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The goal of Naturopathic practice is to treat the underlying disorders and restore normal body function by enhancing the body's own healing abilities. Therefore, Naturopathic Doctors focus their efforts on understanding the unique needs of each patient. As a result, Naturopathic treatments are highly individualized. Patients are involved in their health program and learn to make effective, educated self-care decisions, which can prevent future health problems.
What kinds of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors treat?
The goal of Naturopathic Medicine is to achieve optimal levels of health. Therefore, Naturopathic Doctors treat patients at every stage of life. Anyone can be helped with Naturopathic care. Many patients seek help with chronic conditions such as body pain, skin diseases, respiratory diseases, female disorders or gastrointestinal diseases and find much relief with Naturopathic treatment. Others present with acute illnesses, which can be quickly improved to help avoid pain, loss of sleep, loss of work, and anxiety. Still others seek education and prevention - you don’t have to be sick to feel better. A Naturopathic program is looking toward the future. You can begin to feel better now and you can reduce the likelihood of suffering and illness later in life.
How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?
Naturopathic Doctors have a minimum of three years of pre-medical studies at a university, followed by four years of study at an accredited Naturopathic Medical school. The education includes basic medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, laboratory diagnosis, etc. and treatment modalities including acupuncture, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy and so on. Candidates then undergo a full year of supervised clinical experience. After completion of the ND program, candidates must successfully pass federal board-licensing exams before being allowed to practice Naturopathic Medicine in their Province. Each province has its own governing body for regulating Naturopathic Doctors.
How do I know if my Naturopathic Doctor is registered (licensed)?
Naturopathic Doctors in British Columbia are regulated by The College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (C.N.P.B.C.) – Naturopathy, under the federally regulated Drugless Practitioners Act. If you'd like a list of registered (licensed) ND's practicing in BC, contact the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (B.C.N.A.) at
1-800-277-1128 or the CNPBC at
604-688-8236.
What Should I expect from a Naturopathic Visit?
Naturopathic Medicine focuses on treating the whole person using individualized treatment. Each visit and treatment protocol is tailored to your specific needs. Your first visit includes an in depth assessment including a complete medical history and examination. Further laboratory diagnostics may be ordered depending on your presenting condition. Expect to spend approximately 1 hour at the office for your first visit. By the second or third visit, depending on whether tests were conducted, is 30 to 45 minutes in length and is the time for your Naturopathic Doctor to review and discuss the findings and treatment options. Follow-up visits will vary after this point depending on the treatment program prescribed, as each additional visit is the time to assess progression and fine tune or continue your therapy. Since Naturopathic Doctors treat health and just not disease, it is important to keep in mind that you may visit them on an ongoing basis.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
No referral is necessary to make an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor.
Can I visit both a Medical Doctor and a Naturopathic Doctor?
Yes. Medical Doctors and Naturopathic Doctors often work together to provide you with the best health care available.
Can I use Naturopathic Medicine if I'm on prescription medication?
Yes. Licensed Naturopathic Doctors have training in pharmacology and drug-nutrient-herb interactions. Naturopathic Doctors can also help you manage the side effects of medication.
What's the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor, herbalist, natural therapist, homeopath, a doctor of natural medicine and a health counselor?
The short answer is education and regulation. Naturopathic Doctors are the only practitioners who are licensed professionals. NDs are required to have a minimum of 3 years of pre-medical studies at university followed by four years of full time Naturopathic medical school. They are members of their provincial regulatory body and can use the designation ND. The terms herbalist, natural therapist, homeopath, doctor of natural medicine and health counselor are not protected by the law and people with different levels of training can all use these titles and are not subject to regulatory processes. When you see an ND, you are choosing quality health care.
Does MSP Cover Naturopathic Medicine?
Provincial subsidy via MSP does not cover Naturopathic Medicine, unless one is on premium assistance. There is limited government coverage for premium assistance patients. Most extended health plan coverage is by private insurance plans covering Naturopathic treatments. Insured patients are encouraged to contact their employer or individual insurance agents to determine if they are covered and to request that their policy be extended to include Naturopathic services if it does not already do so.
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