Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the root cause of the disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavorable lifestyle habits.
Naturopathic doctors are well educated in nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counselling, homeopathy, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine and mind-body medicine as methods of treatment for various conditions.
A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD, but also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. An ND must take rigorous board exams in order to be licensed in the province or state they practice in.
An initial visit entails an in depth review you’re your current and past health state as well as complaint-oriented physical exams when warranted (blood pressure, temperature, etc.). Naturopathic doctors can review any lab work you have and may suggest further lab work depending on your condition.
