What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic Doctors, sometimes referred to as “NDs”, are provincially-regulated primary care providers. They are general practitioners of natural medicine. With extensive education, including a pre-med science study and four years of training at an accredited Naturopathic college, NDs integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. NDs are eclectic, each with a slightly different approach, but they all believe that balancing the mind, body and environment is the path to optimal health because it supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. 

“ND”, “naturopathic doctor” and “naturopath” are protected titles. That means only people who are qualified to practise can use the title. Anyone seeing a naturopath should expect a highly trained professional who has met comprehensive standards. 

Naturopathic Doctors are also experts at early detection, prevention and treatment of chronic disease, and their personalized treatment plans work with each individual patient’s lifestyle and body chemistry.

Some NDs focus their practices in specific areas, such as treating children or the elderly, providing adjunctive cancer support, sport-related health, digestive health, pain management, etc. The majority of NDs work in multi-disciplinary practices with health professionals from other regulated professions including for example, conventional medical doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and chiropractors.

Everyone wants to live a strong vital and healthy life. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are primary general health care practitioners and can help guide patients on the path to feeling their best.