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Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine that has been practiced in North America for over 125 years. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct form of primary health care built on a patient-centered approach that emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that support the body’s natural ability to heal and help the patient achieve sustainable health and wellness.
Naturopathic medicine involves a functional medicine approach to healthcare, identifying the biochemical and physiological imbalances within the individual, and using natural, scientifically-proven solutions to rectify these imbalances. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) focus on naturally occurring substances, minimally invasive methods, and the promotion of natural healing. They also emphasize illness prevention and a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Naturopathic Doctors focus not only on the symptoms but also the underlying conditions causing the symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors treat the root causes of disease and address preventable risk factors, using a wide range of science-and evidence-based, natural and conventional therapies.
An emphasis on disease prevention, nutritional advice, and natural health products are common practice amongst NDs. Underlying causes of disease are addressed with patients, not just symptoms. Educating patients on risk, considering contraindications / synergistic actions with drug and natural supplements, and encouraging self-responsibility for health are the foundation of the ND-patient relationship.
Patient care focused on wellness encompasses physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors.
Naturopathic assessment, diagnosis and treatment draws from a number of modalities (therapies) and is tailored to the individual. Treatments may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical treatments, acupuncture and Asian medicine, and lifestyle counselling.
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct form of primary health care. There are seven accredited schools of naturopathic medicine in North America.
Naturopathic medicine is based on the following principles:
Naturopathic medicine is for people of all ages and health histories who want to take their health into their own hands. NDs are primary health care providers and are qualified to see and treat everyone.
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.
Naturopathic medicine is based on the following principles:
Your naturopathic doctor chooses remedies and therapies that are safe and effective, to increase your health and decrease harmful side effects.
Your naturopathic doctor works to restore and support the powerful and inherent healing abilities of your body, mind and spirit and to prevent further disease from occurring.
The primary goal of your naturopathic doctor is to determine and treat the underlying cause of disease.
In treating the cause of any condition your naturopathic doctor takes into account not only your physical symptoms, but also mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual and other factors.
Your naturopathic doctor will assist you in understanding health and illness and in becoming more capable of maintaining your own health.
Your naturopathic doctor applies all of the above principles in a proactive form of disease prevention and health promotion
Naturopathic doctors use a variety of treatments. All naturopathic doctors in Canada are trained in the following natural therapies:
Involves managing the amount of nutrients (i.e. protein, vitamins, and minerals) in a patient’s diet to create a healthy energy balance.
A healing methodology that treats patients by manipulating thin, solid needles that have been inserted into the skin.
The study and use of medicinal properties of plants.
A broad range of medicinal practices sharing traditional concepts developed in China, including various forms of acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage (Tui na), exercise, and dietary therapy.
May include massage therapy or manipulative therapy.
A form of alternative medicine based on the idea that a substance that causes the symptoms of an illness in healthy people can help improve that illness in sick people.
Providing support and enabling patients to make healthy choices in order to build and maintain health on all levels: mental, physical, social, and spiritual.
In line with conventional medical training, training in naturopathic medicine requires a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education from a recognized school before being allowed to register as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in Ontario. She or he must have an undergraduate degree, have completed premedical undergraduate coursework, and have completed a four-year, accredited, naturopathic medical education. Graduates must pass two sets of provincial licensing board exams and are required to keep their registration current throughout their career by completing at least 70 hours every three years of approved continuing education.
Naturopathic education encompasses basic and diagnostic sciences – including anatomy, clinical physiology, biochemistry, pathology, embryology, immunology, pharmacology, physical and clinical diagnosis, and lab diagnosis – as well as conventional and naturopathic approaches to improving and maintaining patients’ health.
With over 4,100 hours of classroom training in basic bio-medical sciences, naturopathic principles, and therapeutics, as well as 1,200 hours of supervised clinical practicum. Training also includes standard medical therapeutics such as pharmacology, family medicine, internal medicine and extensive training in naturopathic treatments. Naturopathic Doctors receive extensive training in a variety of disciplines including the following:
I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of naturopathic medicine.
By precept, education and example, I will assist and encourage others to strengthen their health, reduce risks for disease, and preserve the health of our planet for ourselves and future generations. I will continually endeavour to improve my abilities. I will conduct my life and practice of naturopathic medicine with integrity and freedom from prejudice. I will keep confident what should not be divulged.
I will honour the principles of naturopathic medicine: First, to do no harm. To co-operate with the healing powers of nature. To address the fundamental causes of disease. To heal the whole person through individualized treatment. To teach the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine.
With my whole heart, before these witnesses, as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, I pledge to remain true to this oath.
Currently, OHIP does not cover visits to a naturopathic doctor. However, most extended healthcare plans include naturopathic medicine, so check with your provider to see the amount of your coverage.
Naturopathic doctors must be registered to practice in Ontario with the regulator, the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO).
To verify that a naturopathic doctor is registered, call 416-866-8383 to reach CONO or at www.collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca.
Although some NDs do take a special interest in particular health conditions or specific patient groups. Currently, there are no specialist-level educational programs offered by naturopathic colleges. However, in addition to maintaining their continuing education requirements, many NDs pursue extended training in a particular area, such as environmental medicine, infusion therapy, or complimentary cancer care. Some ND practices have a particular focus, but those are not the same as specialties.
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