FAQ
What is Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is a comprehensive healthcare system that focuses on the mind, body and spirit of every individual. By integrating current medical knowledge and scientific research with traditional healing methods, Naturopathic Doctors focus on finding the root cause to a illness rather than treating and suppressing symptoms. Using our tools, we treat the entire person and help promote their natural healing abilities. In addition to improving a patient’s symptoms, we try to achieve an optimization of health at all levels which include the physical, emotional and mental state.
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary care that addresses the root cause of illness or disease and promotes health and healing using natural therapies. Treatments employed include acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, botanical medicines, clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy, lifestyle counseling, and physical medicine.
How are Naturopathic Doctors Trained?
Naturopaths registered in licensed Provinces must complete four years of professional training at a recognized naturopathic medical school. Pre-admission requirements include a minimum of three years of premedical studies at University. The naturopathic program consists of over 4,500 hours of training in medical sciences, diagnostics and therapeutics, with over 1,200 hours of actual clinical experience, leading to a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine.
In addition, Naturopaths are trained to recognize conditions that may require prescription drugs or surgery and patients will be referred to the appropriate practitioner or hospital. Graduates must pass rigorous provincial exams and standardized North American board exams set by government appointed boards to be eligible to practice as a Naturopathic Doctor.
What is the Difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Homeopathy?
Naturopathic Doctors (ND) are general practitioners of natural medicine. They are trained to treat ailments using clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, lifestyle counseling and homeopathy. Homeopaths, on the other hand, are trained to practice mainly in one discipline – homeopathy. While a homeopath would prescrtibe homeopathic remedies, Naturopathic Doctor would use any of the approaches listed above, including homeopathic treatments. Currently, homeopathy is not yet regulated as a licensed health profession in Ontario. Naturopathic Medicine has been regulated and licensed in Ontario since 1925.
How are Naturopathic Doctors Trained?
Naturopaths registered in licensed Provinces must complete four years of professional training at a recognized naturopathic medical school. Pre-admission requirements include a minimum of three years of premedical studies at a University. The naturopathic program consists of over 4,500 hours of training in medical sciences, diagnostics and therapeutics, with over 1,200 hours of actual clinical experience, leading to a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine.
In addition, Naturopaths are trained to recognize conditions that may require prescription drugs or surgery and patients will be referred to the appropriate practitioner or hospital. Graduates must pass rigorous provincial exams and standardized North American board exams set by government appointed boards to be eligible to practice as a Naturopathic Doctor.
Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). Following the completion of the program, NDs must successfully completely a Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) which is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America. Only upon completion of NPLEX is an ND qualified for licensing in Ontario.
Are Naturopathic Doctors Licensed in Ontario?
Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in Ontario under the 1925, Drugless Therapy Act and are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy Naturopathy (BDDT-N). The BDDT-N ensures that Naturopathic Doctors are properly qualified to practice. In 2007, Ontario’s new Naturopathy Act received final approval which will move the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors under the Regulated Health Professions Act joining all other regulated health professions.
Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by OHIP?
Naturopathic Medicine is not covered by OHIP but by most extended health insurances
What type of Acupuncture do Naturopathic Doctors perform?
A. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture which focuses on the entire body and not just symptoms. Traditional Chinese Acupuncture aims to achieve deep regulation and harmonizing of imbalances within the body. This can help with patients that may have physical or emotional ailments
Do I need a Referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor?
Generally no, unless your extended health insurance requests a referral.
Is There a Difference Between a Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM) and Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?
Yes. Currently in Ontario, only Naturopathic Doctors (ND) are registered and licensed. DMN do not have the same level of training as NDs in Ontario and they are not a registered or licensed profession.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
1. To Do No Harm
The first and foremost principle is Do No Harm. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to use the safest and most effective therapies possible to minimize the risk of harmful side effects. Naturopathic Doctors are very knowledgeable about interactions between drugs and natural therapies which ensures that there are no to a minimum number of potential side effects when combining their use.
2. To Address The Fundamental Causes of Disease
Naturopathic Doctors try to identify and remove the root causes of illness, rather than suppressing symptoms which does not cure but only masks the illness. This cause can be physical, mental, emotional, or often, it can be a combination of these.
3. To Teach The Principles of Healthy Living and Preventative Medicine
“Doctor” in translation means “to teach” and Naturopathic doctor’s role is to teach patients about achieving health and avoiding disease, as well as encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own health. Naturopathic Doctors spend much more time with their patients, making careful assessments of health status and devoting the time to discuss and explain the principles of health.
4. Heal The Whole Person Through Individualized Treatment
To treat the entire person, a good understanding of the physical, mental, emotional, genetic environmental and social factors that contribute to illness in each and every individual is crucial to a successful treatment plan. As every person is unique in their own way, individualized treatment protocols must be customized to suit that person’s needs.
5. To Cooperate With The Healing Powers of Nature
Every person has an innate healing ability but often the body system is burdened and cannot heal itself which is when symptoms emerge to indicate there is an underlying imbalance. The role of Naturopathic Doctors is to identify this underlying imbalance and to remove these obstacles to cure.