Q

A

Naturopathic medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness.  It is based on the healing power of nature and it supports and stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself.  It uses a combination of natural medicines and gentle hands-on techniques.

Q

What training do naturopathic doctors have?

A

Like a conventional doctor, dentist, or chiropractor, the naturopathic doctor first completes pre-medical studies at University.  The naturopathic student then moves on to a four year, full-time program at an accredited naturopathic college (The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine is one of four such colleges in North America).  The first two years of study focus on basic medical sciences and diagnosis.  The last two years concentrated on naturopathic principles and therapeutics, including extensive clinical practice in a supervised teaching clinic.

Q

Is Naturopathic Medicine Safe?

A

The safety record for naturopathic medicine is excellent. This makes sense given the emphasis on non-toxic, natural source medicines and gentle, non-invasive treatments. Side effects are rare and NDs are knowledgeable about contraindications between naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines.

Q

Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario ?

A

Yes, the naturopathic profession has been regulated in Ontario under the Drugless Practitioners Act (DPA) since 1925.

Q

Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP or insurance?

A

At this time naturopathic medicine is not covered by OHIP, however most insurance providers do cover naturopathic medicine.  Insured patients can contact their employer or insurance agents to see if they are covered.  If not, such coverage can often be included at nominal rates.

Q

What are the kinds of treatments that Naturopaths use?

A

The basic therapies are clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, Asian medicine (acupuncture and eastern botanicals), physical treatments and health counseling.  The range of modalities allows Naturopaths to develop treatment plans that address not only the physical aspect of a person, but also the mental and emotional aspects.  The naturopathic therapies are all based on the same principles: they all assist the body’s healing response, and they are often more effective when combined.

Q

What kinds of health problems can Naturopaths help with?

A

Naturopathic care can be helpful with many conditions such as chronic fatigue, allergies, arthritis, fibromyalgia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, digestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, skin conditions, headaches, ear and throat infections, menopause, PMS, menstrual disorders, infertility, endometriosis, fibroids, stress anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADD and many more. Preventative health care such as yearly gynecological exams and paps, prostate exams and regular health physicals are also conducted by Naturopaths.

Q

How long is an appointment with a Naturopath?

A

The first appointment with a Naturopath is about 1 ½ hours and subsequent appointments will be about ½ hour.  During the initial visit, Naturopaths invest much of their time listening and educating patients about medical terminology, test results from their family medical doctor, questions they might have about previously diagnosed or new conditions, and developing individual treatment plans.