Naturopathic medicine is a system of preventing and treating illness through the use of non-drug and non-surgical approaches. Naturopathic physicians have a wide variety of treatments that they may use and which ones are selected for a patient are determined on a case by case basis, taking into consideration the particular needs of the individual. Treatments used in Dr Serenity Aberdour’s practice include:

• Herbal medicine
• Nutritional counselling and nutritional supplementation
• Injections and intravenous vitamin treatments
• Acupuncture

Dr Aberdour's Philosophy

Dr Aberdour believes that the 6 principles of naturopathic medicine, which have guided naturopathic physicians for decades, are a solid foundation for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. These principles are:

• First do no harm: Use the most natural and least aggressive interventions that will be effective in each case.
• Treat the cause: Prevent and treat the underlying cause of illness, don't just treat the symptoms.
• Treat the whole person: Heal the whole person, not just the parts.
• The healing power of nature: Support the ability of the body to heal itself, intervene only as much as required to re-establish a healthy balance and use the most natural interventions possible.
• Doctor as teacher: explain to patients what is being done, why, and how it will help. Educate and empower patients so that they may help to heal themselves
• Prevention: Do what is possible to prevent pain, suffering and disease instead of waiting to treat it.

 

NDs are trained to diagnose, prevent and treat a wide range of health complaints. In general, most chronic health problems and some acute problems can be helped through naturopathic therapies. Conditions commonly seen by NDs include fatigue and lack of energy, pain of various kinds, digestive disorders, sports injuries, hormone imbalances and menstrual complaints, arthritis, colds and flu, skin diseases and many others. Dr Aberdour has a particular interest in digestive disorders, sports medicine and natural pain relief but she sees many other complaints in her practice as well.

Naturopathic physicians practicing in British Columbia are required to attend at least three years of University followed by a 4 year naturopathic medical program at a recognized naturopathic college in Canada or the USA. After the completion of this program they are required to write licensing exams and maintain a required number of continuing education hours. Dr Aberdour is also board certified in acupuncture and intravenous and chelation therapies.