Common Questions
The following are common questions people often have about naturopathic medicine and naturopathic doctors.
What is naturopathic medicine?
A natural and long-term approach to health care, naturopathic medicine is a safe and effective approach to improving health and treating illness. A naturopathic doctor looks at your symptoms as important signals of your health and will work with you to address the cause of your illness, rather than simply treat or suppress your symptoms. Naturopathic doctors treat you as a whole person, recognizing the connections within your body as well as the mental, emotional and spiritual components that comprise the whole of you.
What can I expect from my first visit with a naturopathic doctor?
A typical first visit with a naturopathic doctor will average about an hour in length and include an interview about your health concerns and goals as well as a review of laboratory results. The naturopathic doctor’s goal is to understand the patient and the factors that contribute to their well-being. A physical exam will be performed on either the first or second visit with emphasis on the patient’s concerns. There may be some treatment started at the end of the first visit and the naturopath may recommend some further testing. The full treatment plan will typically be presented on the second visit after the naturopathic doctor has had the time to create an individualized plan for you that can include: lifestyle and nutritional counselling, botanical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario?
Yes. Naturopathic doctors are regulated in Ontario by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and are part of the Regulated Health Practitioners Act (RHPA), which regulates over 25 other health professions in the province including medical doctors, nurses, and dentists.
What kind of training does a naturopathic doctor have?
Naturopathic doctors have completed a three or four-year university degree including the appropriate prerequisite courses, plus a four-year program at an accredited naturopathic college such as the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Will the treatments interfere with my current medications?
The first principle of naturopathic medicine is to “first, do no harm”. Naturopathic doctors are trained in the interactions with their treatments and conventional drugs. With the many different treatment tools a naturopathic doctor can offer, there is usually a way to still help and heal without interfering with any medications you may be on.
Are naturopathic doctors the same as homeopaths?
No. Naturopathic doctors are trained to treat health conditions using clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, lifestyle counselling, hydrotherapy as well as homeopathy.
Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP?
While the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover naturopathic services, many health plans do offer coverage for naturopathic medicine. Please contact your insurance provider to see if your plan has coverage or if it can include coverage for a minimal fee.
Do I need a referral to see a naturopathic doctor?
No, you don't need a referral. Please just email me using using the contact form or call 416 834 8909. We can either set up a free 15-minute meet-and-greet visit to answer any questions you may have or your initial appointment. Please feel free reach out for yourself, or a loved one or if you are a health care provider looking for naturopathic treatment for your patient.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.