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Frequently Asked QuestionsAll You Wanted to Know About Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is a system of healthcare that takes a holistic and natural approach to assessment, diagnosis and treatment of an individual, with emphasis on prevention and health maintenance. It is eclectic in using a combination of several different disciplines of natural healing -- including nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle counselling, and traditional chinese medicine -- selected to coincide with the patient's individual constitution.
In Naturopathic Medicine, an individual's "innate intelligence," which is the natural tendency for the body to properly 'know' how to respond to disease, is recognized. This inborn energy is assisted and strengthened by Naturopathic treatment. In this way, a patient's treatment cooperates with their own healing rather than just targetting the health problem. Rather than simply suppressing the symptoms and ignoring their origin, in Naturopathic Medicine, the cause is determined and treated. The end result is that health problems are properly addressed and treated without creating new ones.
The principles of Naturopathic Medicine are as follows:
Naturopathic Medicine views health as the totality of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Yes, Naturopathic Medicine is different from Homeopathy, but the two types of medicine are often confused.
Homeopathy is an independent natural therapy and system of healing that is part of the repertoire of therapies employed by Naturopathic Doctors. In contrast, a Homeopath is exclusively trained to practice Homeopathy. Naturopathic Medicine encompasses homeopathy and several other natural therapies, and treatment integrates aspects of each of these therapies.
A typical first visit is up to 1.5 hours in duration. It consists of acquiring a detailed patient history in order to most effectively treat the cause of the presenting health complaint(s). A complete physical exam will be performed to further clarify the origin of the complaint and determine overall health. Patient goals and treatment options will be openly discussed to create a co-operative framework for healing.
Please complete a PATIENT INTAKE FORM and CONSENT FORM to be brought to the first visit in order to facilitate history taking. This is found on the NEW PATIENTS FORMS page.
Following visits involve reviewing assessment, implementing treatment protocols, monitoring of patient progress, and patient education. Treatment protocols generally are comprised of a combination of a few naturopathic modalities, best suited to the individual. These include Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture, Clinical Nutrition/Diet, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, and Lifestyle Counselling.
Many medical conditions can benefit from Naturopathic treatment. Because it uses a holistic and preventative approach to treatment, often overall health and energy will also improve. Naturopathic treatment can be beneficial for many diverse health concerns including the following:
Regulation of Naturopathic Medicine in Canada varies from province-to-province. In Ontario, Naturopaths are regulated by the Regulated Health Professionals Act and governed by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapies - Naturopathy (BDDT-N). The BDDT-N is the regulatory body that licenses Naturopathic Doctors and establishes proper standards of practice for the profession.
In Ontario, the public can call the BDDT-N at 416-866-8383 to verify that a Naturopathic Doctor is registered to practice in the province.
In addition, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) only accepts registered Naturopathic Doctors as members and can also be contacted to verify if an ND is licensed. The OAND can be reached at 416-233-2001 or info@oand.org.
Naturopathic services are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP); However, Most extended healthcare insurance policies do provide full or partial coverage for treatment by Naturopathic Doctors.
Contact your employer or private insurance agent to determine the extent of your coverage.
Naturopathic Doctors are trained at an accredited Naturopathic school -- The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine is currently only one of two schools in Canada. Minimum requirements to enter a Naturopathic College are three years of pre-medical undergraduate courses, although most students have completed university degrees.
The Naturopathic Medicine program is structured over four years and includes rigorous training with over 4500 hours of medical sciences, clinical sciences, and naturopathic therapies. Fourth year students intern for 1500 hours under the supervision of licensed Naturopathic Doctors, seeing and treating patients in a clinical setting.
After graduation, candidacy for licensing in Ontario is obtained after completion of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). These are regulated by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) who determine eligibility for licensure of NDs in states and provinces across North America.
To book an appointment, call us or stop by the clinic to arrange a suitable time. For further questions or information you can also reach us by e-mail at info@zen-tai.com.
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