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Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that incorporates the art, science and natural forms of medicine with modern scientific knowledge.

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct primary health care system that incorporates the art and science of traditional and natural forms of medicine with modern scientific knowledge. The practice of naturopathic medicine involves disease diagnosis as well as treatment and prevention using natural therapies that include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation, Traditional Chinese Medicine/acupuncture and lifestyle counseling.

A Naturopathic Doctor is a primary care practitioner distinguished by their practicing philosophy, which seeks to restore and maintain optimum health by emphasizing nature’s inherent self-healing process.

A naturopathic doctor views the individual from a wholistic perspective, incorporating the physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual, environment and lifestyle factors affecting the patient. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than disease as an entity. The primary goal is to treat the underlying cause of the disease by selecting treatments that are unique to the individual and not simply the symptoms. This approach has proven successful in treating both chronic and acute conditions.

In Ontario, licensed Naturopathic Doctors have at least 7 years of post-secondary education, must graduate from an accredited educational institution, receive their professional licensing from the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N) as well as complete and pass international licensing exams (NPLEX).

Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario have recently become regulated under the Regulated Health Practitioners Act (RHPA) alongside medical doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and most other health-care providers in the province.

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Green road in the woods covered in grass.

Naturopathic medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than disease as an entity.

The primary goal is to treat the underlying cause of the disease by selecting treatments that are unique to the individual and not simply the symptoms.

Oath and Principles

Naturopathic doctors are philosophically governed by their oath and naturopathic principles.

First Do No Harm
(Primum Non Nocere)

From a naturopathic philosophy, preventing harm refers to both the present as well as into the future. Many pharmaceutical interventions opt for temporary relief at the expense of long-term health. Selecting medicinal substances to reduce this risk, avoiding the suppression of symptoms when possible and respecting the individuals unique healing process is critical to this governing principle.

The Healing Power of Nature
(Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

Naturopathic doctors identify and remove obstacles to recovery, facilitating and augmenting nature’s ordered and intelligent healing ability. This is accomplished through the selection of appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Identify and Treat the Cause
(Tolle Causam)

Our primary goal is to determine and treat the underlying cause of your discomfort or disease rather than simply managing or suppressing the symptoms. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal and are important indicators of where the body needs to be supported rather than suppressed.

Treat the Whole Person

Each person is unique and requires individualized care. Disease affects the entire person, not just a specific organ or system. Your nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, feelings, environmental stresses, and physical health are all carefully evaluated and addressed.

Doctor as Teacher (Docere)

Inherent to changing your health is the understanding of how to learn from the messages of your body and to develop long-term strategies to optimize and maintain your health and that of your family.

Naturopathic doctors use a variety of therapies to achieve optimal health:

  • Botanical Medicine
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Nutritional supplementation
  • Homeopathy
  • Lifestyle counseling
  • Detoxification
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Diagnosis and Assessment

Integrative health practice involves a varied approach to the diagnosis of health and disturbances. It begins with a review of the comprehensive health history of the patient and includes such practices as nutritional analysis and laboratory testing.

Comprehensive Health History

The initial naturopathic intake at the Integrative Health Institute is usually 1 to 1.5 hours in length and will include a detailed history. The medical intake will consist of a meeting with one of our naturopathic doctors, a review of the detailed medical history form completed prior to your first appointment as well as discussion related to specific lifestyle recommendations. In most cases a physical examination will be performed and relevant blood work may be discussed.

Previous Medical Reports and Diagnostic Testing

All medical reports, such as MRIs and X-rays or scans are valuable assets to include during our assessment of your health concerns. When appropriate, you may be referred outside of our clinic in order to receive additional imaging or diagnostic testing.

Physical Examinations

Naturopathic doctors are trained to do complete physical exams and we use them as a standard part of your assessment. Having a complete physical exam on an annual basis and when new symptoms arise is an essential part of preventative health care.

Comprehensive Laboratory Testing

Laboratory testing, including urine analysis, blood work, hormonal saliva testing as well as PAP smears and gynecological testing is an essential aspect of a complete medical assessment. We will use standard laboratory testing as part of your complete assessment.

Nutritional Analysis

Understanding your nutritional status and eating habits is an important part of the naturopathic assessment. Following your initial interview you will likely be asked to complete a diet diary for further assessment. Identifying the unique way that food reacts to your body is imperative to achieving long-term health.

Chinese Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis

Traditional Chinese Medicine provides additional insight and information about an individual's health status. Through tongue and pulse diagnosis, your naturopathic doctor will be able to understand your health from a valuable and alternative paradigm.

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Last Modified 1 December, 2010 1:03 AM