FAQs
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a form of patient-centered healthcare that prioritizes natural therapies in resolving the underlying causes of health concerns. Treatment is highly individualized, and takes into consideration many different aspects of each unique person.
Naturopathic medicine is shaped by the following principles:
First, do no harm: Naturopathic doctors start with the safest treatments and only progress to further options when necessary. The risk-benefit ratio is always taken into account when considering various therapies and the patient’s informed consent is always given before starting treatment.
The healing power of nature: The body has an innate ability to heal itself, and stimulating this capability can be extremely beneficial. Nature itself has a remarkable healing ability, and spending time in the forest has been shown to improve many aspects of health.
Identify and treat the root cause of disease: While treating the symptoms of disease is sometimes necessary to optimize comfort, it is best done in conjunction with other therapies targeting the root cause of the problem, in order to provide a sustainable cure over the long-term.
Treat the whole person: The mind and body are deeply connected and must be addressed together to reach optimal health. Taking into account the physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual components of health will allow for a well-rounded treatment plan targeting all aspects of a person requiring support.
Doctor as teacher: Naturopathic doctors educate their patients about causes of disease and why certain therapies are being implemented. The result is patients taking more control over their own health and being empowered to tackle their personal health goals.
The best cure is prevention: Why wait until serious disease has settled in to start the long road back to health, when illness could have been prevented in the first place? Naturopathic doctors identify individual risk factors and excel in optimizing health in order to prevent disease from ever occurring.
What can I expect during my appointments?
Naturopathic doctors take a full health history to thoroughly understand the symptoms each patient is facing. This includes detailed inquiries about the chief health concerns, past medical history, and other relevant organ systems that may be affecting overall health. Physical exams are performed to provide additional health information, and can include blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, weight, and examination of the abdomen, heart, lungs, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and nervous system as indicated. Lab testing is often helpful in deciphering the root cause of symptoms, and can be done as early as the initial visit when appropriate. Treatment consists of natural therapies, such as education around diet and lifestyle, herbal medicines, and key nutrients, and is individualized to each patient.
What education and training do naturopathic doctors have?
Naturopathic doctors undergo a minimum of 8 years of post-secondary education. An undergraduate degree is required first, with certain prerequisite courses pertaining to basic medical sciences. Following this, a 4-year doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine at one of the accredited schools is the next step. Education and training throughout the naturopathic medicine program combines classroom lectures and clinical rotations with patients to maximize knowledge of biomedical sciences, medical conditions, natural treatments, and clinical experience.