Can naturopathic therapies be safely used with people in all stages of life?

What are the benefits of seeking naturopathic care?

How is a Naturopathic doctor different from a Medical doctor? Different from a Homeopathic doctor?

Are Naturopathic services covered by insurance?

What should I expect from Naturopathic visits?

Will natural therapies interact with my prescription medications?

Do Naturopathic doctors work with other health care practitioners?

Can naturopathic therapies be safely used with people in all stages of life?
Yes, naturopathic medicine is a safe and effective treatment for the whole family, from newborns, to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Children respond especially well to natural treatments and flourish with quick results. Quality of life can also be significantly improved for seniors, with care taken to avoid any drug-supplement interactions.

What are the benefits of seeking naturopathic care?

Naturopathic medicine provides holistic healing to the whole person and aims to discover and treat the root cause rather than just suppressing symptoms.  It provides an alternative to conventional treatments and uses therapies that are safe, effective and have minimal to no side effects.  I am here to help you understand the causes of disease, treat using natural therapies, learn how to be proactive in disease prevention and ultimately be in control of your own health.

How is a Naturopathic doctor different from a Medical doctor? Different from a Homeopathic doctor?

Naturopathic doctors are similar to medical doctors in that NDs are trained in primary care medicine and can also assess and diagnose diseases, as well as order necessary laboratory testing as needed.  The main difference is the approach to treatment and the types of therapies used.  NDs approach health concerns from an individualized, holistic perspective and is focused on identifying the underlying root cause of disease, and ultimately work towards preventative health.  NDs are able to build stronger therapeutic relationships with patients through longer visits, typically ranging from 30-45 minutes, and provide an effective environment for healing being able to assess not only the physical, mental but also emotional health of patients.

Naturopathic doctors are trained in therapies including nutrition, acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine and lifestyle counseling.  Homeopathic doctors are trained mainly in homeopathy.  Thus, a homeopathic doctor would primarily be prescribing homeopathy while a naturopathic doctor may use any of the above mentioned therapies, including homeopathy.

Are Naturopathic services covered by insurance?

Naturopathic services are not covered by OHIP, the provincial health insurance.  However, it is covered by most extended health care plans, provided through your employer or school health plans.  Please check your provider to determine your coverage for naturopathic services.  Feel free to contact our clinic for any further questions.

What should I expect from Naturopathic visits?

The first naturopathic visit ranges from 75-90 minutes.  A comprehensive naturopathic assessment is taken, including health concerns, medical history, family history, current medications, supplements, diet and lifestyle, etc.  A concern-oriented physical exam may also be done, time-permitting.  Together, we will also discuss your health goals and initial treatment options.

Please bring to your first visit, all supplements and medications, most recent lab testing results, and your completed intake forms.

The second visit ranges from 45-60 minutes and the concern-oriented physical screening exam will be completed, and any necessary treatments will be provided.  We will also discuss a personalized treatment plan, health goals, and follow up plans.

Future follow up visits will range from 30-45 minutes and the frequency will vary for each individual, based on your health needs and your treatment plan and progress.

Will natural therapies interact with my prescription medications?

Naturopathic doctors are trained in pharmacology and will research potential interactions between natural supplements and drugs to ensure the safety of our patients.  Anything that will decrease the effectiveness or cause a safety concern for patients will not be prescribed.  However, some natural supplements are recommended to help minimize the side effects of drugs or rebalance any nutrient depletion caused by some prescription drugs.

Do Naturopathic doctors work with other health care practitioners?

Yes, Naturopathic doctors work with all other health care practitioners and often refer to other specialists for more specific assessments and treatments.  As a Naturopathic doctor, I believe in collaborative healthcare and view the team approach as the best support for patients to achieve long lasting health.