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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 counselling 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 the healing power of the body and nature
- 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.
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 healthcare 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 concerns, 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 have a very important role to play and often view 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.
