Naturopathic
Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic
Medicine is a comprehensive approach to wellness using natural substances
and relatively non-invasive techniques. Our goal is to stimulate the body’s
natural healing abilities.
ND
Training
ND’s take at least three years of premedical university studies
before completing a four-year naturopathic program at one of the four
accredited naturopathic colleges in North America. The curriculum covers
basic medical sciences, and naturopathic principles and therapeutics.
Graduates have 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience and then go
on to write national standardized exams.
Visiting your Naturopathic Doctor
The initial visit involves an in-depth health history followed by a physical
exam. Certain lab tests may be required. The naturopathic doctor collects
a lot of information in order to understand the many factors affecting
the patient’s health. Soon, an individualized treatment plan is
proposed to facilitate the healing process. Naturopathic
medicine is covered under most extended healthcare insurance, please call
your provider to determine what coverage you have.
Healthcare Team Approach
Your healthcare is multifaceted and would best be served by a number of
healthcare professionals. With consent, naturopathic doctors support open
lines of communication with medical doctors, and other specialists. When
appropriate, ND’s refer patients to other healthcare providers.
Naturopathic Principles
Vis
Medicatrix Naturae (The Healing Power of Nature)
Based on a tradition of vitalism, naturopathic medicine evokes the healing
power of nature. We all have an inherent capacity to heal ourselves.
Naturopathic doctors help patients tap into this power in order to improve
their health.
Primum
Non Nocere (First Do No Harm)
Hippocrates believed that treatments should not make the patient worse.
Naturopathic Medicine uses natural substances and relatively non-invasive
techniques to minimize side effects of treatments.
Tolle Causum (Treat the Root Cause)
Naturopathic Doctors conduct a thorough intake including a physical exam.
This comprehensive assessment is necessary to determine the underlying
causes of illness and to affect a more permanent recovery.
Tolle Totum (Treat the Whole Person)
Patients receive individualized and multifaceted treatment. Everyone is
unique and treatment plans should customize accordingly.
Docere (Doctor as Teacher)
Health promotion is a joint effort. Naturopathic doctors educate their
patients about health and encourage an active role in achieving goals.
Prevenio Et Evito Aegresco (Prevent Illness)
The best medicine is prevention. Adoption of healthful habits now will
deter disease and maximize the benefits out of life.