Everything You Need to Know About Naturopathic Medicine in Canada

    Article by Julia Young

If you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, naturopathic medicine may be the right choice for you. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) offer a holistic approach to healing that focuses on the body's natural ability to heal itself. They use a combination of natural therapies and evidence-based treatments to help their patients achieve optimal health.

As a Homeopath, we also work with other welness practitioners to give our patients the best outcome as possible. That is why today, I will be discussing what you need to know about another holistic approach to preventing, managing, and treating diseases, which is the field of naturopathic medicine. We'll cover topics such as some of the key benefits of naturopathic medicine and provide an overview of the process by which ND's are regulated, especially, in Ontario, Canada, what services or type of treatment they offer, and how to find a qualified doctor of naturopathy in your area.



Naturopathic medicine in Canada

In 2018, there were approximately 1,200 naturopathic doctors in Canada. The first naturopathic medical school was established in Toronto in 1955. Most naturopathic medical schools offer students who wish to practice Naturopathy a four-year post-graduate program that includes both didactic and clinical training. Those who wish to get their training and education as a Naturopath may choose to go to The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. It has two campuses - the Boucher campus is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Toronto Campus in Toronto, Ontario.

The number of Canadians using naturopathic medicine has increased by 20% in the last 5 years. In fact, 82% of people would recommend naturopathic medicine to others.

How is naturopathic medicine practiced in Canada?

I often get questions like this. In Canada, naturopathic medicine is regulated by provincial governments. Provinces have their own regulatory body that sets standards for naturopathic education and practice. For example, rules may differ in Alberta than they do in Manitoba.

To become a licensed naturopathic doctor in Canada, practitioners must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by a four-year professional program at an accredited naturopathic medical school. The curriculum includes coursework in the basic sciences, such as anatomy and physiology, as well as clinical training. Graduates must then pass a national board exam and obtain a license from the province in which you wish to practice.

There are currently eight accredited naturopathic medical schools in Canada: six in Ontario, one in British Columbia, and one in Quebec. The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) is the national professional association for licensed naturopathic doctors.

There are currently eight accredited naturopathic medical schools in Canada: six in Ontario, one in British Columbia, and one in Quebec. The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) is the national professional association for licensed naturopathic doctors. For people who wish to get more information about a particular doctor, they may research the CAND website. They have an extensive list of ND's in North America.

Core Principles of Naturopathy

 

Naturopathic medicine is a unique field and distinct system of primary health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies. It is a holistic approach to health that takes into account the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease. They view the patient as a unique individual with a complex web of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social factors that contribute to health and diseases.

A key principle of naturopathic medicine is "do no harm." This means that NDs use the most gentle and non-invasive treatments possible to help the body heal itself. NDs are also trained to recognize when a patient needs referral to other health care providers.

Naturopathic medicine is a unique and distinct system of primary health care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through the use of natural therapies. It is a holistic approach to health that takes into account the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease. They view the patient as a unique individual with a complex web of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social factors that contribute to health and disease. Naturopathic medicine recognizes the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and the role of the patient in their own healing. This is why many believe this type of alternative medicine is effective for them.

What is the evidence base for naturopathic medicine?

Taking into account life events, medical history, current lifestyle and other factors that may contribute to disorders and diseases, naturopathic doctors (NDs) individualize treatment programs for each patient. In order to do this, they employ a variety of natural therapies or remedies that have been proven effective and backed by science. They also use their knowledge and years of training experience to provide care and support to patients and their family.

To help with diagnosis, Naturopaths also use diagnostic testings that are not typically used in conventional medicine. These might include laboratory tests, imaging studies, and neurological testings, to mention a few.

What are the most common naturopathic therapies used in Canada?

There are many different naturopathic therapies, but some of the most common ones used in Canada include acupuncture, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy and lifestyle counselling. Naturopathic doctors may also use other modalities, such as craniosacral therapy, hydrotherapy, IV therapy, and naturopathic manipulation.

Illness or disease prevention is also an important focus of naturopathic medicine. This might involve education about healthy lifestyle choices, as well as the use of nutraceutical products or supplements and other natural therapies to help support the body’s own ability to heal and stay healthy.

The importance of getting enough rest and sleep, eating a healthy diet, managing stress levels and exercising regularly are all key components of naturopathic care. And while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to naturopathic medicine, treatment plans are often customized based on each individual’s unique needs and health goals. For example, a cancer patient is at high risk of vitamin C deficiency and they may find that getting an IV therapy in Toronto from a Naturopath, along with other natural, non-invasive treatment modalities, may help lessen further complications.

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of naturopathic medicine, and more and more Canadians are turning to naturopathic doctors for their healthcare needs. The opportunities for naturopathic doctors in Canada are vast, and the future of naturopathic medicine in Canada is looking bright. If you're passionate about helping others to optimize their health and wellbeing, then a career in naturopathic medicine may be for you.

And if you’re someone who is struggling with your health, or just looking for ways to optimize your wellness, naturopathic medicine may be worth considering. But it’s always best to consult with a licensed naturopathic doctor to see if it’s the right fit for you. Finding a clinic near you is not as hard as it used to be. You just have to take the first step, and find a reputable naturopathic doctor in your area.