Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine may be exactly what you have been searching for- individualized health care.

Naturopathic Medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to obtaining wellness and vitality.

Naturopathic Doctors (ND’s) focus on the totality of the symptoms presented, thereby viewing the whole person, respecting their mental- emotional, spiritual and physical dimensions. Understanding this connection, ND’s realize that a problem in one of these spheres will ultimately cause an imbalance in another. It is the main goal of the ND to address the primary cause of this imbalance.

Naturopathic medicine focuses on prevention of illness and the use of non-toxic, non-invasive therapies.

To achieve this goal, the primary therapies employed by Naturopathic Doctors include: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, lifestyle counseling, acupuncture and Asian medicine.

ND’s will assess which treatments will be most effective for a personalized treatment plan.

What are the Naturopathic Modalities?

Acupuncture and Asian Medicine–

the use of herbs and acupuncture for treatment of various conditions; acupuncture involves the stimulation of points on the body along pathways known as meridians which enhances the flow of vital energy (chi)

Botanical Medicine–

the use of plants, tinctures, essences to treat many ailments, involving internal and external applications. ND’s are professionally-trained herbalists and understand the historical use of plants/herbs in addition to knowing modern pharmacological mechanisms

Homeopathic Medicine–

minute doses of plant, animal and mineral substances for treatment and prevention; a system of medicine whose fundamental principle is ‘like cures like’

Hydrotherapy–

one of the most ancient and effective forms of therapy; the traditional use of water therapies for various conditions; colds and flu, circulation problems, fatigue, stress, etc.

Clinical Nutrition–

diet analysis, nutritional assessment, diet and supplement recommendation for health promotion and disease treatment

Naturopathic Manipulation/Physical Medicine–

numerous techniques for assessment and correction of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions; the use of ultrasound, diathermy, massage and electromagnetic agents

Counseling/Lifestyle Modification–

essential to the practice of Naturopathic Medicine; assessment and implementation of programs to modify abnormal behaviour, addictions, deleterious thought patterns, and various psychological issues

Questions Commonly Asked……………

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by OHIP or insurance?

At this time Naturopathic Medicine is not covered by OHIP, but there are insurance providers that do cover Naturopathic Services. Patients with insurance should contact their insurance agent to see whether they are covered or if not, how they can include Naturopathic Medicine into their policy.

How are ND’s trained?

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors obtain a minimum of three years pre-medical studies at University and then enter an accredited Naturopathic Medical College for four years of study. An ND’s training involves studying the basic medical sciences and the various Naturopathic Medicine treatment modalities with at least 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. Upon graduation, ND’s must pass rigorous written and practical examinations to obtain their license.

What can I expect from a visit?

Naturopaths provide all phases of primary health care. Clinical assessment generally follows the conventional medical model. The first visit intake will involve a detailed history intake and subsequent visits may require a physical examination and laboratory evaluation. Naturopaths also rely on other techniques for assessment, following guidelines proposed by Traditional Chinese Medicine and clinical nutrition therapy.

Once a diagnosis is made and there is a good understanding of the patient’s overall health status, the ND and patient will discuss the best treatment options. Part of the therapeutic process involves empowering and teaching the patient that they have the responsibility to take care of their own health. In this way, the ND acts as a guide to assist patients reach their optimal health.

How long are clinic visits with an ND?

First visits involve a detailed patient history intake and are 1 hour in length.

Subsequent visits range from 30 minutes to 1 hour in length and involve a physical examination, patient education, and implementation of appropriate therapies.

Is Naturopathic Medicine Safe?

The safety record for naturopathic medicine is excellent. ND’s use gentle, non-invasive techniques as part of their therapy which follows the first principle of Naturopathic Medicine – to do no harm. There is an emphasis on non-toxic and natural substances. In addition, ND’s are knowledgeable about the pharmacological reactions between conventional drugs and traditional naturopathic remedies.