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What is Naturopathic Medicine? Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that integrates modern medical science with traditional natural therapies. Symptoms of disease are seen as indicators of improper function, an underlying imbalance, and/or poor lifestyle habits. The goal of Naturopathic treatment is to determine the underlying cause of disease and then support nature’s inherent self-healing process to restore and maintain optimum health. Naturopathic medicine treats the whole person by addressing all determinates of health, including: physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental factors. This imbalance is addressed using therapies from the sciences of botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, lifestyle counseling, environmental medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture (see services). Education Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are licensed professionals that have at least 7 years of post secondary training. A ND must complete at least 3 years of university undergraduate training, including pre-requisite medical science courses, to be eligible to enter an accredited naturopathic medical college. This is followed by four years of full time graduate training at an accredited naturopathic medical institution. The first two years of study involves medical and clinical sciences, similar to those studied by medical doctors. In the final two years, NDs study advanced medical diagnostics, naturopathic medical therapeutics, and receive extensive clinical experience. Naturopathic doctors are the only health care professionals that have extensive training in natural medicines as well as training in conventional medical diagnosis and treatment. Regulation Naturopathic doctors are regulated in Ontario under the Drugless Therapy Act and are regulated by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy (BDDT-N). The BDDT-N functions to ensure that naturopathic doctors are properly qualified to practice naturopathic medicine, and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice. The profession of Naturopathic Medicine is currently in transition into regulation by the Regulated Health Professionals Act (RHPA). This transition is expected to be completed by 2010. The RHPA regulates most other health care professionals in Ontario. Principles of Naturopathic Medicine Naturopathic doctors are guided by six fundamental healing principles: First Do No Harm By using methods and medicine that minimize the risk of harmful side effects Identify and Treat the Cause of Disease By identifying and removing the underlying causes of illness, rather than suppressing symptoms The Healing Power of Nature Trust in the body's inherent wisdom to establish, maintain, and restore health Treat the whole person Through individualized treatment, by understanding the unique physical, mental, emotional, genetic environment and social factors that contribute to illness, and customizing treatment protocols to the patient Doctor as Teacher To teach the principles of living and preventative medicine, by sharing knowledge with patients and encouraging individual responsibility for health Emphasize Prevention By partnering with the patient to assess risk factors and recommend appropriate interventions to maintain health and prevent illness |
