Naturopathic Medicine and Mental Health

When dealing with mental health concerns, research is showing the benefit of utilizing an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to treatment. Having a therapist, family doctor and Naturopathic Doctor on your team can help to treat and cope with any struggles you may be experiencing.

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic doctors are healthcare practitioners who focus on using natural remedies and therapies to support and stimulate the innate healing mechanisms of the body. Naturopathic medicine is a holistic form of medicine that emphasizes prevention and treating the underlying cause of illness rather than symptom management. Naturopathic doctors undergo extensive training in conventional medical sciences as well as natural therapies such as herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, acupuncture, and lifestyle counseling. Additionally, naturopathic medicine aims to identify and manage the root difficulties associated with brain and mental health concerns. Natural treatments are utilized to improve cognitive functioning - including memory and overall mental wellbeing.

Naturopathic Medicine & Mental Illness

In combination with a therapist, a Naturopathic Doctor can help identify and treat underlying potential causes of a mental illness including:

• Lack of nutrition

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Exposure to toxins in the environment

• Dietary changes

• Lack of sleep

• Vitamin deficiencies and other functional medicine testing

It should be noted that sometimes mental health difficulties are caused by factors such as traumatic events or family history. However, Naturopathic Doctors can also support patients by providing them with alternative treatments to cope with symptoms associated with their mental health.

This can include utilizing the following:

• Acupuncture

• Herbal medicine

• Aromatherapy

• Nutritional counseling

• Hypnotherapy

• Lifestyle counseling

• Hormone balancing

• Biofeedback

Naturopathic Doctors can provide supplementation for side effects from medications such as sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal difficulties, nausea, muscle spasms, and more. Additionally, supplementation can help regulate symptoms associated with mental health difficulties. When tapering off medications, NDs can help patients manage withdrawal symptoms (with the support of the prescribing physician).

Who is Dr. Makrides?

Our Naturopathic Doctor, George Makrides focuses on brain and body health in order to address a wide range of mental health concerns.

Some of his areas of interest are:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Insomnia

• Health and social anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Substance abuse

• Gastrointestinal difficulties

Interested in learning more about the relationship between naturopathic medicine and mental health support? Click here and book a free consultation with Dr. George Makrides, ND.