About Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct primary health care profession that combines the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary care providers who diagnose, treat and manage patients with acute and chronic conditions, while addressing disease and dysfunction at the level of body, mind and spirit.  They provide individualized evidence-informed therapies that balance the least harmful and most effective approaches to help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health.

  • Naturopathic doctors attend four-year post-graduate level medical schools where they are trained in basic and clinical medical sciences, physical diagnosis, lab diagnosis, pharmacology, minor surgery and natural therapeutics.
  • Graduates from naturopathic medical schools take rigorous professional board exams to be licensed as naturopathic physicians.
  • Both the Department of Education and the Carnegie Institute classify the ND degree as a first-professional degree under Doctorate-Professional (clinical), on par with MD and DO degrees.
  • A naturopathic doctor is trained as a family doctor who treats many health problems, covering all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care.
  • Naturopaths utilize the latest medical science and diagnostic techniques, and work cooperatively with conventional medical doctors and other health care practitioners.
  • The most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies are utilized, but conventional medications are prescribed when necessary.
  • Natural therapeutics utilized include nutrition, botanical medicine, supplements, homeopathy, lifestyle recommendations, counselling, and mindfulness.
  • Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in people that is ordered and intelligent.  Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
  • The cause of a patient’s condition is addressed, instead of simply treating symptoms.
  • The body is viewed as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.
  • Patients receive individualized care specific to their body’s unique needs.
  • Patients are educated in the steps necessary to achieve and maintain health.
  • Focus is placed on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.