What is Naturopathic Medicine?
How much training do Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) receive?
Are Naturopathic Doctors regulated in Canada?
Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by OHIP?
What can be expected in a visit with a Naturopathic Doctor?
I am currently seeing an MD, can I also see an ND?
Is Naturopathic Medicine different than Homeopathy?
How do I book an appointment?
Q: What is Naturopathic Medicine?
A: Naturopathic medicine is the art and science of using natural therapies in the prevention and treatment of illness and disease. A Naturopathic Doctor is able to diagnosis and treat diseases using an eclectic blend of several different methods of natural healing: acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle counseling, and hydrotherapy. Treatment is based on traditional healing knowledge and the latest medical research.
Q: How much training do Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) receive?
A: Naturopathic Doctors have a minimum of 3 years of undergraduate studies before being accepted into the 4-year full-time Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at an accredited institution. The program involves extensive training (over 4500 hours) in medical sciences such as pharmacology, anatomy, physiology and physical and laboratory diagnosis and naturopathic modalities such as acupuncture, nutrition, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine and counseling. Students also receive over 1500 hours of supervised clinical practice. Graduates must successfully complete 2 series of Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations in order to obtain their license to practice Naturopathic Medicine in Canada. Naturopathic Doctors must also meet Continuing Medical Education requirements to maintain their license.
Naturopathic Doctors follow the principles of Naturopathic Medicine in diagnosis and treatment of their patients
- First, do no harm
- Cooperate with the healing power of nature
- Address the root causes of illness
- Treat the whole person through individualized treatment
- Doctors are teachers
- Emphasize prevention and healthy living
Q: Are Naturopathic Doctors regulated in Canada ?
A: Yes. Regulation of Naturopathic Medicine varies from province-to-province. Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario are regulated through the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. You can find a licensed naturopath in your city by going to http://www.collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca
Q: Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by OHIP?
A: No. Naturopathic Medicine is not covered by OHIP. Most extended healthcare insurance plans do have coverage for Naturopathic Medicine.
Q: What can be expected in a visit with a Naturopathic Doctor?
A: The first visit is typically 80 minutes long and involves a detailed intake and physical exam and may include laboratory testing such as urine or blood analysis. During the first visit the Naturopathic Doctor listens carefully to the patient’s health history and current concerns so that treatment can be individualized to meet the patient’s unique needs. A second visit typically occurs 1-2 weeks after the first visit and usually lasts 40 minutes. During this visit the Naturopathic Doctor provides a treatment protocol that is customized to meet the specific needs of the patient. Third visits and subsequent follow-up visits are typically 4-6 weeks apart and are 20-40 minutes in length. During these visits there is a re-assessment of the patient’s condition and modifications may be made to the treatment plan if necessary.
Q: I am currently seeing an MD, can I also see an ND?
A: YES! Absolutely yes. Naturopathic Doctors focus on integrative care, selecting the best of all forms of health care to improve patient health. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to work as a team with Medical Doctors and other healthcare providers to ensure their patients have a positive healthcare experience. Naturopathic Doctors are experts in potential interactions between natural therapies and prescription medicines so that they are able to provide safe treatment options to patients under the care of Medical Doctors.
Q: Is Naturopathic Medicine different from Homeopathy?
A: Yes. Naturopathic Medicine and Homeopathy are often confused but they are two distinct natural healing systems.
Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine that is utilizes small doses of natural medicines to elicit a healing response in an individual. It is one of many natural therapies that Naturopathic Doctors are trained in. In contrast, a Homeopath receives training only in Homeopathy
Q: How do I book an appointment?
A: To book an appointment you can click the link below, or call 647-258-5580. For further information or questions feel free to send an email to care@drlisawatson.com. You can also book online using the links available on my Work Together page.