Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is a natural and proactive form of health care that focuses on strengthening the body’s innate power to heal itself.
Naturopathic Doctors are able to promote health by applying the foundations of science, research and experience to the use of nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture and herbal medicine.
The principles of Naturopathic Medicine that are practiced by all ND’s are:
- First, do no harm
- Encourage the healing power of Nature
- Identify and Treat the root cause of the disease
- Treat the whole person (not just the symptom)
- Doctor as Teacher; Educating our patients is part of the treatment
- Emphasize disease prevention and health promotion
What Conditions does Naturopathic Medicine Treat?
Naturopathic Doctors are trained as primary care physicians. Therefore, any concern that you would discuss with your family doctor can also be addressed through Naturopathic Medicine. Some of the common reasons one might seek Naturopathic care are:
- Weight Management
- Insomnia, Fatigue
- Nutritional Counseling / Food Sensitivities
- Infertility
- Preconception / Prenatal / Postnatal Care
- Digestive Health ie. IBS, Crohn’s/Colitis, Heartburn, Bloating
- Skin concerns ie. Eczema, Acne
- Women’s Health/ Men’s Health
- Allergies, Asthma
- High Cholesterol/ Blood Pressure
- Pain management
- Stress Management
- Preventative medicine for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.
What Education do ND’s Complete?
- Undergraduate degree in pre-medical sciences
- Four-year intensive post graduate program of Naturopathic Medicine at an accredited college. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, ON and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, BC are currently the only accredited schools in Canada.
- One-year internship during the fourth year of study.
- Successful completion of two sets of North American Board Exams, known as NPLEX 1&2.
What makes Naturopathic Doctors Different?
Naturopathic doctors have many similarities to other practitioners in that their training is based in understanding the anatomy and physiology of the body. The difference lies in how NDs treat the imbalances found within these things.
Naturopathic Doctors view health as a continuum, and not simply an absence of disease. Therefore, NDs use natural, non-invasive and proven therapies that help stimulate the body’s own power to heal itself at any stage of the health continuum.
Are “Natural Doctors” the same as a “Naturopathic Doctor”?
No. As mentioned above, there is a specific education, training, and certification process that all licensed Naturopathic Doctors must complete. If you are not sure if you are seeing a registered ND, or if you would like more information about Naturopathic Medicine in general, then please consult the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) at www.cand.ca or the Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (AANP) at www.cnda.net.
Other than acupuncture, what additional treatments does Naturopathic Medicine offer?
All Naturopathic Doctors in Canada have training in nutrition, homeopathy, counseling and botanical medicine. At Core Health Centre, we also offer the services of saliva hormone testing, hair mineral analysis for heavy metal toxicity, and food sensitivity tests.
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