Naturopathic Medicine

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

The primary goal of naturopathic medicine is to address the cause of illness rather than suppression of symptoms or disease management. The patient is seen as a whole person as their Naturopathic Doctor (ND) strives to take their physical, mental, and emotional dimensions into account when developing a treatment plan. NDs have at least 7 years of post-secondary education, including a 4-year full-time program at one of 4 accredited naturopathic institutes in North America, and have passed rigorous international examinations to become licensed. NDs use clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, and lifestyle counseling to help patients achieve their health goals.

The primary goal of naturopathic medicine is to address the cause of illness rather than suppression of symptoms or disease management. Focusing on prevention and using natural substances and treatments, naturopathic doctors (NDs) work with their patients to support and stimulate the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

What naturopathic treatments will be used?

• Clinical Nutrition
• Botanical Medicine
• Stress management and lifestyle counseling
• Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine
• Homeopathy
• Hydrotherapy

What can be expected at a visit to an ND?

The first visit is hour and a half; an in-depth patient history will be taken and a physical exam is performed. Laboratory tests will be used to assist in making an assessment and diagnosis. Follow up visits are done as needed to ensure your health is improving as expected, and to allow for modifications in the treatment plan.

How are NDs trained?

NDs are general practitioners of natural medicine who have at least seven years of post-secondary education. This includes a 4-year full-time program at one of four accredited naturopathic institutes in North America. NDs learn conventional and alternative diagnostics, basic medical sciences, and natural approaches to addressing body-mind illness. NDs complete 1500 hours of supervised clinical internship treating patients. Graduates must then pass rigorous provincial and international examinations before obtaining a license to practice naturopathic medicine.

What kind of issues can be treated?

Naturopathic medicine covers all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care. Virtually all conditions can benefit from naturopathic care, including women’s and men’s health issues, chronic illness, and acute conditions.