Naturopathic medicine is a complete and coordinated approach to health care. It is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies and gentle techniques.

Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine are specialists in natural medicine and preventive health care, integrating scientific knowledge with traditional healing wisdom. They are health-care professionals who use safe, gentle, non-invasive therapies to assist the whole person in maximizing the body’s inherent self-healing capacity.

Naturopathic medicine can play a vital, cost-effective role in the healthcare system.

Naturopathic physicians are primary care providers who treat patients for a variety of conditions, using therapies that are non-invasive, safe, and effective.  More patients are demanding these kinds of treatment options, and the cost of naturopathic care is minimal when compared to the skyrocketing costs of drugs.

NDs spend a great deal of time listening to their patients, attending to their emotional, mental, and spiritual needs as well as to their physical symptoms.

Because naturopathic medicine places significant emphasis on prevention (not merely on screening for pre-existing conditions), it can help stem the increasing incidence of chronic disease.  For a small expenditure now, significant costs can be prevented later.

Naturopathic medicine provides vital adjunctive care when a patient is being treated by a medical doctor for a serious condition.  For example, naturopathic medicine can help alleviate the severe side effects of chemotherapy and can provide support for better healing.  A study done recently showed that this valuable care accounts for only 2% of the cost of cancer treatment.

The education of naturopathic doctors (NDs) follows a path similar to that of medical doctors (MDs).  Applicants enter naturopathic medical school after receiving a baccalaureate degree (usually pre-med) from a four-year college.  Students complete two years of post-graduate basic science coursework then have two to three years of didactic and clinical training, including time spent in supervised patient care.

1. Practitioners must be educated at medical colleges that have been accredited by an agency recognized by the Alternative Medicine Examiners Council of Canada (AMECC)
2. Practitioners must be examined by a national examining board that sets high standards for eligibility and provides standardized test administration; board examinations must be developed in accordance with national testing standards; and
3. Practitioners must be licensed, required to take continuing education, and subject to peer review.

Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture: TCM is defined as a medical science governing the theory and practice of traditional Chinese medicine. It includes Chinese medication, pharmacology/herbalogy, acupuncture, massage and Qigong.

Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Herbal or Botanical Medicine is the use of herbs for disease prevention and restoration of the body and it’s immune system as a primary intervention treatment for specific conditions.

Clinical Nutrition: Dietary modification and supplementation to optimize health.

Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies are chosen based upon the “Law of Similars.” This says that a medicine which produces a set of symptoms in a healthy person will cure the same set of symptoms.

Lifestyle Counseling: exploration of the patient’s physical, mental and emotional environment.

Physical Medicine: a variety of hands-on techniques for the spine, joints and soft tissues. Physical treatments also include hydrotherapy and the therapeutic use of heat and cold, light, massage and ultrasound).

What to expect during a naturopathic visit.

Initial consultation (60 minutes):

• Discussion of your immediate or primary health concern(s)
• An in-depth discussion of all aspects of your medical history and current conditions.
• Full consideration of every component of your health.
• A complete screening physical exam.
• Blood and urine tests will be ordered
• You will then be given comprehensive forms regarding health history and lifestyle that are to be completed before your next appointment.
• Above all, care and respect.

Follow-up visit (30-45mins):

• A comprehensive treatment plan tailored specifically to get at the underlying cause of any health concern.
• At the end of the visit, initial recommendations and prescriptions will be given.
• Frequency of follow up visits is dependent on your needs.

Subsequent visit (15-30 mins):

• Follow-up sessions may include treatment, further prescriptions, recommendations, and lifestyle counseling etc