Naturopathic Doctors believe that the human body has an innate ability to heal itself if given the proper circumstances. To achieve these circumstances, ND’s integrate standard medical diagnostics and utilize a broad range of natural therapies (such as herbal medicines or nutrition) as opposed to pharmaceutical drugs. Additionally, naturopathic medicine believes that each individual is unique and, therefore, each treatment plan should be tailored to that patient and their unique health concerns. Every person has their individual physiological makeup and, so, it is recognized that although a certain treatment may work for most, it may not be the best for you.
Every licensed and registered ND has at least 7 years of post-graduate education, has graduated from an accredited Naturopathic College, has completed a multi-step, licensing exam process and maintains good standing by continually performing continuing education credits.
The following is a very brief description of the modalities that Naturopathic physicians are minimally trained in, as well as the guiding principles that ND’s adhere to:
Treatment tools:
• Botanical Medicine – herbal plants with medicinal properties
• Nutrition and Lifestyle counselling – dietary analysis, nutrient therapy and lifestyle solutions
• Homeopathy – energetic method of healing
• Naturopathic Manipulation – spinal alignment and massage/bodywork
• Hydrotherapy – utilizes various hot and cold applications (including saunas, ice packs, etc)
• Traditional Chinese Medicine – includes acupuncture and the use of Chinese herbs
• Intravenous (IV) and injection therapy* - highly effective absorption of vitamins and nutrients
*Certain Naturopathic Doctor’s receive extra training and have an additional license in order to practice these therapies
Principles
• First, do no harm – choose the least invasive, but still effective medicine, as possible
• To treat the causes of disease – avoid masking symptoms while allowing the root problem to grow
• To teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine – teach patient’s to care for themselves and become their own healers
• To heal the whole person through individualized treatment – utilize individual treatments tailored to your comfort level and health state
• To emphasize prevention – avoid, or decrease the likelihood of, unnecessary illness in your future
• To support the healing power of the body – let the body do the work and become stronger in the process
For more information about the training, licensing and/or regulation of all registered Naturopathic Doctor’s, we suggest you visit one or all of the following associations:
Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND): www.oand.ca
Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND): www.cand.ca
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP): www.aanp.org
Board of Directors of Drugless Therapies – Naturopathy (BDDT-N): www.boardofnaturopathicmedicine.on.ca
Naturopathic Vs Conventional Medicine
A common question that many people have is how does Naturopathic Medicine compare with the conventional approach? There are a number of similarities and also various differences, some larger than other. To help answer this question we have created the following chart so you can compare and contrast Naturopathic and Conventional medical approaches.
Naturopathic medicine | Conventional medicine | |
General philosophy | Generally strive to identify and treat root cause of disease with a focus on disease prevention. | Generally strive to control symptoms. There typically is a mechanistic and compartmental based view of disease. |
Education and training | 4 year post graduate program. Extra training and specialities vary between practitioners. | 3-4 year post graduate program with specialty residencies lasting another 3-6 years |
Treatment approaches | Wide range, strive for individualized treatment using diet and nutrition, botanicals, acupuncture, homeopathy and physical medicine. | Typically pharmacology (drug) and surgical based treatment. |
Diagnosis | Trained in western evidence based pathology and diagnosis and eastern medical approaches. | Only trained in western evidence based pathology and diagnosis |
laboratory testing | Access to basic lab testing Access and training to functional and speciality testing. Not OHIP covered | OHIP coverage for basic lab tests. Access to speciality testing but coverage varies. |
Governmental and insurance coverage | Covered by most major insurance packages, currently not covered by OHIP | OHIP coverage for most basic testing and family physician visits. Specialists services vary. |
Time with patients | Typically 60-90 min initial visits, 20-45min follow ups | Varies, but for a family physician it usually ranges from 5-15 minutes |