FAQs

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a unique primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. Naturopathic medicine focuses on stimulating the body's own innate healing ability through the use of natural medicine to enable optimal health. As per our philosophy, naturopathic medicine treats the underlying cause of the disease rather than focusing only on the symptoms.

Naturopathic physicians have a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education, such as a bachelor's degree followed by 4 years at an accredited naturopathic medical school (for which there are only 2 such schools in Canada). Naturopathic doctors can treat and prevent many illnesses, from the common cold to severe chronic disease.

Naturopathic Principles

First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) choose remedies and therapies that are safe and effective, to increase your health and decrease harmful side effects.
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

NDs aid in utilizing the healing power of your own body and the healing power of natural remedies to overcome illness.
Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam)

A NDs primary goal is to determine and treat the underlying cause of your illness rather than simply managing or suppressing the symptoms.
Treat the Whole Person

Your nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, feelings, environmental stresses, and physical health are all carefully evaluated and addressed.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)

NDs help you in understanding both your illness and your road to recovery.
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

NDs apply all of the above principles in a proactive form of disease prevention and health promotion.

What Can Naturopathic Medicine Do For You?

There are typically three types of patients that seek naturopathic medical care:

1.  Patients that are looking for disease prevention and health promotion strategies.

  • Are you already healthy and are looking for ways to further optimize your health? 
  • Is there a condition that runs in your family that you would like to prevent from getting yourself?

2.  Patients that have a range of symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other medical practitioners.

  • Do you feel like you have so many unanswered questions that you are at a loss at what you need to do next?
  • Do you feel alone in your journey to recovery?
  • Do you feel like you need a second opinion?

3.  Patients that have been diagnosed with an illness and are looking for alternative or integrative treatments.

  • Are you unhappy with your current treatment plan and want to try an alternative method?
  • Are you taking medications or will be undergoing surgery and would like to find a way to minimize any potential side effects?

Can I Claim Naturopathic Services Through Insurance?

Most extended health plans will cover a portion of your naturopathic visit fees, but please confirm with your insurance company what exactly is covered. Note that plans usually renew on a yearly basis each January, meaning that most people have a certain dollar amount per year that they can use towards naturopathic medicine.