How a Naturopathic Doctor can help Dancers.
What is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?
Naturopathic medicine is an approach to health care that stems from the traditions of using natural remedies to heal the body. It has grown to encompass a large variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, such as herbal medicine, nutraceutical supplements, clinical nutrition, diet and lifestyle counselling, intravenous therapies, acupuncture, and more.
Naturopathic medicine is not simply Western medicine with herbal supplements instead of pharmaceuticals. It is the difference in the philosophy and approach to medicine that truly makes naturopathic medicine unique. Naturopathic doctors follow six key guiding principles that shape this philosophy and approach. These are first do no harm, the healing power of nature, identify and treat the causes, doctor as teacher, treat the whole person, and prevention. A naturopathic doctor helps their patients better understand their health, empowers them, and gives them the tools to improve their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. It looks at the whole person and understands the complex relationship between physical systems in the body as well as the connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual health. With naturopathic medicine, root cause of the illness is what is treated, not simply suppression of symptoms. Naturopathic medicine is not against western medicine. It strives to understand when and how to use the two together for the best interest of the patient. To accomplish this deep level of healing, a naturopathic doctor will spend 1-2 hours with a patient initially. This allows information about health history, stress, lifestyle habits, and much more to be discussed. Naturopathic medicine can be used to treat both acute and chronic conditions, as treatment plans are created individualized for each patient.
Modalities and Services
Naturopathic doctors offer a variety of modalities and services. The focus of naturopathic medicine combines evidence-based medicine and root cause approaches to creates individualized treatment plans for each patient.
These modalities and services include:
Diet and lifestyle counseling
Clinical nutrition
Supplementation & nutraceuticals
B12 injections & other injection therapy
Intravenous (IV) therapy
Botanical medicine
Acupuncture
Cupping
Ordering & interpreting lab work
Physical examinations & medical diagnosis
Pelvic exams & PAP tests
Hydrotherapy
How Naturopathic Medicine Can Benefit Dancers
Dancers, with their unique physical and emotional demands, can significantly benefit from naturopathic medicine. Here are several key areas where an ND can provide valuable support:
Digestive Health: Many dancers struggle with digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and food intolerances. An ND can help treat the root cause of digestive concerns, identify food sensitivities, and/or provide nutritional guidance and targeted supplementation to support optimal digestive function.
Menstrual Concerns: Female dancers often experience menstrual issues such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramps, endometriosis, and irregular periods. NDs can offer natural solutions to regulate cycles and alleviate symptoms, ensuring that these issues do not hinder performance.
Energy and Athletic Performance: Maintaining high energy levels and peak performance is crucial for dancers. Naturopathic medicine can enhance athletic performance through tailored nutrition plans, supplementation, and strategies to improve recovery and prevent injuries.
Sleep Support: Quality sleep is essential for recovery and performance. NDs can address sleep disturbances and provide natural remedies to promote restful sleep, ensuring dancers are well-rested and ready to perform.
General Nutritional Support: Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a dancer’s health. NDs can offer dietary counseling, healthy recipes, meal plans, and sustainable diet changes to support overall wellbeing.
Pain Management and Injury Recovery: Dancers are prone to injuries and chronic pain. Naturopathic treatments such as acupuncture, cupping, targeted supplementation, and botanical medicine can effectively manage pain and accelerate recovery.
Mental Health Concerns: With the high demands of the competitive dance world, some dancer may struggle with anxiety, depression, and/or other mental health concerns. NDs provide holistic approaches to support mental health, including stress management techniques and natural remedies, such as botanical medicine, supplements, and nutritional support.
Immune Support: A strong immune system is vital for dancers who are often exposed to physical and emotional stress. NDs can help strengthen the immune system and manage chronic infections.
Preventive Health and Health Optimization: NDs focus on preventive care and optimizing health, ensuring that dancers remain in peak condition.
Stress, Burnout, and Fatigue: The rigorous demands of dancing can lead to burnout and fatigue. NDs offer comprehensive strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve energy levels.
Naturopathic doctors play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of dancers, offering personalized, holistic, evidence-based care that addresses the unique challenges they face. By focusing on the root causes of health issues and promoting natural healing, NDs empower dancers to achieve their best both on and off the stage.
