In an attempt to summarize, Naturopathy is a primary health care profession that aims to compile years of holistic modalities with modern day research to apply natural, non-invasive, and non-toxic treatments in a way that targets the root cause to the ailment(s) of concern, all the while supporting and encouraging the body's own ability to heal.
Naturopathic Education:
       Naturopathy is a regulated health profession in Ontario, with registered practitioners receiving over 1200 hours of supervised clinical experience, trained with a patient centred approach.  
       Natur­o­pathic doc­tors obtain com­pre­hen­sive and rig­or­ous train­ing, requir­ing four years of pre-medical post­sec­ondary edu­ca­tion, followed by four years of full­time study at an approved Col­lege of Natur­o­pathic Med­i­cine.  In order to qual­ify for licens­ing in Ontario, natur­o­pathic doc­tors must suc­cess­fully complete two sets of Natur­o­pathic Physi­cians Licens­ing Exam­i­na­tions (NPLEX I & II), the stan­dard exam­i­na­tion used by all reg­u­lated provinces and states across North America.
     Natur­o­pathic doc­tors are also required to earn con­tin­u­ing edu­ca­tion cred­its on an ongo­ing basis to main­tain their reg­is­tra­tion and good stand­ing with the provin­cial reg­u­la­tory body, the College of Naturopaths of Ontario under the Naturopathy Act 2007.

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The Naturopathic Principles:
  • First, to do no harm, by using non-invasive and non-toxic therapies with minimal side effects
  • To treat the causes of disease, by identifying and addressing the underlying causes of illness, rather than simply suppressing its symptoms.
  • To teach the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine, through patient empowerment and education 
  • To heal the whole person through individualized treatment, incorporating the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors that contribute to a persons illness
  • To support the healing power of the body, by removing obstacles to support the body's inherent ability to heal.
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Remember, Naturopathic Medicine is complimentary, NOT alternative. I always advise seeing your General Physician alongside your Naturopath to ensure you are receiving the best care possible.
How does Natural Medicine differ from Allopathic Medicine?
     Naturopathic Doctors (ND) are Primary Health Care providers, with a specific focus on disease prevention and wellness promotion, treating most acute and chronic health conditions. They differ from the primary health care model in Ontario by looking at all aspects of health as one, spending more time with patients, and by providing natural treatments. The goal of a ND is to identify the cause of the illness or condition(s), and work to find a non-invasive and sustainable solution that resolves the underlying condition so that symptoms do not continue to present themselves.
     Visits with an Naturopathic Doctor (ND) are typically longer than with your medical doctor, during which time a thorough history of your health is assessed and your treatment is initiated or monitored. Appointments include physical exams, laboratory and diagnostic testing (as needed), and treatment plans such as diet and lifestyle counselling, nutraceuticals, botanical medicine, acupuncture, counselling, etc. Naturopath's do not practice a one-complaint, one-visit model.
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