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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Naturopathic Medicine is not covered by OHIP but by most extended health insurances

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.

Generally no, unless your extended health insurance requests a referral.

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.

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