“Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession built on a patient-centred approach that emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that support the body’s natural ability to heal and help the patient achieve sustainable health and wellness. Naturopathic medicine focuses on an understanding of the origins of acute and chronic disease and working to support and assist the body’s natural ability to heal, getting to the root cause of what’s wrong. Naturopathic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the individual patient are accomplished by integrating modern and traditional care which includes clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques.”
— Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Naturopathic medicine is based on the following treatment principles:
Utilization of therapies that are minimally invasive - first do no harm
The healing power of nature
Identification and treatment of the causes of disease
The primary role of the doctor as the teacher
Treatment of the whole person
Disease prevention and health promotion
Naturopathic doctors are trained in a number of alternative treatment modalities, including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy, physical medicine and manipulation, and health psychology.
Naturopathic doctors in Ontario are required to complete a university undergraduate degree and then a 4-year graduate program at an accredited institution, followed by licensing exams. In order to practice under the title of ‘Naturopathic Doctor’ in Ontario, you are required to maintain membership within the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). CONO acts as a governing body to ensure accreditations and regulations are met by practitioners for the protection of public safety.