About Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a wellness-based approach to health care … the fundamental methodology is to help your body heal itself. By strengthening your body’s natural healing abilities, naturopathic care is effective for treating acute illness and major health concerns… as well as preventing future illness.
Naturopathic doctors deeply investigate your medical, nutritional & lifestyle histories, while also being mindful of your mental, emotional & spiritual well-being, looking for the cause of your health complaints. For only when the source of disharmony is found can true healing commence. This is individualized health care.
How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) acquire at least 3 years of premedical studies at a university followed by 4 years at a recognized school of naturopathic medicine. During the first 2 years of the naturopathic program students undertake coursework similar to an allopathic medical program (i.e., a program of study which results in a medical degree, or MD), focusing on modern basic & diagnostic sciences such as anatomy (including cadaver dissection), biochemistry & pathology, with the addition of courses in psychology & naturopathic philosophy. The 3rd & 4th years are spent focusing on individual modalities like botanical medicine & homeopathy in addition to more specialized coursework such as gastroenterology, cardiology & gynecology; during this time students also acquire 1500 hours of practical internship experience.
Naturopathic doctors must successfully pass 2 phases of rigorous North America-wide examinations (19 in total) in order to become licensed and registered.
Do I have to choose only naturopathic (ND) or allopathic (MD) treatments?
Certainly not. Naturopathic doctors will encourage you to maintain your relationship with your MD as they recognize the value in working together to meet your health goals. In example, if you are diagnosed with hypertension (3 readings of elevated blood pressure on 3 separate days) your MD may prescribe an anti-hypertensive medication. Then, while you are taking the medication you can work with your ND to make dietary and lifestyle modifications addressing the reason your blood pressure was elevated in the first place (‘treating the cause’). When your body systems are functioning more optimally you may find that your need for the medication has decreased and at which time you will work with your MD to reassess your dosage. It is important that you never modify the dosage of a prescription medication without the guidance of your MD. Similar health scenarios include depression and elevated cholesterol. Naturopathic doctors will refer patients to applicable practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
It is important to note that naturopathic medicine is a complementary medical practice rather than alternative. The latter suggests a health care modality in place of standard medical treatment... and this is contrary to naturopathic medical philosophy.
Treatment Modalities*
Clinical Nutrition: The relationship between nutrition and wellness, or between inadequate nutrition and disease, is well documented and is a cornerstone of naturopathic practice.
Lifestyle Modification and Public Health: Environment and lifestyle have a significant impact on health. Contamination of food, water or the local environment, and extremes in diet can cause a significant risk for the patient. These factors are evaluated and dealt with when appropriate.
Botanical Medicine: Plant substances have been utilized safely and effectively for centuries in the prevention and treatment of disease. Their clinical uses and effects are described in detail in traditional literature, and they are the subject of an increasing amount of new scientific research. Botanical medicines have pharmacological properties that necessitate their use by appropriately trained health care providers.
Counseling: A tenet of naturopathic medicine is that emotional health and physical health are interdependent.
Homeopathic Medicine: Homeopathic medicine was originally developed during the 18th century by the German physician Hahnemann, and is widely used throughout the world. Minute amounts of substances prepared and prescribed according to strict homeopathic principles are used to evoke a physiological and/or psychological response.
Physical Therapy Procedures: Naturopathic medicine has traditionally utilized a wide variety of physical modalities for the treatment of pain and to stimulate circulation and healing. These include the use of water, heat &/or cold, castor oil, exercise and massage.
*Extracted from The Ontario Naturopathic Profession's Submission to the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council, a joint submission by the BDDT-N and the OAND.
Other Licensed and Registered NDs in
Southern Georgian Bay
Tara Gignac, Collingwood
David and Leah Oster, Collingwood
Aranka Jones, Collingwood
Monika Lukacena, Wasaga Beach