Please find answers to frequently asked questions below.
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FAQ
When is it appropriate to seek naturopathic care?
When is it appropriate to seek naturopathic care?
Most health conditions treated by a family physician can also be treated by a naturopathic doctor. As the focus of conventional medical treatment is often primarily the management of symptoms, and the focus of naturopathic medical treatment is directed at the underlying causes of symptoms, conventional and naturopathic medicines can be used most effectively together. Good examples in which naturopathic medicine is well-suited include prenatal and postnatal care to both mother and child, and most chronic illnesses. For some examples of conditions in which naturopathic medicine can be used, please see 'Services'
Is naturopathic medicine covered by O.H.I.P?
Is naturopathic medicine covered by O.H.I.P?
Although not covered by O.H.I.P., many extended healthcare plans provide coverage for naturopathic treatments and acupuncture performed by a naturopathic doctor. Contact your extended healthcare provider to determine if your benefits package includes naturopathic medicine.
What type of training do naturopathic doctors receive?
What type of training do naturopathic doctors receive?
A naturopathic doctor's training encompasses a minimum of three years of university education, including standard pre-medical prerequisites followed by a four-year, full-time course of study at one of six recognized North American colleges of naturopathic medicine. Training includes over 4200 hours of study in basic medical sciences, diagnostic and assessment skills, therapeutic techniques and 1500 hours of clinical practice.
How is naturopathic medicine regulated?
How is naturopathic medicine regulated?
In Ontario, naturopathic doctors are regulated by the Board of Directors Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy under the Drugless Practitioners Act. In order to practice naturopathic medicine in Ontario, graduates must have successfully completed two sets of standardized North American examinations and one set of provincial examinations.
How does naturopathic medicine differ from conventional medicine?
How does naturopathic medicine differ from conventional medicine?
Naturopathic medicine differs from conventional medicine in philosophy of health and in therapies utilized. Naturopathic medicine focuses on determining and treating the root causes of illness as opposed to symptom management and considers prevention and integration of body, mind and spirit essential to overall health. Treatments do not include pharmaceutical drugs or surgery, although if these are necessary, you will certainly be advised to speak to your family physician for treatment or referral to the appropriate specialist. As naturopathic medicine approaches treatment of illness from a “health building” perspective, and conventional medicine approaches it from a “disease management” perspective, they can be used in a complementary fashion to create a truly comprehensive treatment plan for your health concern.
Is naturopathic medicine the same as homeopathy?
Is naturopathic medicine the same as homeopathy?
Naturopathic medicine and homeopathy are distinct systems of medicine, yet they overlap in certain areas. Naturopathic doctors may use homeopathy as part of a treatment plan, but are also trained to use nutritional counselling, botanical medicine, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, lifestyle counselling and other therapies together or individually.
Is naturopathic medicine only used for prevention?
Is naturopathic medicine only used for prevention?
Naturopathic medicine can be used in the treatment of many chronic illnesses, and is particularly useful in pre- and postnatal health. For a more comprehensive list of conditions in which naturopathic medicine can be used, please see 'Services'.
Is there scientific support for the use of naturopathic therapies?
Is there scientific support for the use of naturopathic therapies?
Traditional medical practices are supported by centuries of empirical evidence and naturopathic treatments have been validated by modern scientific research. Typically, a patient's treatment plan will consist of a combination of traditional and modern therapies.
Is naturopathic medicine safe to use with prescription medications?
Is naturopathic medicine safe to use with prescription medications?
Not all natural medicines are safe, particularly when taken with prescription medications. No clinician of any single discipline is better qualified to identify potentially harmful herb-drug interactions than a naturopathic doctor. One of the primary strengths of naturopathic medicine is the diversity of treatments available. Should adverse interactions to treatments or medications become a concern, alternate or more appropriate therapies can be used.
Do you work with conventional care providers?
Do you work with conventional care providers?
At Toronto-Centre Naturopathic Medicine, we feel it is very important for healthcare providers to work together to provide maximum benefit to patients. To this end, we are happy to work with your family physician or with any other therapists who treat you.