Naturopathic Medicine: What it is and why you should see a Naturopath?
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine approaches an individual’s health by identifying the root causes of symptoms and illness and treating them with natural therapies and the body’s own ability to heal itself. These treatments can include diet, nutrition, lifestyle counselling, vitamin supplements, homoeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy and acupuncture.
Naturopathic Doctors (ND) are trained in the science of natural medicine and must complete an undergraduate degree (usually in science) before attending an Naturopathic College (Medical School). The college provides four years of training that includes more than 3,000 classroom hours, 1200 hours in the teaching clinic treating patients under the close supervision of a licensed naturopathic physician, and 300 hours observing naturopathic doctors and other health care practitioners. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) is Canada’s leading naturopathic medicine education provider. CCNM offers a four-year, full-time naturopathic medicine program, the only Doctor of Naturopathy degree in Canada.
How seeing a Naturopath has helped me?
I first heard about Naturopathic Medicine and saw a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) more than 20 years ago. I’ve had several different NDs over the years and only changed them when one of us moved. I’ve never had a negative experience.
An ND’s holistic approach is similar to yoga by focusing on the whole body, mind and spirit. The emphasis on prevention and maintaining good health agree with my health care philosophy. I’ve seen NDs for the following issues: insomnia, weight gain, consistent UTIs, GI issues, fatigue, mild cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety, fungal infections, congestion, menopausal symptoms and extreme stress. They performed a comprehensive assessment by reviewing my entire health history and my past and current lifestyles issues. I’ve healed or at least stabilized all of these challenges by making changes to my diet, taking prescription drugs in conjunction with botanicals and vitamin supplements, improving sleep hygiene, hydrating, exercising, simplifying my life and managing stress. I survived my menopausal symptoms through diet and supplements and avoided taking hormonal therapies. Years ago, I experienced severe fatigue that was resolved through iron supplements-something my family doctor at the time didn’t think was an issue according to her interpretation of my blood work.
The first appointment with an ND is usually for 90 minutes. It’s unfortunate that our family doctors are all so busy and rarely have this luxury of time. If they could spend more time with us, they would learn more about what is going on in our lives and would be able to develop more comprehensive and preventative treatment plans. My annual physicals are usually take less than 30 minutes. Except for my current family doctor, I’ve never had one ask me about my lifestyle, diet, sleep or stress levels.
How Traditional & Naturopathic Medicine complement each other?
I think Traditional and Naturopathic Medicine complement each other nicely. I have a family doctor (MD) and a Naturopath (ND). There are times when I’ve only seen one of them for an issue, or I’ve worked with both at the same time for the same problem.
When I decided that I wanted to include Naturopathic Medicine as part of my approach to my healthcare, I stopped seeing my family doctor at the time because they made it clear that they didn’t believe in alternative treatment methods for health-even refusing to write a referral letter so my extended health benefits would cover the cost of a massage. I searched for a new family doctor and became quite frustrated after interviewing many of them that wouldn’t support me seeing an ND. Thankfully, I finally found my current family doctor. When I first met him, he informed me that he likes to look at someone’s lifestyle and is reluctant to prescribe medication unless he feels it is necessary. He is very caring, approachable and has ensured that each year (except this last year) I have all of the essential screenings done; bloodwork, mammogram, pap and colon screens when required. He has also helped me manage my depression and anxiety and overall well-being. When I experienced severe hip pain in January that took me to the emergency department on two occasions, he supported me, prescribed an anti-inflammatory and morphine and a referral for an x-ray. I did not see my ND for this pain. I will be speaking to her about a possible cleanse because I took a plethora of strong medications for a few weeks to deal with the pain.
He has agreed to order any blood work that my Naturopath requests, and even though he interprets these results differently, he is okay that I see her.
How to get started?
I think everyone should have an ND, even if you aren’t dealing with serious health issues. They can make recommendations on lifestyle changes that can prevent future health issues.
Ask family and friends for recommendations.
If you work and have extended health benefits-check to see if your plan covers Naturopathic Medicine, as most do.
Be prepared to pay $150-$200+ for the initial assessment. It is a lot of money, but this is a one-time payment; subsequent visits can vary from $50-$100. Each time I’ve seen an ND, I’ve only had to see them a few times to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. With all the benefits that I’ve received, it has been money well spent.
If you do not have extended health benefits and concerned about cost, you might consider going to the Robert Schad Clinic in Toronto. You will be seen by a 3rd or 4th-year intern that the same Naturopathic Doctor supervises.
Clinic visits cost $44 for an hour. There are discounts for seniors and students. I’m not sure if they have online availability during COVID 19 restrictions or for individuals living outside of Toronto. I was treated by the clinic for years and was very impressed with the care I received.
I recommend that you take the time to write out your health history for your first appointment. You want to be as accurate and detailed as you can to help the ND formulate your treatments.
For optimal health, see you family doctor for your annual physical and screenings, and see an ND at least once a year to review your lifestyle and diet. .
Be well.
Anita
DISCLAIMER; The information provided on County Yoga Loft’s website blog is for general health care informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith, however it should not be considered to replace consultation or advice from a physician and/or other healthcare practitioner. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk.
