Naturopathic Medicine blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health.

Naturopathic Medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness - the medicine is tailored to the patient and emphasizes prevention and self-care.

Naturopathic Medicine recoginzes an inherent self-healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.

Naturopathic Medicine is a scientifically based approach to supporting the body’s own healing power with the use of safe, natural therapies such as:

Therapeutic nutrition/diet
Herbal/botanical medicines
Homeopathic medicines
Hydrotherapy
Stress management and lifestyle modification
Physical Medicine

Naturopathic Doctors:

(ND) is a primary care general practitioner trained as an expert in natural medicine. Naturopathic physicians perform physical exams, laboratory testing, gynecological exams, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, allergy testing, x-rays and other diagnostic tests.

They are the only primary care physicians clinically trained in the use of a wide variety of natural therapeutics. They combine and adapt these treatments to the needs of the individual based on a cogent philosophy that acknowledges the patient as a participant.

Dr. Forbes does not typically prescribe pharmaceutical drugs (like antibiotics), or perform invasive procedures, but will refer you to another health care provider if these are needed.

Training:

Like medical doctors, naturopaths must complete a four-year postgraduate program of education at an accredited naturopathic medical school. This includes training in the conventional diagnosis of disease – history and physical exam, blood work, lab tests, and diagnostic imaging (X-ray, scans, MRI). Additionally, training encompasses a wide variety of natural therapies. This results in a blending of scientific advancements in diagnosis with the safe and sound principles of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic physicians are licensed by the State of Maine as primary care doctors, after passing a comprehensive proficiency examination.

Typical Visit:

Initial visits are usually one hour in length, with history of present symptoms and past complaints, family medical history, and appropriate physical exam. Tests may be ordered, and supplement suggestions made. Follow up visits are generally 15 to 45 minutes, as dictated by need.

Naturopaths are trained to listen very carefully, as each patient is unique, and requires individualized support based on their physical, mental, or emotional nature, and the stresses in their lives.

Philosophy:

Everyone realizes that the way we care for the environment today determines how well it will thrive in the future. The same is true for people. Viewing the individual as a whole, recognizing symptoms and signs from the body, mind and spirit as signals for what is needed for balanced life and health I provide an individualized treatment plan tailored to the uniqueness of each person. As a Naturopathic Physician I attempt to find the underlying cause of a patient’s condition and focus on diagnosis and treatment of these causes as opposed to focusing on symptomatic treatment. This approach emphasizes prevention and self-care with the physician acting to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery. I see my role as assisting with the inherent self-healing process.