Naturopathic medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. Focusing on prevention and using natural substances and treatments, naturopathic doctors (NDs) support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than simply treating or suppressing the symptoms. The patient is seen as a whole person and the ND takes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions into account when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan.
The primary therapies used by naturopathic doctors are: acupuncture and Asian medicine, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, clinical nutrition, physical medicine and lifestyle counseling. In addition, NDs may take special interest in a field or learn other modalities.
A Naturopathic Doctor has a minimum of 7 years post-secondary education. See below for more information on the training, programs and regulations of a Naturopathic Doctor in Canada.
Like a conventional doctor, dentist, or chiropractor, the naturopathic doctor first completes an undergraduate degree at university. The naturopathic student then enters into a four-year, full-time accredited naturopathic medical program. Training includes basic, medical, and clinical science; diagnostics; naturopathic principles and therapeutics; and extensive clinical experience under the supervision of qualified naturopathic doctors. Graduates receive the title “N.D.” or Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
© Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors