A paradigm shift in health care
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary care which addresses the root cause of illness and
disease by promoting health and supporting the body’s natural abilities to heal itself. A range of natural
therapies, such as acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, nutritional counseling, herbal medicine,
stress and lifestyle management and homeopathy are used. Naturopathic doctors offer the highest quality
of care as they help patients shift their focus from one of avoiding disease to one of achieving optimal
wellness.
The Five principles of Naturopathic Medicine
- First do no harm.
Symptoms are an expression of your body attempting to heal itself. Treatment should support this healing
process, not suppress it.
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- Cooperate with the healing power of nature.
Your body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore its own health. Your naturopathic
doctor’s role is to support you in this process.
- Address the fundamental causes of disease.
Symptoms do not occur without cause. Your naturopathic doctor’s role is to direct treatment at root
causes rather than at symptomatic expression.
- Heal your whole self through individualized treatment.
The proper functioning of all aspects of the individual is essential to recovery from, and prevention
of, disease. This requires a personalized and comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.
- Follow the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine.
Become an active participant in your health, and learn to make effective and educated self-care decisions
that will prevent future health problems.
What conditions do naturopathic doctors commonly treat?
The scope of naturopathic medicine includes all aspects of family and general medicine from pregnancy
to pediatrics and geriatrics. Naturopathic doctors treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions
including:
- Colds and flus
- Sleep disorders
- Arthritis, pain, sports injury
- Headaches and Migraines
- Anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders
- Allergies, Asthma and food sensitivities
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other digestive complaints
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- High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
- Weight management
- Fibromyalgia
- Hormonal imbalances, infertility (male and female)
- Pregnancy, menopause and menstrual concerns
- Pediatric conditions including Autism and ADHD
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- Healthy aging
- Acne, Eczema and other skin conditions
- Inflammatory conditions such as Arthritis and Bursitis
- Detoxification, smoking cessation
- Cancer, HIV and Hepatitis
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What to expect
During your first appointment, your naturopathic doctor will take a full medical and family history. You
will be asked detailed questions about your health goals and concerns, your diet, lifestyle, and your
physical, emotional and environmental stressors. A screening physical exam using standard diagnostic instruments will be done. This consultation will take about an hour and a half.
Before you leave, your naturopathic doctor may recommend diagnostic and laboratory tests that may include
standard blood tests, salivary hormone testing or urine and hair analysis. At the end of the appointment
some initial treatment recommendations will be implemented.
During your second visit, which will last about thirty minutes, your naturopathic doctor will discuss your individualized treatment plan. That
may include dietary guidelines, nutritional supplementation, lifestyle recommendations, herbs, acupuncture
or referral to other health-care professionals such as registered massage therapists, chiropractors, medical
doctors and psychotherapy. Your individual circumstances will determine the course of treatment after
the second visit.
Dispensary
For your convenience, we have a professional dispensary on site to supply you with medicines not available
at retail outlets. You are under no obligation to make your purchases here.
Accreditation
Naturopathic practice is regulated under Ontario provincial law. Like a conventional doctor or dentist,
the naturopathic doctor first completes pre-medical studies at university. The naturopathic student then
enters into a four-year, full-time medical program at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine. Training
includes basic medical and clinical science; diagnostics; naturopathic principles and therapeutics; and
extensive clinical experience under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors. Graduates receive
the title "N.D." or Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
For more information on naturopathic medicine and its regulation, please visit:
Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
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