The practice of naturopathic medicine is the promotion of health, the assessment of the physical and mental condition of an individual, and the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and dysfunctions through education, common diagnostic procedures, and the integrated use of therapies and substances that promote the individual’s inherent self-healing processes.
Naturopathic doctors (ND’s) provide primary and adjunctive health care to people of all ages, focusing on the rational use of natural therapies to support and stimulate healing processes. Naturopathic doctors promote health and prevent illness, and diagnose and treat disease in a manner consistent with the body of knowledge and standards of practice for the profession.
Naturopathic therapies are selected to treat the individual’s presenting condition, taking into consideration their particular symptoms and overall health status. The underlying principles that guide the naturopathic doctor’s selection of therapies for individual patients are:
- First, do no harm
- To co-operate with the healing powers of nature
- To treat the root causes of disease
- The primary role of doctor as teacher
- To treat the whole person through individualized care
- Prevention of disease through healthy lifestyle
The body of knowledge that underlies treatment modalities used in modern naturopathic medical practice incorporates both traditional knowledge and the latest advances in medical science. Naturopathic therapies are selected to treat the individual’s presenting condition, taking into consideration particular symptoms and overall health status.
Naturopathic medicine is unique in that each naturopathic doctor is trained in all of the treatment modalities described below, and most importantly in their integrated use:
Botanical Medicine: Plant substances have been utilized safely and effectively for centuries in the prevention and treatment of disease. Their clinical uses and effects are described in detail in traditional literature, and they are the subject of an increasing amount of new scientific research. Documentation exists that demonstrates the safe and effective use of many botanical medicines over generations. Botanical medicines have pharmacological properties that necessitate their use by appropriately trained health care providers.
Clinical Nutrition: The relationship between nutrition and wellness, or between inadequate nutrition and disease, is well documented and is a cornerstone of naturopathic practice. Naturopathic application of clinical nutrition involves the use of dietetics and specific nutritional substances for the prevention and treatment of disease, the correction of dietary inadequacies and the promotion of wellness.
Counseling: A tenet of naturopathic medicine is that emotional health and physical health are interdependent. Naturopathic practice includes the integrated use of counseling techniques along with such methods as stress management and biofeedback when indicated.
Homeopathic Medicine: Homeopathic medicine was originally developed during the 18th century by the German physician, Hahnemann, and is widely used throughout the world. Minute amounts of substances prepared and prescribed according to strict homeopathic principles are used to evoke a physiological and/or psychological response.
The practice of homeopathic medicine includes a unique and detailed method of case taking and analysis, and an in-depth knowledge of homeopathic materia medica.
Lifestyle Modification: Environment and lifestyle have a significant
impact on health. Contamination of food, water or the local environment, and extremes in diet can cause a significant risk for the patient. These factors are evaluated and dealt with when appropriate.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture: TCM and acupuncture comprise a unique system that has been in use for 5,000 years for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. This system employs unique methods for evaluating the flow and balance of energy in the body, and includes the specialized use of Chinese herbs and acupuncture. Naturopathic doctors are trained to use this system when indicated as part of an integrated approach with Western diagnostic methods.
*Extracted from The Ontario Naturopathic Professions Submission to the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council, a joint submission by the BDDT-N and the OAND.
Naturopathic medicine is effective in treating:
Naturopathic medicine is effective in treating:
Cold and flu | Allergies and asthma | Digestive complaints |
Arthritis and inflammation | Immune function | Women’s health |
People of all ages | And much more! |
What to expect from your first naturopathic visit.
Patients must fill out detailed forms concerning their health before their initial consultation. The naturopathic doctor will take a thorough health history during the 60 minute consultation and listen to your health concerns and your health goals. He will also perform a complaint oriented physical exam when necessary. Please bring all recent lab work and supplements to your first visit. You may be prescribed natural health products which you can purchase from the clinic or at a health food store near you. All our products are trusted professional brands that use high quality pharmaceutical grade ingredients.
The second visit (30 minute) is booked 1-2 weeks later. This ensures the naturopathic doctor has enough time to research and design an individualized treatment plan for you. During this visit the naturopathic doctor will ask more questions and revised a treatment plan depending on your progress.
Naturopathic services are covered under most extended health insurance plans. Contact your insurance provider for more details.