Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care system that combines scientific knowledge and diagnostics with traditional and natural forms of medicine. A naturopathic doctor or naturopath (ND) provides alternative therapy services that are complementary to conventional medicine. 

The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease, whether the condition is acute or chronic. An ND will focus on all areas of health (physiology, biochemistry, lifestyle factors, hormone health, nutrient status, inflammation, personal and family health history) to determine the cause of imbalance leading to your symptoms. Then using a variety of modalities including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and lifestyle counseling, they will access diverse disciplines to develop the most effective and individualized treatment approach.

Patients can benefit from naturopathic medicine whether dealing with severe chronic health conditions or looking to optimize wellbeing and maintain long-term health. 

In Canada, the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing, national standards of practice, participation in many federal health committee initiatives, and a commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research.