What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a medical doctor?

While naturopathic doctors receive extensive training in primary care, pathology and disease diagnosis, they differ from medical doctors in philosophy, approach to therapy, and treatment techniques. A medical doctor may approach an illness by evaluating symptoms and prescribing pharmaceuticals and/or surgery.

In naturopathic medicine the goal of treatment is to address the underlying cause of illness, and to treat the cause. Every person is accepted as a unique being with their own individual experience of illness, and this is identified as important for guiding treatment. Treatment is aimed at returning the individual to a state of balance and support the innate ability of the body to heal itself using gentle, non-invasive, natural therapies. These therapies include nutritional assessment and counseling, botanical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, stress management skills and mind-body counseling. Effective treatment is restorative and promotes whole body health.

What can I expect from my first appointment with a Naturopath?

Your first visit will be between 1-1.5 hours long. We will thoroughly exploration of your health concerns, take an extensive medical history to gather important information regarding your physical, mental, emotional health. A complaint-oriented physical exam may performed. Depending on your condition lab tests may be required or previous lab tests from other practitioners/doctors may be requested. Initial recommendations will be given to begin treatment.

How many visits will I need?

It depends on your condition. On your second visit a detailed, personalized treatment plan will be outlined for you based on your current health complaints, and long-term health goals. Treatment is initiated and a follow-up visit is scheduled to monitor progress or administer treatment protocols such as acupuncture.

Can children be treated with naturopathic medicine?

Yes. We encourage parents to bring in their children for treatment. It is especially important to treat while young to prevent illness from progressing later in life. Children have a lot of vitality and are often very receptive to natural therapies.

Will naturopathic medicine interfere with medications or my medical doctor's treatments?

No. Naturopathic doctors are educated to be able to co-manage with medical treatment. Natural treatments are carefully chosen so that there is no interference with your medication's effectiveness. Drug interactions with supplements and nutrients are carefully studied. They can be very supportive for overall health and make the medications more effective. A naturopathic doctor will never take a patient off of a medication prescribed by another physician. This decision must be made between the patient and the prescribing doctor.

Some people come to see a naturopathic doctor with a clear diagnosis and are looking for alternative ways to treat their condition. We may request laboratory test results from your family doctor and re-evaluate your diagnosis. In some cases we may be able to offer drugless treatment alternatives. We are able to provide a second opinion about your condition, offer information to make choices regarding your particular condition.

Does my extended health benefits include coverage for naturopathic medicine?

In most cases yes. Most of the major providers offer some coverage. Consult your provider for more information.

Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario?

Yes. Naturopathic doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors are regulated in Ontario under the 1925 Drugless Therapy Act and are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDTN). The BDDTN functions to ensure that naturopathic doctors are properly qualified to practice naturopathic medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.

How will I know if a naturopathic doctor is licensed to practice in Ontario?

In Ontario, the public can call the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy at 416-866-8383 to verify that a naturopathic doctor is registered to practice in the province. The BDDTN is the regulatory body that registers naturopathic doctors to practice in Ontario.