WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?

Naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. Focusing on prevention, and using natural substances and treatments. Naturopathic doctors (ND) support
and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself.

The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than treat or suppress symptoms. The client is seen as a whole person by the ND who takes the physical mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions into account when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I VISIT A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR?

The ND will take an in-depth history with the goal of understanding all the factors which may be affecting your health. Some simple non-invasive tests may be recommended. A personal treatment plan will then be proposed to help improve your health.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO VISIT A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR?

Fee schedules vary based on the ND’s practice focus, treatments provided and length of visit. Many private and corporate health plans cover a portion of naturopathic services.

HOW ARE NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS TRAINED?

Naturopathic Doctors take a minimum of 3 years paramedical studies at University, followed by 4 years at an accredited college of naturopathic medicine. The education encompasses basic medical studies, naturopathic principles, therapies and extensive supervised clinical experience to obtain a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree or diploma

WHAT KINDS OF HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN BE TREATED?

Virtually all chronic and many acute conditions may benefit from treatment by Naturopathic Doctors. People of all ages can be helped.

The most common health conditions brought to Naturopathic Doctors include:

  • CHRONIC ILLNESSES
    • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
    • Environmental Illnesses & Allergies
    • Arthritis, Fibromyalgia
    • Hypertension, Atherosclerosis
    • Heart Problems
    • Digestion, Constipation, IBS
    • Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne
    • Cystitis, Prostatitis, Impotence
  • ACUTE CONDITIONS
    • Cold and Flu
    • Ear and Throat Infections
    • Headaches
    • Intestinal Upsets
  • WOMEN’S CONDITIONS
    • Menopausal Problems
    • PMS, Menstrual Disorders
    • Fibrocystic Breast Disease
    • Enhancing Health in Pregnancy
    • Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids
    • Infertility
  • OTHER
    • Mental or Emotional Stress
    • Anxiety, Depression
    • Insomnia
    • Attention Deficit Disorder

WHAT TREATMENTS DO NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS USE?

Clinical Nutrition

Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Special diets may be recommended. Treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutraceuticals.

Botanical (Herbal) Medicine

The use of plants for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization and it is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Plant substances from around the world are used for their nutritional value and healing effects.

Homeopathic Medicine

Based on the principle of “like cures like” homeopathic medicine was developed in the 1700s. Minute amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities.

Physical Medicine

Physical treatments used by Naturopathic Doctors include a variety of hands-on techniques for the spine, joints and soft tissues and can also include massage, electro-therapy, hydrotherapy, light therapy, and the therapeutic use of heat and cold.

Oriental Medicine

Based on the concept of balancing the flow of energy (Chi) through meridian pathways, of oriental medicine includes the use of acupuncture and oriental herbs.

Lifestyle Counseling

Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. Naturopathic Doctors assist in making effective lifestyle choices.