What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is the art and science of natural medicine focusing on the body's vital ability to heal itself. As primary health care providers, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) focus on disease prevention, patient education, health maintenance, diagnosis of diseases and treatment illnesses with the aid of non-invasive natural therapies. Naturopathic treatment can compliment conventional treatment or be used effectively on its own.
Through a thorough medical intake, lab work, and physical exams NDs identify the root cause of your disease and develop a unique personalized treatment protocol.

The following modalities are available throughout the course of naturopathic care:

Clinical Nutritional - Many common health problems can be alleviated or prevented with a healthy balanced diet. It is a NDs goal to ensure your diet is healthy and balanced with nutrients. Therefore, individualized diets and supplementation may be recommended to address deficiencies, treat illness, promoting disease prevention and optimal health.

Botanical Medicine - NDs use botanicals (herbs) from around the world in the form of teas, tinctures (alcohol extracts), and capsules to prevent and alleviate illness. Clinical studies have indicated that herbs are safe and effective and work by nourishing our body, support normal organ function, and promoting the release of toxins that may build up and contribute to disease.

Traditional Asian Medicine and Acupuncture - Asian medicine has been used for thousands of years to prevent and promote health and well-being. Based on Asian Medicine beliefs, when Qi (energy) is out of balance in the meridian pathways of the body, we can not adapt to stress, therefore promoting disease. Through tongue and pulse diagnosis, NDs decide on the direction of the treatment to create balance and harmonious flow of Qi within meridian pathways preventing disease and promoting optimal health.

Homeopathy - Homeopathy is based on the principle 'like cures like'. Diluted natural substances that originate from animal, plant, and minerals have been previously proven on healthy individuals as useful in stimulating the body's own ability to heal. A homeopathic remedy is prescribed based on presenting symptoms and distinctive characteristics of the patient to affect healing on a physical and emotional level.

Physical Medicine - Physical Medicine includes gentle therapies such as hydrotherapy, massage, soft tissue manipulations can play an essential role in treatment protocols. It works by restoring structural soundness to the skeletal system, joints, and soft tissue. Further, it strengthens your immune system and supports healing and detoxification.

Lifestyle Counselling - Mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being is as important as physical well-being. NDs focus on educating and guiding their patients to make positive changes towards optimal health which will enhance well-being and reduce stress levels to restore and stimulate the body's self-healing abilities.

OHIP does not cover the fees of a Naturopathic Doctor, however, many extended healthcare providers do. Insured patients can check with their employer or insurance agent to see if they are covered.
Naturopathic services are tax deductible.