Any thoughts on Naturopaths or NDs?

[Dignan]

I've been wondering about consulting with an ND in regards to getting different and more varied testing that the neuro and endo don't seem willing to do or don't understand my reasons for asking about.. Mainly in regard to side effects from meds or how meds are affecting my body in areas other than the brain.

I wondered if anyone had tried a naturopathy consultant or actual naturopathic doctor (ND) for these types of reasons, and what was your experience like? Do they seem legit? Is their sphere of knowledge worth tapping into, in an effort to approach seizure and medication issues from another angle?

Thanks.

-D:rock:

 

[epileric]

I saw a naturopath a few years ago.

She did help my heartburn but there wasn't anything they could do about my seizures or anything regarding medications side-effects. Remember that even herbs & plants have their own side-effects.

I do know that a lot of their practices do contradict what has been scientifically proven.

 

[julie wishes]

I'd love to here more on this subject, hopefully more people respond

I'm currently researching all options. Medication was not good for me. But being off meds isn't great either. I only suffer from simples, and possibly absence? So easier for me to stay off meds than maybe someone with t/cs ???

 

[epileric]

I just found this on Naturopathy.

Consider first the fact that nonsensical gibberish is enshrined in state law in the form of “CAM” practice acts, which give practitioners of implausible, if not wholly discredited, diagnostic methods and treatments carte blanche to ply their trades. For example, as has been discussed before on SBM, state law defines chiropractic as the detection and correction of subluxations, which, as many chiropractors themselves admit, do not exist. State practice acts define acupuncture in such pseudoscientific terms as “modulation and restoration of normal function in and between the body’s energetic and organ systems and biomechanical, metabolic and circulation functions using stimulation of selected points.”

As well, naturopathy practice acts allow “mixing and matching treatments including traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, herbalism, Ayurvedic medicine, applied kinesiology, anthroposophical medicine, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, Bowen Technique, and pretty much any other form of unscientific or prescientific medicine that you can imagine.” State practice acts also permit the indiscriminate use of the term “doctor” and “physician.” Scope of practice is broadly defined as “primary care.”

The “CAM” Consumer: Misled and Abused

 

[Dignan]

I agree that alot of alternative type treatments are pure bunk, but that doesn't mean that some things aren't helpful or useful. For example, a neurofeedback practictioner in my area who has a great reputation, used a few applied kinesiology techinques on me during his evaluation (not during QEEG or neurofeedback, just for his inital workup).

As you know, many on this site value neuorfeedback as an option and this Dr. has a good reputation. I found the QEEG to be useful, but put off the NF until I could switch meds.

That being said, I totally disregarded the applied kinesiology stuff as it seemed like pure quackery to me. But, as mentioned, that didn't keep me from seeing benefit in the other things his office did, such as QEEG and NF.

I just thought that someone with actual experience with a naturopathic doctor might have something to share about what they found useful.. if anything.

 

[epileric]

I just thought that someone with actual experience with a naturopathic doctor might have something to share about what they found useful.. if anything.

Sticking to my experience the naturopath I saw in Victoria didn't believe she (hence I'm assuming any naturopath) could do anything regarding my seizures or meds side-effects.

 

[MaryK]

I consulted a naturopath regarding my osteoporosis from phenobarbital because I did not want to be on Fosamax. I have had increased bone mass after taking the recommended amounts of calcium and magnesium that he prescribed and also his private brand.
I would not want a naturopath to consult on seizures.

There is an option though. There may be neurologists who are DO rather than MD. They have completed the medical training, similar amount of years, but they are more likely than MDs to incorporate vitamins, exercise, etc into their practice than an MD.

 

[LJ-Bain]

I saw a naturopath earlier this year.
Her focus was more along the lines of "you are what you eat".
I told her straight up that I was skeptical about homeopathic remedies but that I was willing to try nutritional ideas and vitamin supplements.
SHe had me on an anti-inflammatory diet where I had to stop eating wheat, corn, dairy, caffeine, sugar, citrus, potatoes, tomatoes and processed foods. I'm a vegetarian but otherwise I would have been able to eat organic meat or something along those lines.

She suggested things like eating slowly and with a grateful heart.
Brush my skin head to toe with a hairbrush or loofah before showering to detox.

Special vitamins to support my overworked muscles from contracting.

She took my blood pressure while lying down and then took it immediately when I sat up.

She said my adrenal glands seemed stress because my pupils would not stay very long in their pin pointed position when she shined a light in them.

She suggested cranio-sacral therapy and some sort of other touch remedy.

I lost alot of weight! It helped me feel less bloated and I found that I really am sensitive to chocolate.

She also didn't think she could make the seizures go away but that she could help my body cope better...

She was very nice and soothing and made me think of my body as a whole package interconnected but in the end I stopped going. Those were some mighty expensive vitamins!

 

[julie wishes]

I think any information about the body and it's inner workings is useful and imperative considering how seizures affect us from head to toe, and the medications are so harsh long term.

Unfortunately, it's the neurologists job to inform and educate, and it's obviously not being done in the majority of cases. So we seek outside information due to lack of knowledge and the "what pharmacy do you use" mentality of our treating doctors.

A wholistic approach is always the best approach. Whole...istic

So I applaud anyone seeking any information to make their life better. But as epileric points out... be skeptical, ask questions, and do your research. Could be that their brand of expensive vitamins actually does work miracles... but it makes one question their motives.

I used accupunture and had great results? I do believe there are things still to be discovered, and "mother nature" still has her hand in the pot.

 

[MaryK]

Could be that their brand of expensive vitamins actually does work miracles... but it makes one question their motives.

Their motive was simple, to help my osteoporosis without taking Fosamax. I also have RA so along with my phenobarbital for seizures I also am on long-term prednisone treatment.

Not quite a miracle but a substantial improvement in bone density per the radiologist on my last DEXA scan. The price like any other high end quality supplement.

Mary

 

[julie wishes]

Oh no, I meant if you go into something where someone is trying to sell you something, it can make you stop and wonder.... didn't mean to sound like I doubted you at all.