Naturopathic Doctors have a minimum of 8 years education, which includes an undergraduate degree from a university followed by four years in a credited college of Naturopathic Medicine.
N.D.s are licensed physicians that practice in primary health care as general practitioners. Naturopathic medicine consists of medical diagnosis, laboratory testing, studies in pathology, prevention, and treatments including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, Chinese medicine/acupuncture, homeopathy, supplements, hydrotherapy and counselling.

Naturopathic medicine is a science based approach to health using non-pharmaceutical treatment protocols. A Naturopathic Doctor treats the root cause of the disease to eliminate the symptoms the patient is experiencing; this is done through education, nutrition, natural therapies such as botanicals and acupuncture. We focus our practice on the belief that the body has the innate ability to cure and heal itself.

Clinical nutrition
Used in treating multiple diseases which include the gut, as well as conditions that can be changed through diet choices and education. Clinical nutrition is also a large contributor to prevention of disease.

Botanical medicine
Herbs, plants, or specific extracts to treat diseases and illness. They have a low rate of side effects but have a powerful effect on the body, from immune function, hormone regulations, sleep disorders, blood pressure, digestive health, cardiovascular function. Just to name a few!

Acupuncture
Can be used from a traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis or used locally for pain and inflammation management. It has been clinically proven to be helpful in chronic pain, quitting smoking, as well as most other medical conditions.

Homeopathy
This medicine is based on the principle of “like cures like’. It is a medicine that is derived from plants, minerals, or chemicals and is given at minute amounts of the agent. Homeopathy works on a level that helps the body come back into balance or its natural healthy state.

Naturopathic Medicine is based on six philosophies:

Do no harm- meaning helping the body heal itself without suppressing any symptoms which can cause more damage long term.  As well as being aware of all medications, interactions, and saftey percautions that may be harmful to the patient.

Healing power of nature- N.D.s focus on the body being able to heal itself with the help of gentle natural medicines.

Identify and treat the cause- Illnesses express themselves in variety of symptoms. The purpose of this is to treat the cause of the illness and not the symptoms. This will allow the illness to be completely cured and therefore removal of symptoms.

Treat the whole person- treating a patient holistically includes all areas of life a body systems that contribute to the illness.

Doctor as teacher- N.D.s educate their patients so they can understand treatments and reasons from illnesses. This helps to empower people to take control of their health.

Prevention- Focusing on prevention of diseases or genetic conditions is the best and easiest cure.

Initial Naturopathic appointments are often 1 hour to 1.5 hours long, which includes a complete intake of symptoms, medical history, diet recall, physical exam and laboratory testing if needed. Treatments and treatment plans are given and discussed as well.