ABOUT 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 TREAT

Acute Conditions like colds and flu, infections, rashes, ear aches, sprains
Chronic Conditions like allergies, arthritis, high cholesterol, PMS, depression
Physical exams, and Annual PAP exams, as well as blood tests for screening or monitoring conditions are routine. We may order additional tests to prevent disease. We also may suggest functional tests for more particular, specialized information (such as food allergy testing).

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.

A 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.

Please phone for an appointment or for a more timely response to questions.

OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday 8:30am to 3 pm
Wed 8-:30-4 pm
Thurs 9-1 by appointment only by calling 207-647-9423.

 

P.O. Box 167
North Bridgton, ME 04057
Phone: 207-647-9423
Fax: 207-647-3669
Email: jmforbesnd@gmail.com