Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are primary care providers and use a comprehensive approach to assist patients in disease prevention and improving overall health. NDs are unique in their treatment methods and look at the root cause of illness, rather than just suppressing the symptoms. Naturopathic treatment draws from a number of modalities and is tailored to the individual. Depending on the doctor’s approach and the needs of the individual patient, treatments include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical treatments, acupuncture and Asian medicine, lifestyle counselling, or a combination of these.
Naturopath
Naturopath
Naturopathic medicine fits very well with the provincial vision for a transformed healthcare system and many NDs are community-based practitioners and already integrated into practice groups with MDs, acupuncturists, chiropractors and other primary healthcare providers.
Examples of the kinds of referrals NDs commonly receive from MDs include acupuncture to treat infertility or migraines, nutritional therapy for high cholesterol or irritable bowel syndrome, and herbal and lifestyle therapies for allergies and asthma. NDs also receive many referrals for patients with unresponsive chronic and complicated conditions. NDs are trained to provide collaborative care and work with referring physicians on the progress of care.