Naturopathic Medicine has a unique philosophy and approach when it comes to improving health and treating illness. NDs support and encourage the body's ability to heal itself, focusing on prevention. When illness is already present, natural substances and treatments are used. The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illnesses, rather than simply treating or suppressing symptoms.

Naturopathic medicine works well in combination with conventional medicine. It can enhance treatments provided by a medical doctor, decrease the need for drugs, or decrease the undesirable effects of medications

Naturopathic medicine has many options for the treatment of chronic diseases, an area where drug therapy often falls short.


WHO ARE NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS? (NDs)

NDs are highly educated primary care providers who provide medical diagnoses and integrate standard medical tests with a broad range of natural therapies.

They work together with other regulated health care providers to ensure that patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible

Naturopathic medical training is very similar to conventional medical training, which requires an undergraduate degree including pre-medical sciences, followed by a four-year full-time naturopathic program that includes the same curriculum as a conventional medical school, plus the naturopathic modalities. NDs must then pass North American standard regulatory board exams as well as provincial board exams before they can begin practicing.

NDs are trained to collaborate with other health care providers, and their standards of practice require mandatory consultation and referral for health issues that are beyond their scope of practice.

What Therapies do Naturopathic Doctors use?

Clinical Nutrition
Includes the use of specialized diets and food plans, as well as nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutraceuticals.

Botanical/Herbal Medicine
Plants have been used in healing since the beginnings of civilization. Many modern pharmaceuticals are derived from plants or are synthetic versions of compounds found in plants. NDs use tinctures, teas, capsules and other forms of herbs for their healing effects and nutritional value.

Homeopathy
Based on the principle of "like cures like" with theory grounded in quantum physics, homeopathy uses minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the self-healing abilities of the body.

Physical Therapy
A variety of chiropractic-type adjustments are used on the spine, joints and soft tissues. Physical Therapy can also include hydrotherapy , heat and cold, and massage treatments

Asian Medicine & Acupuncture
Based on the balance of Qi (energy), yin and yang through the meridian pathways of the body.  Acupuncture is a relatively painless process, and involves the insertion of tiny needles along the body's meridians. Treatment also can include the use of Oriental herbs.

Lifestyle Counselling
Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. Patients are guided in the right direction, and are encouraged to make informed choices to reach and optimal health.


What are the NATUROPATHIC PRINCIPLES?

First Do No Harm
NDs use methods and treatments that are as least invasive as possible, and ones that minimize the risk of harmful side effects.

Identify and Treat the Causes
In addition to alleviating symptoms of an illness, NDs identify and eliminate underlying causes of illness, rather than merely suppressing symptoms.

Doctor as Teacher
NDs work together with patients sharing information to create an ideal treatment plan. Patients are included in decision-making, and are empowered to take interest and responsibility for their own health.

Treat the Whole Person
 While addressing specific complaints or symptoms, naturopaths also look at the 'big picture', and at the patient as a whole. Physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors are taken into account in order to minimize health risks and to create a treatment plan that is do-able for the patient.

Emphasize Prevention
NDs emphasize prevention of disease by determining risk factors, and potential susceptibility to disease in each patient. Appropriate tools can then be used to prevent illness.

Support the Healing Power of the Body
Humans have an innate system of healing within themselves. Hence the reason we survived as a species for so long! NDs work to identify and remove obstacles to healing and help to make your body the strongest it can be.