Naturopathic physicians work with their patients to prevent and treat acute and chronic illness and disease, restore health, and establish optimal fitness by supporting the person's inherent self-healing process - the vis medicatrix naturae.
This is accomplished through:
Prevention
Prevention of disease is emphasized through public health measures and hygiene, as well as, the encouragement and guidance of a persons to adopt lifestyles which are conducive to optimal health.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis and evaluation of the individual's state of health are accomplished by integrated modern and traditional, clinical and laboratory diagnostic methods.
Treatment and Care
Therapuetic methods and substances are used which work in harmony with the person's inherent self-help process (the vis medicatrix naturae), including: dietetics and nutritional substances, botanical medicine, psychotherapy, naturopathic physical medicine including naturopathic manipulative therapy, minor surgery, prescription medications, naturopathic obstetrics (natural childbirth), homeopathy, and acupuncture.
You should expect a lengthy dialogue with your doctor – not with a nurse, not with the receptionist, not with a lab technician. Most importantly, you should expect a follow-up visit once your doctor has evaluated your history, your concerns, your current health status and any lab tests the doctor has ordered. Listening to and understanding the individual patient is the fundamental basis of naturopathic medicine. This approach allows for individualized treatment, rather than a cookie-cutter approach to patient care.
Because of the naturopathic doctor’s approach of treating the person, not the illness, there are very few illnesses or conditions that naturopathic medicine cannot alleviate. Naturopathic medicine may be a great adjunct to more conventional medicine for ailments that might otherwise be considered outside the naturopathic doctor’s scope. Certain conditions and ailments, however, have been shown to be particularly receptive to naturopathic care. Some, but certainly not all, of these are gastrointestinal disorders, environmental and food allergies, chronic sinusitis, asthma, skin conditions, obesity, blood sugar disorders, painful or heavy menstrual periods, migraines, fatigue, infertility, mood disorders, PMS, menopause, chronic heartburn and insomnia.
Yes, depending on the company that provides your health insurance. Many of our patient's regularly submit the Super Bill that we provide and are reimbursed by their insurance companies. Some insurance companies will cover blood work ordered by your naturopathic doctor. Some insurance companies will cover your entire visit. The easiest way to determine what aspects of your visit will be covered by your plan is to contact your insurance provider.
Absolutely not. Ever since the discovery of penicillin, scientific advances in pharmacology have saved countless lives and improved wellness for generations of people. There are some modalities in conventional medicine for which naturopathic medicine provides no substitute. However, there are many levels of intervention that can be used to return a person to health and the most modern method may not be the healthiest method for the patient.
As a general rule, naturopathic doctors favor using the least invasive methods. This might mean rest, hydration, or immune-boosting herbs with antimicrobial properties for a respiratory infection. If that approach fails, then a naturopathic doctor might opt to prescribe antibiotics or refer the patient out to another specialist – the health of the patient is the ultimate concern of any doctor, regardless of whether they are naturopathic or medical.
In fact, naturopathic doctors often work with medical doctors to provide adjunct care, such as natural treatments for the side effects of oncologist-prescribed chemotherapy. The basic philosophy of the naturopathic doctor is that the patient has the ultimate responsibility for their own health and always has the final say about what level of intervention is used for their care.
As women and men approach mid-life, many often wonder whether or not hormone therapy is the right option for them. Countless studies have shown that traditional (synthetic) hormone therapy can increase the likelihood of various types of cancer and heart disease. However, many are now taking a natural approach to hormone balance with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).With natural bioidentical hormones, women and men can find relief from symptoms of hormonal imbalance without the risks that come along with synthetic hormones.
Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are plant derived and are identical to the structure of the natural hormones found in our bodies. Bio-identical hormones are compounded at special compounding pharmacies into different forms of application. Because they are identical to the structure of hormones found in the body, adverse side effects and risks for cancer and heart disease are significantly reduced.
Traditional doctors don’t usually have the time or resources to seek expertise in Bio-Identical hormones. This is a specialized field, just as a cancer patient would go see an oncologist a patient desiring BHRT should seek treatment from a physician that specializes in this field. Dr. Faler, has extensive training in Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy, Anti-Aging Medicine, and treatment for Adrenal Fatigue.
Bio-Identical hormones are more appealing to the masses when dealing with menopause or andropause because they are derived naturally and our bodies can metabolize them properly. Another advantage of using bio-identical hormones is that they are specifically designed to match your individual hormonal needs - unlike synthetic hormones, which use a one-size-fits-all approach to symptom relief.There is an overwhelmingly large body of evidence that supports the claim that bioidentical hormone therapy is safer and more effective than synthetic hormone replacement. However, it's important to remember that no drug, supplement or herb is 100 percent safe - there is always a chance that you may experience an adverse reaction. That's why it's critical for women and men to consult with a hormone specialist before beginning any hormone therapy regimen, to safe-guard themselves from side effects.
At Anti Aging Northwest, our goal is to help women and men live the best life possible. Remember: the human body is resilient. When you give your body the attention and support it needs, you'll look better and feel better because of it. Dr Faler doesn’t rely solely on bioidentical hormones to restore your overall health. He also incorporates a variety of pharmaceutical grade supplements and medicinal herbs, as well as customized nutrition and fitness regimens. With bioidentical hormones and the help of a highly trained physician, you can be on your way to feeling better in no time. There are many factors in your daily life which can disrupt your optimal hormone balance, from an increase in stress levels to just growing older. The symptoms of the resulting imbalance can have a very detrimental effect on your life. You may feel tired all the time or have difficulty sleeping. You may experience hot flashes or night sweats, or your libido or even digestion may suffer.There's not a lot you can do to prevent hormonal imbalances - as you age, your hormone levels will fluctuate and decline - but you can restore proper hormone balance through natural Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. And once your hormones are in harmony again, those pesky symptoms will usually disappear.
For women suffering from the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, Bio-Identical hormones can alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, memory loss, mood swings, weight gain, and low libido. For men experiencing andropause (male menopause), Bio-Identical hormones can help with weight gain, decreased libido, fatigue, stress, low energy, loss of muscle mass, and increased body fat.
There are few side effects because Bio-Identical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones made naturally by the body. If the dosage of hormone is too high, side effects can occur. We closely monitor each patient to ensure proper hormone dosage.