Please Note: We are currently not accepting appointments for Naturopathic services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naturopathic Medicine
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1) What is Naturopathic Medicine?
 Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare.Naturopathic doctors are the general practitioners of natural medicine who deliver healthcare using the following naturopathic principles:
- Identify and treat the true cause of illness
- Diagnose and treat illness with the least amount of force, side effects and symptom suppression
- Help and use the body's natural ability to heal itself
- Teach the patient about healthy lifestyle choices in order to prevent disease
- Individualize treatment to unify and balance the person's physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Naturopathic treatments are based on age old traditions and modern natural approaches such as:
- Clinical nutrition
- Botanical/ herbal medicine
- Asian medicine including acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- Physical medicine including exercise
- Lifestyle counseling
Naturopathic doctors have a wide range of "tools" from which to treat a wide range of health concerns from acute to chronic illnesses.
2) What kind of training does an ND receive?
Naturopathic doctors are a regulated profession in Ontario. A licensed and registered ND has received at least 4 years of post-graduate training from an accredited naturopathic medical institution. Pre-admission requirements include three years of pre-medical studies at a university.
Training includes basic, medical, and clinical science; diagnostics; naturopathic principals and therapeutics; and extensive clinical experience under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors.
Graduates receive the title "N.D." or Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. Graduates must pass rigorous board examinations to be eligible to practice as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
Make sure that your ND is licensed and registered.
3) Can an ND treat me if I already have a medical doctor?
Yes. Ideally, healthcare professionals should work together in the best interest of the patient. Each healthcare profession has its own area of specialty and defined scope of practice. It may be necessary for the ND to request information from your other healthcare professionals in order to determine the best approach to your treatment.
4) Can an ND treat me even if I'm on prescription medication?
Yes. In fact, it is more often the case that a patient is on prescription medication. A licensed ND has received training in pharmacology and has knowledge of drug-nutrient-herb interactions that could possibly harm the patient.
An ND will not require you to stop medication if doing so will be harmful (for example, Type 1 diabetic patients require insulin). ND's can help you manage side effects of medication, identify ways to help you benefit most from your medication, and in appropriate cases, possibly lower your dose of prescription medication.
5) What does a visit to an ND involve?
Your participation.
Before the initial visit with the ND, you will be required to complete a comprehensive intake form with questions designed to give the ND a well rounded profile about you--including work, diet, emotions, stress, exercise, and exposure to environmental hazards. All information given is confidential.
During the initial visit, the ND will ask further questions based on the information on the intake form. The ND will also perform a physical exam using standard diagnostic instruments and laboratory tests and may refer you for blood and urine tests if necessary. Typically no treatment is prescribed during the first visit, but the patient will gain better insight about his or her health and health related goals.
6) How often would I need to visit the ND?
It varies on the needs of the patient. Patients needing more healthcare support may need to see the ND weekly. Others may only need to see the ND once every few months. Frequency of visits is part of the individual treatment plan and is discussed together with the patient in the initial visit.
7) Why does naturopathic treatment cost so much?
At first glance, naturopathic treatment may seem much more expensive than current conventional medicine because it is not covered by OHIP. But in the long run naturopathic treatment can afford you a life with lower medication costs, fewer days affected by illness and pain and less dependence on a healthcare system.
A naturopathic visit is typically longer and more comprehensive than a typical visit with your MD. As your ND, I will take the time to research and tailor your treatments to you, your goals and your lifestyle. I will also listen to all your questions and concerns and in turn, I will explain all procedures to you.
Very few people are aware of how much they are paying towards the conventional medical system and many would be surprised at the amount that OHIP is charged for each visit to the doctor. With the growing popularity of naturopathic medicine, many insurance plans are also including naturopathic medicine in their coverage. Enquire with your insurance provider.
Click here to download the Naturopathic Consultation Form
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