Cascade Chiropractic

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine blends the best of science and nature to aid the human body back to optimal health. The human body
has a very powerful innate healing power, proving that our bodies want to be in balance and function properly. It is the body’s
struggle to fight illness that creates the symptoms that we experience. These symptoms are the body’s signal that it is not
functioning optimally. Naturopathic doctors educate their patients to make the necessary lifestyle changes through diet and
exercise in addition to evidence-based natural therapies to support the body to combat disease and recover from illness.
Naturopathic doctors consider the whole person when developing a comprehensive treatment plan and strive to find and treat
the cause of disease rather than treat the symptoms of disease.

Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine:

The Healing Power of Nature: The body has the innate ability to heal itself and it is the naturopathic doctor's role to
facilitate this natural process by providing patients with the necessary tools.

Identify and Treat the Cause: Unless the root of the disease or condition is revealed, treatment will only resolve the
symptoms rather than treat the cause of disease.

First Do No Harm: The process of healing includes the manifestations of symptoms, so that any therapy that interferes
with this natural healing process by masking symptoms is considered suppressive and should be avoided.

Treat the Whole Person: That means treating the entire body, including the mental and emotional aspects in addition to
the physical body.

Doctor as Teacher: It is the role of the Naturopath to educate patients and encourage them to take responsibility for
their own health.

Prevention: The ultimate goal of the Naturopathic Physician is prevention. Dr. Mercer’s emphasis is on building health,
not fighting illness. This is done by creating and maintaining healthy lifestyles, healthy beliefs, and healthy
relationships.

Education, Credentials, Licensure:

Naturopathic Doctors undergo a rigorous 4-year medical education, including but not limited to Anatomy & Physiology,
Biochemistry, Immunology, Cardiology, Urology, Clinical & Physical Diagnosis, Gynecology, Minor Surgery, Neurology, Pathology,
Pediatrics, and Pharmacology. In addition to this standard medical curriculum, naturopathic medical students must do extensive
coursework in natural therapeutics including Botanical Medicine, Medical Nutrition, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy, Physical
Medicine, Physiotherapy, IV Therapy, and Lifestyle Counseling. Prior to practicing Naturopathic medicine, graduates must pass
both the national Naturopathic board examinations in addition to their state's board licensing examination.

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is an effective and scientific system of healing which assists the body’s innate healing process. It recognizes that all
symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person. When a person’s healing process is faulty or
suppressed, the homeopathic remedy acts as a stimulus to the innate healing powers of the body.

What are Bio-identical Hormones?

Dr. Mercer specializes in women’s health and correcting hormone imbalances. She is well trained in identifying which patients
(both men and women) are candidates for bio-identical hormone replacement. Bio-identical hormones are plant-based and
manufactured to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. Since bio-identical hormones are
molecularly identical to the hormones in humans, people rarely experience negative side effects with their use. In contrast,
conventional synthetic hormones are not molecularly identical to the hormones that humans have and patients often experience
side effects as a result. For those patients who are not candidates for conventional or bio-identical hormone replacement, Dr.
Mercer has had great success in treating hormone imbalances through other means, including herbs/botanical supplementation,
homeopathy, diet, and lifestyle modifications.