Naturopathic Medicine
Philosophy
What is naturopathic medicine? Naturopathy is a medical philosophy based on six principles. 1) First do no harm. 2) The healing power of nature. 3) Treat the whole person. 4) Treat the individual, not the disease. 5) Doctor as teacher. 6) Prevention. With these six principles as a foundation for practice, Dr. Sarah Murphy utilizes a dynamic range of natural therapeutics.
TrainingNaturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained as primary health care practitioners. The naturopathic education consists of a four year, graduate level, accredited naturopathic medical program. The first two years of schooling are similar to those of a conventional medical doctor (MD), the majority of classes consisting of the basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathology, etc), physical examination and diagnosis. The remaining two to four years consist of specialized academic courses (i.e. cardiology, EENT, gynecology, gastroenterology, urology, etc). In addition courses in naturopathic therapeutics are covered such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, clinical nutrition, spinal manipulation, and counseling. After graduation, NDs must pass the national board examination to become licensed. Dr. Murphy has spent over 1500 hours in the teaching clinics at National College of Natural Medicine and has personally worked with more than 600 patients prior to opening her own practice.
Naturopathic Manipulation Therapy (NMT) This physical medicine modality draws upon osteopathic and chiropractic traditions and consists of spine and joint adjustments and muscle release techniques. It helps align the posture of the body and is an effective treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, pain, and/or dysfunction.
Nutritional Supplements, Herbal Medicine, and Homeopathy These are the constituents of the naturopathic doctor’s pharmacy. Dr. Murphy will employ these as needed in a combination designed specifically for you.
IV Nutrients Intravenous nutrient therapy is a highly effective way to introduce large quantities of vitamins and minerals directly to the bloodstream. IV nutrient therapy can enhance cellular function, correct nutrient deficiencies, and boost the immune system. A treatment will consist of a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids or natural based agents specifically formulated for each individual’s specific needs.
Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy is the use of water as a carrier for hot and cold temperature applications to the body for the treatment of disease. The healing effects of hydrotherapy include stimulating the immune system, influencing the production of stress hormones, invigorating the circulation and digestion, encouraging blood flow, and lessening pain sensitivity. Hydrotherapy can treat colds/flus, reduce fevers, help headaches, reduce swelling and pain, and speed up the healing of traumatic injuries, etc.
Mind-Body, Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Exercise Counseling Health is a balanced state of being that is dependent on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual factors that all interact. Likewise, nutritious diet, movement/exercise, stress management, and a balanced lifestyle are important. However, each person’s particular needs and life path is unique. Dr. Murphy explores these personal factors with you and helps you find a path that works for you.
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Acupuncture
In acupuncture ultra-thin (about the width of two pieces of hair), sterile needles are inserted into specific points on your body. Usually people feel a tingling or aching sensation that is associated with the energy (called qi) moving. For most people, these sensations are not uncomfortable or painful. In fact, many people (even those once afraid of needles) find acupuncture very relaxing.
Acupuncture treatments can assist with the treatment of addiction(s) as it provides energy balancing so as to decrease the need for alcohol or drugs, as well as relaxation and relief from cravings. Ear acupuncture has been studied and shown successful results in the treatment of addiction to various drugs, including alcohol, cocaine, opiates, and marijuana.
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back to top>Therapeutic Massage
Dr. Murphy has extensive training in Swedish massage, Vibrational massage (releases stuck trauma and promotes fluid energy flow), and Naturopathic Manipulation therapy, which consists of various joint adjustments and efficient muscle release techniques. She also incorporates elements of Structural Integration therapy (to help release adhesions of the myofascia), Applied Kinesiology, Thai Yoga massage, Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage, and Shiatsu.
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Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu yoga is a style of yoga that focuses on developing nonjudgmental awareness. It encourages one to increase awareness of bodily sensations, thoughts, feelings, and emotions that arise within the poses. Through developing this compassionate awareness of and connection to our true selves and the body in motion we eventually can tap into instinctual, intuitive, healing movement.
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