What is a Naturopathic Physician (ND)?
Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) are primary care practitioners trained to address a wide range of health concerns using both advanced natural and conventional therapies. They emphasize individualized medicine, taking into account physical, environmental, lifestyle, and emotional aspects of health to uncover the root cause of illness. NDs practice with a unique philosophy that integrates various modalities to promote healing and well-being.
For more information please visit the national and provincial associations for naturopathic physicians in Canada:
Naturopathic Care: A Holistic Approach to Health
Preventative Medicine
NDs focus on preventing illness and maintaining wellness through proactive healthcare strategies tailored to individual needs.
Alternative Treatment Methods
Many individuals seek naturopathic care as an alternative to conventional medicine, exploring natural approaches to healing.
Chronic Illness Management
NDs provide support and treatment for chronic conditions that may not have been effectively addressed by conventional medicine.
Combining Conventional and Natural Therapies
NDs offer guidance on integrating conventional medical treatments with natural therapies to optimize health outcomes.
Patient-Centered Care
Naturopathic physicians prioritize building strong patient-provider relationships, taking the time to listen to concerns and develop personalized treatment plans.
Lab Testing
NDs can run most lab tests offered by medical doctors and have the advantage of offering more comprehensive panels to get a deeper understanding of your health.
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
FIRST, DO NO HARM
— NDs prioritize minimally invasive therapies and follow a therapeutic order that starts with lifestyle interventions before considering drugs or referrals.
SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
— Naturopathic medicine values critical appraisal and consciousness, ensuring that practitioners stay up-to-date with both traditional and modern medical knowledge.
IDENTIFY AND TREAT THE CAUSES
— There is a time and place for symptom suppression, however most naturopathic patients will benefit from identifying the underlying causes of illness and removing obstacles to cure.
HEALING POWER OF NATURE
— Naturopathic medicine harnesses the healing properties of nature, utilizing remedies that work synergistically with the body’s physiology to promote self-healing.
TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON
— NDs approach healthcare holistically, recognizing that symptoms may be interconnected and addressing the individual as a whole.
FAQs
You do not need a referral to see an ND, but collaborative care with other healthcare practitioners is encouraged.
Initial consultations typically last one hour, and involve a thorough medical history review and evaluation of your health goals. Follow-up appointments are generally 30 minutes.
Naturopathic appointment visits may be fully or partially covered under your extended health benefits if your plan includes naturopathic coverage. Coverage varies depending on your individual policy.
If laboratory testing is required, tests are privately paid. You may be able to submit these expenses to your insurance provider if your plan includes laboratory coverage; however, we are not able to direct bill for laboratory testing.
If you require a prescription refill prior to your follow-up appointment, please have your pharmacy fax the renewal request to us at 604-357-5256. There is a $15 administrative fee for processing faxed refill requests.
If a new prescription needs to be written (for example, if the pharmacy does not fax a renewal request), the fee is $40.
Please allow at least three business days for faxed refill requests to be processed.