The City of Humboldt has proclaimed May 4-10 as Naturopathic Medicine Week to mark the event sponsored by the provincial association.
Messaging on the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Doctors reveals that Naturopathic Medicine Week was created in 2000 to advocate on behalf of the naturopathic medical profession and to promote the health benefits of the practices to Canadians.
Dr. Megan Parker is a naturopathic doctor whose practice, It Starts with Nature Health Clinic, is based in Humboldt.
“The week is to celebrate naturopathic medicine and promote the profession in Saskatchewan and in Canada. We want to educate the public on this form of primary care medicine that blends centuries old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems.”
The array of treatments involved in naturopathic practice is impressive, at the core of which is to remedy the core cause of disease and dysfunction.
“In treating the underlying cause of disease, I use a variety of treatment modalities depending on the persona and the condition in front of me. I’m trained in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy (treatment will highly diluted reactive substances), and nutrition.”
In her general practice, Dr. Parker typically sees newborns and babies, children, adults and seniors. Her goal is to restore optimal functioning, manage chronic disease, and help people to thrive. The alleviation of chronic and acute pain is one of the chief targets.
“Our goal is how do we get our patients feeling better, so that might involve acute pain management. We always want to look at the aim of where the pain is coming from and how can we prevent relapses of those symptoms.”
Naturopathic doctors are part of an extended health care team including medical doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists and massage therapists. The doctors are part of a regulated profession in Saskatchewan, and more information about the practices is available through the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Doctors or they can reach out to a medical practitioner such as Dr. Parker.
“I’d like to thank the City of Humboldt for their continued support in recognizing Naturopathic Medicine Week,” Dr. Parker says. “It’s an important part of raising awareness about the profession.”