Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care that addresses the root cause of disease. Naturopathic Doctors promote health and healing using natural and gentle therapies.
The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the underlying cause of an illness rather than suppressing symptoms. While naturopathic care helps to alleviate symptoms, Naturopathic Doctors (ND’s) are primarily concerned with the “why” of a disease rather than the “what.” This unique approach allows the body to achieve and maintain an optimal state of health
THE NATUROPATHIC APPROACH
The following principles guide naturopathic doctors (NDs) and govern the practice of naturopathic medicine.
First Do No Harm
- Use of methods and medicines that minimize the risk of harmful side effects;
- Use the least force necessary to diagnose and treat;
- Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppressing of symptoms; and
- Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual self-healing process.
Identify and Treat the Cause
In addition to alleviating acute and chronic symptoms of disease, NDs seek to identify and remove underlying causes of illness. Rather than merely eliminating or suppressing symptoms, this approach moves the body toward maintaining an optimal state of health.
Doctor as Teacher
NDs work collaboratively with patients by sharing knowledge and information to create a successful treatment plan. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their own optimal health.
Treat the Whole Person
In addition to addressing specific complaints or symptoms, NDs look at the ‘whole picture’. The physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors contributing to the health of each individual patient are thoroughly considered.
Emphasize Prevention
NDs emphasize prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease in each patient. Appropriate interventions can then be made in partnership with patients to prevent illness.
Support the Healing Power of the Body
The practice of naturopathic medicine recognizes an ordered and intelligent self-healing process that is inherent to every individual. NDs work to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery and to facilitate this natural self-healing process.
NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS
Naturopathic doctors are highly educated primary care practitioners who integrate standard medical diagnostics with natural therapies. In Ontario, N.D.’s are only one of a few professions who are licensed to diagnose and treat disease, along with medical doctors and chiropractors. Also, naturopathic doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario.
Naturopathic doctors work in partnership with other health care providers such as medical doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths and massage therapists to provide you with the highest quality of health care possible.
What type of training do N.D.’s receive?
Naturopathic doctors have a minimum of seven years post-secondary education. N.D.s are required to complete three years of pre-med university education followed by four years at an approved college of naturopathic medicine. Following graduation from the naturopathic program, candidates must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario.
After becoming licensed, Naturopathic Doctors must complete continuing education courses in the fields of Pharmacology, Herbal Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nutritional Medicine, Physical Therapies, Lifestyle Modification and Counselling, and Spinal Manipulation.
How do I know that my Naturopathic Doctor is a qualified health practitioner?
Naturopathic Doctors (N.D.’s) are the only practitioners trained and licensed to practice natural medicine in Ontario. Be wary of people falsely claiming to have the training and expertise of a naturopathic doctor such as DNM (doctor of natural medicine) or naturotherapists. To be registered as an N.D. in Ontario, they must complete four years of fulltime naturopathic medicine education, of which there is only one school in Canada (The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine).
Please note that naturopathic medicine is not regulated in Quebec. Therefore there are no standards of practice for “natural therapists” in Quebec. If you are looking for a qualified and licensed N.D. in your area, please visit http://www.cand.ca/
Protect your health and don’t be shy to ask about your health practitioner's qualifications; you have a right to know.
