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, traditional chinese medicine concepts, physical therapies and counselling. 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, do a physical exam and may request laboratory tests to assist in making an assessment and diagnosis.
A personal treatment plan will then be made to address current & chronic health problems and facilitate the 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 and their future health promoted. Common health conditions brought to NDs include:
Chronic Illnesses
- Allergies & environmental illnesses
- Arthritis, Fibromyalgia
- Cystitis, incontinence
- Fatigue & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Digestion, constipation, IBS / IBD
- Eczema, psoriasis, acne
- Hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart problems
- Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
Women’s Health
- Breast health issues
- Pregnancy Health - enhancing health during pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Uterine Fibroids
- Fertility Issues
- Menstrual problems, PMS
- Menopausal symptoms
- Fibrocystic breast disease
Men’s Health
- Impotence
- Prostatitis
Other
- Anxiety, depression
- Attention deficit disorder/Hyperactivity
- Family health - helping the whole family stay healthy (kids to parents)
- Insomnia
- Mental or emotional stress
- Stress Management
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 first 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 are used by NDs. Physical treatments also include hydrotherapy and the therapeutic use of heat and cold, light, electrotherapy and massage.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Based on balancing the flow of Chi (energy) through meridian pathways. Our naturopathic doctors use biotherapeutic drainage remedies, muscle response testing and diet to assess and promote smooth energy flow through the body.
Lifestyle Counselling
Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. NDs help patients to make and implement 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 scientific validation of naturopathic treatments.
How are ND’s Trained?
NDs take a minimum of three years premedical studies at university with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (4 pt scale), followed by 4-year-full time program at anaccredited school of Naturopathic Medicine that includes more than 4500 hours of classroom training and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. The education encompasses:
- Basic Medical Sciences - including anatomy, physiology, histology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology and pathology.
- Clinical Medical Diagnostics - including physical and clinical diagnosis, differential and lab diagnosis, radiology, naturopathic assessment and orthopaedics.
- Naturopathic Principles and Therapeutics - including Clinical Nutrition, botanical Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine, Hydrotherapy and Lifestyle Counselling.
- 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience - all clinicians must demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of Naturopathic Medicine prior to graduation.
To be a Registered Naturopathic Doctor, an ND must:
- Pass NPLEX Board Exams written after 2nd year of school (full day of exams) and after graduation (4 days of intensive exams). NPLEX is the examination body used by all licensing jurisdictions for Naturopathic doctors in North America.
- Fulfill all Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits and Continuing Competency requirements required by the provincial regulatory boards/colleges on an on-going yearly basis.
There are seven recognized schools of naturopathic medicine in North America:
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, ON)
- Boucher Institute on Naturopathic Medicine (Vancouver, BC)
- Bastyr University (Seattle, WA)
- National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland, OR)
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Scottsdale, AZ)
- University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (Bridgeport, CT)
- National University of Health Sciences (Lombard, IL)
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 on these in their practices. 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.
Fees for naturopathic doctors are currently not covered by any provincial government health plan. Many private health plans do cover a portion of naturopathic treatments. Businesses that are operated run as sole proprietorships or corporations can provide coverage through independently-run Health Trusts or Health Spending Accounts. Patients are encouraged to enquire as to the coverage their employer provides and 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. NDs also work with other health professionals (i.e. MD, DC, PT, Psychologist, RMT etc.) that are needed to provide patients with a solid base of health support from their chosen healthcare team. NDs also refer patients to and receive referrals from other health care practitioners including medical doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists and midwives.
Website: www.ndclinic.com | Phone: (403) 301 - 0123 | Fax: (403) 301 - 0105
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine
|
Website: www.ndclinic.com | Phone: (403) 301 - 0123 | Fax: (403) 301 - 0105
