Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is a primary health care profession that combines traditional wisdom with evidence-based modern science. Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary care providers who can diagnose, treat and manage patients with acute and chronic conditions, while addressing disease and dysfunction at the level of Mind-Body-Spirit.
Naturopathic doctors emphasize on treating the whole person through health promotion and disease prevention, attempting to find the root cause of ailment. Naturopathic medicine provides care for patients of all ages and genders by offering individualized, evidence-informed treatments starting from least invasive and most effective approaches to help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore balance and return to optimal health.
The Sixth Naturopathic Principles
- Do No Harm
- Healing Power of Nature
- Identify and Treat the Root Cause
- Doctor as Teacher
- Treat the Whole Person
- Prevention
The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order
- Remove obstacles to health, and establish the foundation for optimal healing
- Stimulate self-healing mechanisms
- Support and restore weakened systems
- Correct structural integrity
- Natural substances used to restore and regenerate
- Pharmacological substances used to halt pathology
- High force intervention
Is Naturopathic Medicine Evidence-Based?
Yes. All regulated naturopathic doctors go through rigorous four-year science-based medical education at an accredited naturopathic medical school. In Canada, the two accredited school are Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, BC and Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in North York, ON.
A minimum of two years is spent studying the same biomedical sciences that prepare conventional medical students to be doctors. ND students learn to appraise and weigh the evidence base as a part of developing patient treatment plans. ND schools are also leaders in developing primary research in natural medicine.
What is the Minimum Education Requirement for Naturopathic Doctors?
Those interested in pursuing Naturopathic Medicine must first obtain a university undergraduate degree, which includes successful completion of a set of prerequisite courses before applying to one of the accredited naturopathic medical schools. Upon successful admission to a naturopathic medical school, students will complete a rigorous four-year naturopathic medical program.
NDs must complete 4800 classroom hours and1500 hours of clinical training, and must successfully complete two sets of NPLEX (North American Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams) as well as the provincial board exams in order to be licensed in the province of British Columbia.
Can Naturopathic Doctors Provide Primary Health Care?
Yes. Absolutely! Licensed naturopathic doctors work in primary care settings across North America, and are able to manage most outpatient concerns typically seen in primary care practices.
Naturopathic doctors learn to treat all aspects of family health and wellness, from pediatric to geriatric, acute colds and flus, to chronic aches and pains.
Additionally, in British Columbia, many licensed naturopathic doctors have obtained their prescriptive authority, and can write prescriptions for commonly prescribed drugs used in a primary health care setting such as antibiotics if deemed necessary.
Do I Have to Choose Between Naturopathic Medicine and Conventional Medicine?
No. We actually encourage patients to work with a team of health care professionals to address their health needs, and always welcome collaborations with other healthcare providers to further benefit our patients.
Naturopathic physicians are an integral component of the health care team and work alongside conventional physicians in academia, clinical settings and research. Naturopathic doctors provide patient care based on a foundation of conventional and integrative medicine. As such there is growing demand for NDs in integrative settings. Studies have also suggested that by adding naturopathic care to conventional care patients have better overall health.
Are Naturopathy and Homeopathy the Same?
No. While homeopathy is one of the subjects that is taught in naturopathic medical schools, and is practiced in many naturopathic clinics, naturopathic medicine offers a wide range of treatment options based on the individualized needs of each patient and their preference.
Additionally, in British Columbia, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are licensed and regulated by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC) whereas homeopathy is not a regulated profession in BC.
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