Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine uses natural, holistic therapies to help the body correct itself: clinical nutrition, homeopathic drainage, acupuncture, botanical medicine and lifestyle counselling. Naturopathic medicine involves a comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. Naturopathic Doctors work to stimulate and support the body's inherent healing mechanism to prevent and treat illness. In order to do this, naturopathic treatment addresses the underlying cause of illness rather than treating or suppressing its symptoms. This is done through comprehensive history taking, physical examination, food sensitivity testing and other forms of testing. The patient's mental, physical and emotional well being is considered when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan.

What Kinds of Health Problems Can Be Treated?

Virtually all chronic and most acute conditions may benefit from treatment by Naturopathic Doctors. The most common health conditions include:

Chronic Illnesses

  • Digestion, IBS
  • Allergies and Food and Environmental sensitivities
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Asthma, Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne
  • Cystitis, Prostatitis
  • Cardiovascular Disease

Acute Conditions

  • Colds and Flus
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Headaches
  • Intestinal Disturbances

Women's Conditions

  • PMS, Menstrual Disorders
  • Menopause
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease
  • Enhancing Health in Pregnancy
  • Infertility
  • Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids

Other

  • Mental and Emotional Stress
  • Anxiety, Depression
  • Insomnia

What Treatments do ND's use?

Clinical Nutrition

Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Special diets may be recommended, and treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutraceuticals.

Botanical Medicine

The use of plants for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization and is the foundation for modern pharmacology. Plant substances are used for their healing effects.

Homeopathy and Homeopathic Drainage

Based on the principle of "like cures like" homeopathy was developed in the 1700's. Minute amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities. Homeopathic Drainage uses homeopathic remedies to clear the body of toxins that are blocking proper cellular function. Once toxins are cleared, cells and organs resume their normal function and Balance is restored.

Acupuncture

This ancient form of medicine is based on re-establishing the proper flow of Chi (energy) through meridian pathways to re-establish Balance in the body.

Lifestyle Counselling

Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. ND’s help patients to make effective lifestyle changes.

How are Naturopathic Doctors Trained?

ND's take a minimum of three years pre-medical studies at university, followed by four years at a recognized college of Naturopathic Medicine. The education encompasses basic medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics and over 1700 hours of supervised clinical experience. In British Columbia, Naturopathic Doctors must pass two sets of rigorous standardized exams to become licensed practitioners.

Do ND's Interact With Other Health Professionals?

Naturopathic treatments are often combined with conventional medical treatments. ND's also refer patients to registered massage therapists, counselors, nutritionists, chiropractors and midwives.

Are Naturopathic Visits covered by MSP and Extended health insurance?

Patients with Premium Assistance status will have partial coverage for their visits. Many private health plans cover a portion of naturopathic treatments. Patients are encouraged to request that their policy include coverage of all naturopathic services.

Please contact us to inquire about our fees.