About Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Education

With at least seven years of post-secondary education, Naturopathic Doctors are trained to identify the root cause of disease and to help the body heal itself using a range of natural therapies.

A Naturopathic Doctor receives four years of training and are required to pass two sets of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX).  NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America. NDs are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body.

Naturopathic doctors are currently regulated in Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act by the College of Ontario of Naturopathic Doctors (CONO).  The college ensures naturopathic doctors are safe and effective and exist for the protection of the public.

A Visit to a Naturopath

Naturopathic doctors take an extensive patient history and perform physical examinations using standard diagnostic instruments and laboratory tests. Additional information related to lifestyle – including diet, emotions, stress, exercise, and exposure to environmental hazards – may be requested. Our goal is to understand each patient and all the aspects of their lives that impact their health. An initial visit consists of a 1.5 hour comprehensive intake including a physical examination as well as an in depth case history. A highly individualized treatment plan is created, taking into account the physical exam, blood tests, reported symptoms, family history, lifestyle choices and personality traits.

The treatment plan is then customized based on a number of factors such as goals, needs and expectations of the patient as well as recommendations made by the doctor. It might include dietary recommendations, herbal medicines, acupuncture, homeopathy and the like. This treatment changes over time to reflect the ongoing progress of the patient.

Naturopathic Principles

• Find the Root Cause
• Treat the Whole Person
• First Do No Harm
• Prevention First
• Doctor as Teacher

It is not the herbs, diet, or supplements that makes Naturopathic Medicine so unique and effective, but rather the time honored homage paid to essential principles.  Without the principles the pills and diet would have not direction, meaning and process.  The principles provide a narrative, story, direction and meaning to the products.