What can I expect from my first visit?
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Patient visits include:
- Thorough medical intake and history
- Physical examination
- Lab diagnosis (blood work, urinalysis, etc)
- Other testing suggested by your Naturopathic Doctor may include: Allergy testing, Salivary Hormonal testing, Hair Element/toxicity testing, Bioimpedence Analysis (BIA) Testing, etc
- Medical assessment
- Treatment
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What type of training does a Naturopathic Doctor require?
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All Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario have at least 7 years of higher education behind them. To practice Naturopathic medicine in Ontario all doctors must have graduated from one of seven accredited colleges in North America (two in Canada). The pre-requisites are as follows:
- Four years (full time) Doctorate program including one year as clinic intern
- Four years of pre-medical University (science and/or psychology bachelor degree)
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What type of Regulation and Coverage exists in Ontario?
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Regulation in Ontario
Coverage in Ontario
- Extended Health Care plans - be sure to check your health care plan because many include Naturopathic coverage
- Tax deductible: depending on income
- No OHIP coverage
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What is Naturopathic Medicine?
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Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that addresses the root causes of illness, and promotes health and healing using natural therapies.
- Clinical Nutrition
- Botanical Medicine
- Physical Medicine (massage, hydrotherapy, etc.)
- Lifestyle Counseling
- Homeopathic Medicine
- Acupuncture/Asian medicine
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What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
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Naturopathic doctors are highly educated primary care providers who promote health and healing by integrating standard medical diagnostics with personalized treatment plans using a broad range of natural therapies.
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What are the main Principles of Naturopathic Medicine?
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- Firstly, do no harm
- Identify and treat the cause
- Treat the whole person
- Support the healing power of nature
- Doctor as teacher
- Emphasize prevention
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Why should I see a Naturopathic Doctor?
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Everyone has their own reasons to live and be healthy; in turn everyone's reason to visit a Naturopathic Doctor ranges just as widely. Some common reasons mentioned by our patients:
- To manage an acute or chronic condition without harmful drugs or surgery
- A holistic diagnosis of symptoms that my current health care team has been unable to provide
- To empower me and take responsibility for your health
- To prevent chronic illness (such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease) in my future and improve my quality of life
- Be treated by a primary care practitioner who uses a natural, holistic approach to healthcare
- To feel heard by a practitioner who listens to me and works as a partner and guide
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What are some conditions commonly treated with Naturopathic Medicine?
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Virtually all chronic and most acute conditions can benefit from naturopathic treatment. People of all ages can be helped. Some common conditions treated include:
Acute Conditions
- Colds and flu
- Sports injuries
Chronic Conditions
- Allergies, asthma, food sensitivities
- ADD/ADHD/Autism
- Anxiety, depression, decreased concentration
- Anemia, thyroid disorders, CFS/fibromyalgia
- Arthritis, chronic pain, low back pain
- Diabetes
- Digestive problems (i.e. colitis, crohn’s), constipation, diarrhea, IBS
- Detoxification
- High cholesterol, high blood pressure
- Migraines, headaches
- Neurological concerns
- Sleep disorders
- Smoking cessation, drinking cessation
- Stress management, fatigue
- Weight management
Skin Conditions
- Acne
- Dry skin, scarring
- Eczema, psoriasis
Women’s and Men’s Health
- Pregnancy
- Endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids
- Male and female infertility
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular periods, heavy bleeding
- Menopausal symptoms
- Andropausal symptoms
- Erectile dysfunction
- Prostatitis, epididymitis, BPH
- Other hormonal conditions/imbalances
- Urinary concerns
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