What is Naturopathic Medicine?

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. They are health care professionals who use safe, non-invasive therapies to assist the whole person in maximizing the body’s inherent self-healing capacity.

Naturopathic physicians are primary care and specialty doctors who address the underlying cause of disease through effective, individualized natural therapies that integrate the healing powers of body, mind, and spirit. Naturopathic doctors are unique in providing diagnosis and treatment that bridges both conventional and natural medicine through integrating scientific research with the healing powers of nature.
Naturopathic medicine is a system of health care distinct from conventional medicine in that it treats the individual not the disease, and looks to heal symptoms from their root cause rather than simply palliate them.

The goal of a naturopathic doctor is to utilize therapies that support and promote the body’s natural healing process, leading to a state of optimal wellness.

Naturopathic treatments invokes the body’s healing capacity and stimulates health from the inside out. Trained to utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, naturopathic doctors focus on:

• Assessment and treatment of the underlying causes of illness
• Health maintenance and wellness promotion
• Preventing disease
• Teaching patients about their healthy living

Naturopathic medicine combines safe and effective traditional therapies with the most current advances in modern medicine. It is appropriate for the management of a broad range of health conditions affecting people of all ages, including pre and post natal care.

What to expect

Naturopathic treatment is comprehensive and requires your active involvement. The naturopathic doctor acts as a facilitator and guide, allowing you to take charge of your own health and to develop new skills for healthy living. Our goal is to promote wellness in your life, regardless of the physical challenges you may face.

Assessment is made through an understanding of your personal history along with physical examination, laboratory testing, and symptom evaluation. Treatment may include any of the following:

• Dietary and lifestyle regimens
• Homeopathic medicine
• Herbal medicine
• Nutritional supplements
• Acupuncture
• Counseling
• Hydrotherapy
• Body work
• Physical medicine
  

Initial visits are 1-2 hours and subsequent visits last up to an hour. Naturopathic care is covered by most insurers .

Education and Training

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors complete 4 years of full-time graduate study at an accredited school studying the medical sciences, including:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry and pharmacology
• Pathology
• Physical and clinical diagnosis
• Primary care
• Obstetrics
• Pediatric medicine
  

Naturopathic education also includes studying naturopathic philosophy, principles and treatment modalities, including:

• Clinical nutrition
• Asian medicine and acupuncture
• Homeopathic and botanical medicine
• Physical medicine

Naturopathic Doctors must pass two sets of comprehensive North American board exams and a provincial board exam to become licensed in Ontario.

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