FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Essence of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a system of health care using natural therapies and methods to push your body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors are trained in core clinical methods including botanical medicine, acupuncture and Asian medicine, homeopathy, injection, intravenous therapies, clinical nutrition and supplementation, as well as counseling and lifestyle coaching- all to help your body heal naturally.

Our Guiding Principles

Our medical philosophy is based on 6 principles:

First, do no harm
Treat the root cause of illness or disease
Treat the whole person
Use nature and your body’s capabilities to heal itself
Empower patients through education
Be proactive by emphasizing prevention

Insurance Coverage

Naturopathic medicine is unfortunately not currently covered by standard health plans in Canada; however, most extended health care plans do cover visits to a naturopathic doctor. Call your insurance provider to find out more.

Naturopathic Doctors and Specialization

Naturopathic doctors are highly trained and often have specific areas of focus. ‘Specialize’ and ‘specialty’ are terms reserved for medical doctors within specific fields, like family medicine or psychiatry. There currently aren’t any specialty-level education programs for naturopathic doctors, but many NDs take additional training in a specific focus after graduation.

Naturopathic Doctors and Prescribed Medications

In Ontario, British Columbia and some states in the USA, naturopathic doctors who have taken additional licensing exams are indeed able to prescribe certain medications. The common medications, like antibiotics, are within our scope, but federally controlled medications like narcotics, benzodiazepines, and chemotherapeutic agents are not.

Your First Appointment

In your first appointment, we’ll take a detailed look into your health history and ask about eating and sleeping habits, stress levels, and your mood. We might also order some diagnostic tests just to gain a better understanding on certain habits and conditions. It’ll be around an hour to an hour and a half long- you’ll be sure to find the appointment reassuring and even relieving! Finally, you can expect to meet someone who genuinely cares about you!

What’s In It For You

NDs are highly trained, compassionate health care providers who use holistic and natural methods to help you reach health goals. We have a refreshing understanding of how the body works and why illnesses happen. It’s a two-way street so for all the talking we do, we listen when you have things to ask and say! We care about your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And if you have any health concern, we can treat it!

The Difference Between an ND and an MD

Naturopathic doctors and medical doctors receive similar levels of basic medical training in school. The main difference between the two systems of medicine is the way we think about things: Both Naturopathic and conventional medicine has a very important rule to play and often views symptoms as something to suppress/address to prevent any future risk associated with chronic symptoms ( For example, High blood pressure and cholesterol are associated with high Cardiovascular risk ), while we as Naturopath view symptoms more as an expression of a deeper process.

Do naturopathic doctors do residencies?

At this time in the profession, residencies are fairly few and far between. Naturopathic doctors graduate with the training and skills necessary to work safely and effectively in general practice. Some NDs go on to one-year or two years residencies where they hone their skills, and many start practice right away. Dr Abdullah graduated from a two years of Clinical Naturopathic Residency at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Do I need a referral to see an ND?

Not at all! We are primary care providers, so walk on in with any concern like you’re seeing your family doctor!

What Is The Difference Between a Homeopath and a Naturopathic Doctor?

Homeopaths are trained in the prescribing of homeopathic remedies. Naturopathic Doctors may prescribe homeopathic remedies but they also use diet and lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine, physical medicine, clinical supplementation, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and injection and intravenous therapies.