What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a complete approach to health care that incorporates diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease using natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors are primary health care professionals trained to treat diverse medical conditions for men, women and children of all ages. Treatment is focused on preventing future illness, and helping patients to improve their overall health and energy.
What Conditions can Benefit from Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine can benefit people of all ages with a variety of chronic and acute conditions. The most common conditions seen at our clinic include:
- Digestive disorders – indigestion, gas, bloating, constipation, IBS/IBD, heartburn & acid reflex
- Food sensitivities & Intolerances
- Headaches & Migraines
- Bone health – osteopenia, osteoporosis
- Cold & flu – prevention & symptom relief, boosting immunity
- Sinusitis & chronic nasal congestion
- Thyroid health
- Anxiety & minor depression
- Insomnia & Sleep disturbances
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Stress & adrenal gland health
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Anemia
- Skin conditions – eczema, acne, psoriasis, hives
- Arthritis & Joint issues
- Women’s health – PMS, menopause (hot flashes & night sweats), cysts, fibroids, breast health, yeast/candida infections, chronic UTIs
- ALSO Fertility enhancement & acupuncture to assist with IUI & IVF procedures, pregnancy health, post-partum care for mother & baby
- Children’s health issues – proper digestive functioning, skin conditions such as eczema, allergies, asthma, attention & behavioural issues, colds & flus
- Men’s health issues – prostate health, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure
- Preventative care –optimizing your health & immune system
What Laboratory Testing is offered?
Blood, urine, hair, and saliva analysis are available to investigate a variety of health ailments if needed. This includes food sensitivities and other allergies, hormone imbalances, digestive problems, environmental toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, etc.
What can I expect from my first appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor?
An initial appointment is approximately 1 hour to allow time for a thorough health assessment. During this visit, current health concerns, as well as relevant medical history, is analyzed. A pertinent physical examination may be performed, and further specialized laboratory or diagnostic testing may be recommended. A personalized treatment plan is then created to help patients achieve their health goals.
What are Naturopathic Therapies and Treatment Options?
Naturopathic Doctors are licensed to use a range of natural therapeutics that include Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture & herbs), homeopathy, botanical medicine (herbs), hydrotherapy, diet & lifestyle counseling, clinical nutrition.Through their training in these disciplines, a Naturopathic Doctor can draw on all of these fields in providing a custom-tailored treatment plan for patients.
How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?
A minimum of 7 years of formal post-secondary education is required to receive the designation of “Naturopathic Doctor”. This includes 3-4 years of premedical university studies plus completion of an intensive full-time 4-year post-graduate medical program from an accredited Naturopathic medical school, which includes extensive medical education as well as clinical training. Graduates must then pass North American licensing board examinations as well as provincial board examinations. To remain in good standing with the licensing board, Naturopathic doctors must continue their education throughout their careers. All Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario are licensed and regulated
Is Naturopathic Medicine Scientific?
Yes, Naturopathic doctors are educated in conventional medical sciences in addition to traditional medicine, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, laboratory diagnosis, clinical & physical diagnosis, radiology, obstetrics, gynecology/women’s health, men’s health, and pediatrics. More and more researchers are looking to traditional methods of healing to gain insight into modern day illnesses and thousands of modern clinical studies have validated a variety of natural medicines and treatments which are used by Naturopathic Doctors.
Is Naturopathic Medicine Safe?
Naturopathic medicine has an excellent safety record. The emphasis is on natural sources of medicines that are gentle, non-toxic, and non-invasive. Side effects are rare and Naturopathic doctors are trained about interactions between Naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines. Naturopathic treatments also work well in conjunction with conventional Western treatments.
How can Naturopathic Medicine help YOU?
Typically patients choose to come to the clinic for one or more of the following reasons:
- They want to address their chronic health concerns and reach their peak health potential. Naturopathic Medicine is very effective at improving quality of life.
- They are looking for strategies to prevent disease and promote health
- They are seeking alternatives that may have fewer side effects than their current medication(s) or looking to balance conventional medicine with natural medicine
- They suffer from an undiagnosed illness that has caused a range of symptoms that they have been unable to address
** Most extended health insurance plans cover all or part of Naturopathic visits. Please check with your insurance company.. Your health is important! By investing in your health and by tackling problems as they arise, it will allow you to live a long, active and fulfilling lifestyle as you age.