Q: What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct and comprehensive system of health care which strives to attain health and well-being through both disease prevention and health promotion via education and necessary lifestyle changes. In these treatment approaches, Naturopathic doctors integrate current scientific knowledge with traditional healing wisdom, to treat the underlying causes of illness rather than just managing the symptoms that may arise. Natural substances and methods are used in developing a treatment plan with the primary goal of supporting and stimulating the body’s natural healing ability. You can also read more about The Principals of Naturopathic Medicine.
Q: Who is a Naturopathic Doctor?
A Naturopathic doctor is a licensed trained physician, having an undergraduate University degree, followed by a 4 year full-time study in an accredited Naturopathic college. They go through two sets of licensing board exams, and have to continue ongoing educational courses for required hours. A Naturopathic doctor understands the value of taking time to listen to and understand the complexity of each individual and to provide the needed treatment to reach their personal health goals.
Q: How long are the visits with the Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic visits ranges from 60-90 minutes in length for initial visits, and follow up visits from 30-45 minutes. This allows a Naturopath to establish a detailed understanding of the patient’s history, contributing factors, current health status and treatment plan/progress. The visit also includes physical examinations, laboratory and diagnostic testing, as needed.
Q: Are Naturopathic visits covered?
A number of insurance companies cover nutritional and /or Naturopathic consultations. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm the coverage. Please note: If you do not have the coverage, Naturopath’s services are recognized by the Canadian Revenue Agency and receipts can be submitted with your income tax return at the end of the year.
Q: What is the difference between a Naturopath and a Homeopath?
Naturopathic doctor has extensive training in a wide range of safe, non-invasive treatment options, like Botanical (herbal) Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine, Physical Medicine, and lifestyle counseling, etc. for treatment of any disease. Homeopaths also study curriculum similar to Naturopaths, however Homeopaths strictly uses homeopathic remedies to treat their patients.
Q: Do I have to take any supplements?
Nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and homeopathic remedies are suggested either to enhance detoxification, kill off any pathogens, to re-build the organ or to support the organ function.
Q: Does one need a referral?
No, one does not need to have any referral to come see a Naturopath.