Clinical Nutrition
One of the most important aspects of health is nutrition: we truly are what we eat. Eating whole foods in optimal amounts ensures that our bodies receive the nourishment they need to maintain optimal health. In naturopathic medicine, we realize that there is no one diet that works best for everyone. Dr. Hannan will help you learn both about healthy food options and the importance of how you are eating. The timing of meals and habits surrounding eating are as important as what foods you are eating. A focus on good nutrition is the basis for whole body health. In some cases, additional nutritional supplementation may be necessary to achieve optimal levels of nutrients or to help correct nutrient imbalances. Dr. Hannan utilizes high-quality nutritional supplements if they are deemed necessary.
Lifestyle Counseling
Lifestyle counseling is at the core of all treatment you will receive from a naturopathic doctor and forms the base for good health. Your activity level, sleep, stress levels, hydration status, social/emotional/mental health balance, as well as your home and work environments all play key roles in your overall health. Naturopathic medicine does not offer a quick fix to health issues, but rather Naturopathic Doctors help teach you how to live your life in such a way as to achieve optimum health.
Botanical Medicine
The use of herbal medicine is an important aspect of clinical naturopathy. Herbs are the grandparents of many pharmaceutical medications that we use today. Because of these medicinal properties, herbs can be used to treat a variety of health conditions; equally as important, there is the possibility to misuse herbal remedies and for them to interact with medications. You should only use herbal medicines under the guidance of those highly trained in botanical medicine.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a therapeutic system of medicine that is based on the principle of similars - like cures like - which means that a substance that can cause certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in an unhealthy person. Homeopathy aims to aid and stimulate the body's own defense and immune processes. Homeopathic medicines are derived from a variety of plants, animal materials and minerals and are prescribed to fit each individual's needs. They are given in much smaller and in non-toxic doses as compared to pharmaceutical medications, and are used for both prevention and treatment. They are very safe medications as they are so dilute. Children in particular often respond wonderfully to homeopathic medicines.
