Why did I choose Naturopathic Medicine?

I honestly spent years of my high school education thinking I knew exactly what I wanted to do for a career! I knew healthcare and medicine was my calling, but growing up in a small northern community where the closest University is about a 5 hour drive away - I had a narrow understanding and mind-set as to what is actually out there in terms of professions.

I wanted to become a pharmacist, and then medical doctor - but something did not quite feel right.  I personally avoid taking any medications unless absolutely necessary - in fact I'll even live through the pain of a headache and not take an Advil.  I would try to figure out why I am getting this headache - is it because I am dehydrated? do I have a nutrient and/or mineral deficiency? Am I sensitive to a certain food that is triggering this headache? There could be many reasons!

So why would I dispense prescription drugs or get people to take a pill to feel better? It goes against my own personal values and beliefs.

A close family member told me about Naturopathic Medicine when I was attending the University of Waterloo.  Traditional medicine made her feel worse.  She felt drowsy, she had an upset stomach, and had unpleasant physical reactions to medications which were supposed to be of benefit to her.  She was referred to multiple specialists and every avenue of medical expertise was consulted but to no avail. She went to see a Naturopathic Doctor and it wasn't until then that her energy levels started improving; pain became more tolerable, and her digestive issues were becoming resolved.  I thought - Wow, this is powerful!!  I did my own research on Naturopathic Medicine and decided that this was the profession for me!

I chose Naturopathic Medicine because I believe the body has an innate ability to heal itself.  Sometimes life circumstances and events cause detriment to our health and we need to address the cause of the problem. Our health is not only physical, and we must also account for the mental, emotional, & spiritual aspects. The mind-body connection is equally important to consider. For instance, I've seen people in practice acquire physical symptoms following a vary tragic, stressful life event.

Holding feelings inside causes damage in the long run.  I believe it is important as people to express how we feel and to be able to do so in a caring and nurturing environment.   A patient should feel validated, accepted, and hopeful that their needs will be addressed.

Naturopathic Doctors address all aspects of health while coming up with an individualized treatment plan for patients. As a Naturopathic Doctor I spend time with patients in order to understand their health concerns and who they are as people.  In practice, I use acupuncture; diet and lifestyle advice; nutrition; botanical medicine; and/or homepathy to put together a treatment plan to benefit patients.

Questions?  Send me a message on the website contact form or email: [email protected].  Dr. Ashley is accepting new patients in Ottawa/Westboro at the Hampton Wellness Centre and
at Restore Chiropractic.