Naturopathic medicine is a regulated primary health care profession that focuses on prevention and the use of natural treatment options to promote healing. The philosophy of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person, rather than parts of it in isolation. The body and mind are a complex integrated system that responds uniquely to its environment. Because of this, naturopathic medicine really strives to treat each person individually and understand each person’s complexity. NDs also value taking time to truly listen to a patient’s physical, mental or emotional concerns, because all of these areas of our lives affect our overall health.

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are extensively trained. Their training is similar to that of family medical doctors or nurse practitioners. To become one, an ND must have a minimum of 3 years of undergraduate studies at an university, followed by four years of full time study at an accredited naturopathic medical school. In Canada, there are two accredited schools: the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, ON and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver, BC.

The naturopathic medical program encompasses all the basic medical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology and pathology. There is extensive training in performing physical exams, diagnosing diseases, interpreting lab results and understanding pharmacology of drugs, herbs, nutrients and their interactions. Naturopathic Doctors are also trained in nutritional therapies, herbal medicine, acupuncture, physical medicine, homeopathy and lifestyle counseling. The naturopathic medical program also includes over 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience with real patients.

To become licensed, Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario must complete two sets of North American standardized board exams. In Ontario, NDs are licensed under the Drugless Practitioners Act and are monitored by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy (BDDT-N). To check to see if your practitioner is a licensed ND, you can check the listing at www.boardofnaturopathicmedicine.on.ca or call the BDDT-N at 416-866-8383. Currently, the profession is under the process of being included under the Regulated Health Professionals Act with the passage of the Naturopathy Act in 2007. It is expected to be fully enacted in 2010.

The services of naturopathic doctors are not covered by OHIP but most extended health care plans offered through employers cover $300 to $500 per year for naturopathic care. No referrals are required.

Almost all conditions can either be helped through naturopathic medicine, including both acute conditions (such as colds, sinus infections or musculoskeletal injuries) or chronic conditions (such as menstrual/menopausal symptoms, diabetes or asthma). In some cases, disease may not be eliminated (such as cancer or heart disease), but quality of life can be greatly improved by helping the patient to increase energy levels or reduce the side effects of medications. Some patients who have no significant illness seek naturopathic care to prevent diseases and to learn how to best take care of their health.

Generally, the initial visit is about 1.5hrs long. The ND will take a very comprehensive history of all health problems, as well as past and current health habits, social situations and emotional/mental stressors. The visit usually includes a screening physical exam to assess your health. Sometimes, the ND will order lab testing if required. NDs will work with your family doctor and other health care providers to ensure optimal patient care. Communication and appropriate referrals between all health care providers is an important component to a patient’s health. After the ND assesses all the information, patients return for a follow up visit where their treatment plan will be explained to them. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, a patient may return for follow up visits weekly, monthly or as required. Follow up visits may be anywhere from 15 to 60min long, depending on the needs of the patient.

In my experiences with patients, the speed of recovery depends on the initial severity of the condition (usually illnesses that are more severe or that have been present longer, take longer to improve). Healing is also very dependant on a patient’s willingness to follow treatment plans and make any necessary changes in their lifestyle.

Click a link to be taken to that site!

Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors - www.oand.org

Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors - www.cand.ca

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - www.ccnm.edu

Ontario Regulatory Board: Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy (BDDT-N) - www.boardofnaturopathicmedicine.on.ca

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