Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession that addresses the root cause of illness and works in conjunction with conventional medical treatments. It is based on the premise that the body has an innate healing ability.  Naturopathic doctors (NDs) seek to enhance the body's ability to ward off and combat disease by crafting comprehensive treatments plans that blend the best of modern science and traditional natural medicine to treat disease and restore health.

Naturopathic doctors must complete a university undergraduate degree that includes the required biomedical sciences before applying to a four year post graduate program at a CNME accredited naturopathic college. Naturopathic medicine is regulated in most provinces and requires a license obtained through the successful completion of two sets of standardized NPLEX board exams. Naturopathic medicine is not covered by provincial healthcare but is recognized and covered by most benefit plans.

 

Guiding Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

  1. First Do No Harm

    Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies

  2. Identify & Treat the Causes

    Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.

  3. Doctor as Teacher

    Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.

  4. Treat the Whole Person

    View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions

  5. Emphasize Prevention

    Focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.

  6. The Healing Power of Nature

    Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.

FAQs

What is a typical visit with a Naturopathic doctor look like?

Your first visit with a naturopathic doctor usually lasts an hour (we like to ask a lot of questions and have you describe your health goals in detail). In that time, a thorough medical history is taken and some basic physical exam components may be performed to get a clearer idea of your symptoms. Follow-up visits can range from 30-45mins. Depending on your concern, the frequency of your visits can be every week or 2, up to every 5-6 months once you’re feeling well and in order to maintain your good health.

Are visits covered by health insurance?

Many extended healthcare benefits cover naturopathic medicine.  Contact your insurer for details.


For more information on Naturopathic Medicine, please visit the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors’ website here.