Naturopathic
Medicine
Naturopathic
medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and
treating illness. Focusing on prevention, and using natural substances and
treatments, naturopathic doctors (NDs) support
and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself.
The
primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness,
rather than simply treat or suppress symptoms. The patient is seen as a
whole person and the ND takes the physical, mental, emotional, and
spiritual dimensions into account when diagnosing and developing a
treatment plan.
The
primary therapies used by naturopathic doctors are: clinical nutrition, botanical
medicine, homeopathic medicine, acupuncture and oriental medicine, physical
therapies and counseling.
In some
provinces NDs are authorized to prescribe certain
pharmaceutical medications and to perform minor surgery.
What
Can I Expect When I Visit A Naturopathic Doctor?
The Goal
of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors
which impact on his/her health. The ND will take an in-depth patient
history. In addition, the information from a physical exam and laboratory
tests may assist in making an assessment and diagnosis.
A personal
treatment plan will then be processed to help facilitate your healing
process.
What
Kinds Of Health Problems Can Be Treated?
Virtually
all chronic and most acute conditions may benefit from treatment by
naturopathic doctors. People of all ages can be helped. The most common
health conditions brought to NDs include:
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Chronic Illnesses
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• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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• Allergies & Environmental Illnesses
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• Arthritis, Fibromyalgia
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• Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, Heart problems
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• Digestion, Constipation, IBS
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• Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne
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• Cystitis, Prostatitis,
Impotence
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Acute Conditions
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• Colds and Flu
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• Ear and Throat Infections
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• Headaches
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• Intestinal Upsets
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Women’s Conditions
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• Menopausal Problems
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• PMS, Menstrual Disorders
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• Fibrocystic Breast Disease
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• Enhancing Health in Pregnancy
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• Infertility
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• Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids
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Other
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• Mental or Emotional Stress
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• Anxiety, Depression
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• Insomnia
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• Attention Deficit Disorder
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• Hyperactivity
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What
Treatments Do NDs 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
(Herbal) Medicine
The use of
plants for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization and is the
foundation of modern pharmacology. Plant substances from around the world
are used for their healing effects and nutritional value.
Homeopathic
Medicine
Based on
the principle of “like cures like” homeopathic medicine was
developed in the 1700s. Minute amounts of natural substances are used to
stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities.
Physical
Medicine
A variety
of hands-on techniques for the spine, joints and soft tissues. Physical
treatments used by NDs also include hydrotherapy
and the therapeutic use of heat and cold, light massage, and
electrotherapy.
Acupuncture
and Oriental Medicine
Based on
balancing the flow of Chi (energy) through meridian pathways, Oriental
medicine includes the use of acupuncture and Oriental herbs.
Lifestyle
Counseling
Physical,
emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. NDs help patients to make effective lifestyle choices.
Is
Naturopathic Medicine Safe?
The safety
record for naturopathic medicine is excellent. This makes sense given the
emphasis on non-toxic, natural source medicines and gentle, non-invasive
treatments. Side effects are rare and NDs are
knowledgeable about contraindications between naturopathic remedies and
conventional medicines.
In
addition, NDs are trained to recognize conditions
which are outside their scope of practice and to refer to other health
practitioners when it is appropriate to do so.
Is
Naturopathic Medicine Scientific?
Thousands
of modern clinical studies have validated a variety of natural medicines
used by NDs: Echinacea for the immune system and St. John’s Wort for depression are just two examples. Naturopathic
schools encourage and facilitate research.
It is
important to note that, since most naturopathic remedies are not patentable,
manufacturers find little financial incentive in costly scientific studies.
Thus, funding from independent sources is essential for sci3entific
validation of naturopathic treatments.
How
are ND’s Trained?
NDs take a minimum of three years premedical 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 1500 hours of supervised clinical
experience. There are four recognized schools of naturopathic medicine in North America:
The Canadian College
of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto), Bastyr University (Seattle),
National College
of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland), and Southwest College
of Naturopathic Medicine (Scottsdale).
Graduates from these institutions receive a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
(ND) degree or diploma.
Do
NDs Specialize?
Many NDs take additional postgraduate training in specific
therapies and focus their practices on those treatments. The most common areas
are nutrition, homeopathic medicine, acupuncture and botanical medicine. In
some jurisdictions NDs may obtain post-graduate
certification in the use of intravenous therapies including ozone and chelation. Patients should check with individual NDs to find out more about the focus of their practice.
What
Does it Cost to Visit A Naturopathic Doctor?
Fee
schedules vary somewhat depending on the province, as well as on the NDs practice focus and the length of visit.
In British Columbia,
naturopathic physician fees are partly covered by the provincial Medical
Services Plan. Other provinces do not provide this coverage.
Many
private health plans cover a portion of naturopathic treatments. Patients
are encouraged to request that their policy include coverage of all
naturopathic services.
Is
Homeopathic Medicine Different?
Homeopathic
medicine is one of the therapies that Naturopathic doctors integrate into a
total treatment program. A homeopathic practitioner, however, would use
only a homeopathic approach. Naturopathic doctors are the only health care
professionals trained in homeopathy as part of their standard educational
program and examined in homeopathy for registration (or licensing)
purposes.
Do
NDs Interact With Other Health Professionals?
Naturopathic
treatments are often combined with conventional medical treatments. It is
becoming more common to find NDs working with
other health professionals for the good of the patient. NDs
also refer patients to other practitioners including medical doctors,
chiropractors, massage therapists and midwives.
