Naturopathic Medicine

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

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

Naturopathic doctors must have a university degree in premedical studies, followed by 4 years of post graduate studies at one of 5 naturopathic colleges in North America. Studies include the medical sciences, diagnosis & naturopathic therapeutics, including an intensive 12 month clinical internship. Graduating NDs must pass international licensing examinations before registration is granted to practice as a naturopathic doctor. Naturopathic medicine has been regulated in Ontario since 1925.

Naturopathic medicine is complementary: NDs are trained to work in cooperation with all other healthcare practitioners. They are highly qualified to recognize when referrals are required to other practitioners including medical doctors, osteopaths, massage therapists, psychologists & chiropractors.

Who Can Benefit?

Virtually all chronic & most acute conditions can benefit from treatment by a naturopathic doctor. Some of the common health concerns brought to the NDs include:

What Methods of Treatment are used?

• Clinical Nutrition - Dietary modifications, nutritional supplementation detoxification can dramatically improve health.
• Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine - Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine can be used acutely for pain, or for the treatment of chronic conditions.
• Botanical Medicine - Herbal medicine is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Plants from around the world are used for their healing effects on specific organs & systems in the body.
• Homeopathic Medicine - Small doses of plant, mineral & animal substances effectively stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself.
• Physical Medicine - Several hands on techniques are used to improve movement, relieve pain, realign structures & re-balance energy. Techniques include massage, laser acupuncture & hydrotherapy.
• Counseling - Mental, emotional & spiritual health are considered vital to overall well-being, & growth in all of these areas is encouraged.
• Prevention & Lifestyle Modification - Lifestyle, dietary, environmental & genetic risk factors are identified, & a personalized program is created to facilitate optimal health.

What Methods of Diagnosis are used?

• Physical Examination
• Laboratory Blood/Urine/Stool Analysis
• Salivary Hormone Testing
• Electrodermal Screening for Food/Environmental/Organ Sensitivities
• Hair Mineral / Heavy Metal Analysis

What to Expect?

The goal of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient & all the factors which impact his/her health. Your first consultation will last 1-1½ hours & involve a thorough investigation of your concerns as well as an intake of your medical history. Additional information may be acquired from recommended diagnostic testing. An individualized treatment plan is then proposed & discussed.

The number of treatments varies dependent on the presenting concerns. The goal is to assist you to achieve a desired level of well being & to educate you in health maintenance & disease prevention.

Find out about our FREE Consultation

Fee Schedule