Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that addresses the root causes of illness, and promotes health and healing. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself using a variety of natural therapies. The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illnesses, rather than simply treating or suppressing symptoms.
In other words, Naturopathic doctors concern themselves with the “why” as well as with the “what” of an illness or disease. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are highly educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies.NDs can provide early diagnosis and treatment of many serious diseases.
NDs work in partnership with other regulated health care providers to ensure that patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible. The therapies used in naturopathic practice include: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture, botanical medicine, physical medicine (massage, hydrotherapy,naturopathic spinal/soft tissue manipulation ), clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, and lifestyle counselling.
Naturopathic Doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the natural medicine field in Ontario, and are fully licensed and regulated by the government as primary healthcare physicians. NDs provide primary health care services under the Ontario Drugless Practitioners Act but are preparing to transition to regulation under the Regulated Health Professions Act, joining all other regulated health professions.
Naturopathic doctors have extensive medical training that closely parallels medical doctors, including three years of undergraduate pre-medical sciences, and a four-year full-time programme focused on preparing clinicians for the challenges of primary care practice. NDs must pass all regulatory board exams, which includes passing NPLEX; a North American standard exam, Ontario board exams, and maintain their competency by meeting continuing education requirements.
