though!
Sounds good so far! (Poop and all! LOL)
Can’t wait to read more about your visit.
That’s amazing! I hope that the rest of your visits are just as good and that he’s able to help you. I read that most general doctors are only required to take 1 class on nutrition, which scares me. Maybe some take more, but a lot don’t. I feel strongly that nutrition is one of the best ways to help your body, so it seems like all doctors should have taken more.
Sounds like you have found yourself a great ND!
I have been seeing an ND since 2004 and really enjoy the change from going to an MD. Have also referred friends & family to NDs with great results.
Looking forward to hearing more about your journey.
I’ve never heard of Naturopathy. So glad to have learned about it here! My current Dr. is super dismissive too. My thought is, “it’s my health and MY body, don’t you think you should at least consider what I’m telling you?” I went in for a cold and he saw my weight and said, “Ever heard of exercise?” And I said, “Yes, I go to spinning class 3 days a week and go for hikes on the other days.” He had no idea that I just lost 20lbs. What a jerk.
Sounds like Naturopathy may be the new road I need to explore…
Thanks Angela!
Wow I’m so sorry you went through that. I hope you’re able to find a doctor who is more sensitive and caring.
And congrats on your weight loss! That’s incredible.
That is so rude of him! Good on you for doing all the exercises and the weight loss!
I find some people tend to stereotype and then make hurtful comments.
Sounds like you’re off to a good start! Have a wonderful day!
Oh, and don’t forget to check out my FIRST GIVEAWAY!! :)
I think you’ll like it! :)
Holisic is awesome, isn’t it? I’m so happy I chose to be a holistic nutritionist. Looking at the body as a whole rather than focusing on one main issue has to be the most logic approach to wellness. Pointing out my clients’ food, lifestyle, and spiritual challenges and how they relate to their overall wellness has been so beneficial for them!
I’m happy you found a ND that you like, and that seems to be quite lighthearted!
I’m so glad it was positive, can’t wait to hear the rest!
That’s awesome that you found a good Naturopath! I would love to start seeing one at some point, or at least an MD with a major Holistic focus. In the meantime I’ve been studying to be a Holistic Health Counselor, which I love, and has helped me a lot in terms of self/preventative care and how to take care of myself so I only need to go to the Doc when I’m really ill. I would love to take my education further by getting into Clinical Nutrition etc at some point. It’s amazing what Holistic Minded practitioners do. I can’t wait for the day when there are more of them and it’s more mainstream! It’s getting there… Good luck and can’t wait to read more!!!
I LOVE going to the naturopath. I’m just so interested in everything mine has to talk about. I ask her a million questions, too!!! I’m glad you got some relief out of going to see yours. I bet you’ll find him SO helpful!!
PS- eating one of your choc chip cookies as I read this…and I might not stop after one (shhh don’t tell anyone lol)
your secret is safe with me..but leave room for tomorrow’s post!
I actually travelled to Toronto to see a naturopathic doctor about a year ago with my mom! Quite interesting but very very expensive. In the end I couldn’t handle the money for all the supplements i needed and travelling costs plus appointment costs to keep up with it though :/ i still keep in mind the food things he taught me and also do take the most essential supplements i know i tested low for!
I can’t wait to hear more! I will definitely be seeking out an ND if I have any health issues. I trust their approach much more than that of an MD.
I love my Naturopath!! I remember my first visit, feeling so throughly listened to and honored. Also I couldn’t believe how long she spent with me! I am so glad you had the same experience!!
My daughter sees a naturopathic doctor every few months. I think they are great and they make her feel so comfortable. It’s been great.
I apparently read the main part of the blog without reading the headline because when I got to the end I was left thinking “Well…..what happened??” I felt as if the rest of the blog had disappeared somewhere and I was getting jipped. It was then that I noticed we are only getting part I! (Whoops!) It was such an interesting read, I cannot wait for Part II! Hopefully you can tell us a few secrets ;)
I am so glad that your appointment went well!
Sounds like such a great start!
Hi Angie,
I’ve been following your blog for quite awhile, and it has been immensely helpful to me for a variety of reasons. I’ve also struggled with eating issues, have been slowly adopting a vegan lifestyle, and have also struggled with phase of life/career issues as well. So, I can very much relate to the content of your site. I appreciate your openness and your playful spirit. I very much look forward to reading your posts each day :)
As a physician in my 3rd year of post-grad training in psychiatry, I hear what you are saying about traditional medicine. Sometimes the rigors of the “system” make it easier (but certainly not excusable) for a doc, if he or she is not keen and vigilant, to stop listening to his or her patient after a short amount of time. I think the research says that doctors tend to cut patients off after as little as 10-15 seconds…that’s amazing to me. How we possibly provide good care in that instance? I’m in a field where all we really do is listen/talk, so I’m fortunate. I believe it is so validating for a patient to just feel HEARD!
On a personal note, I can relate to you because I too have been having strange symptoms over the past year or so, and traditional medicine just wanted to give me a “pill for every ill”. I knew there had to be something different out there.
I found a wellness center in my area in Texas and had my first visit yesterday. They are very much focused on fixing hormonal imbalances, detoxifying the body and supplementing vitamin deficiencies. I’m so looking forward to having visits with someone who actually LISTENS to what my body is going through without dismissing them as “stress” or “in my head”, and am so grateful to be on the path to wellness using natural, holistic methods.
I wish you the best as you continue with your ND and hope that you get to feeling better soon!
And thanks again for the awesome blog! :)