Naturopathic medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. Its focus is on prevention using natural substances and treatments to aid the body to heal itself.
The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than simply treat or suppress symptoms. The patient is seen as a whole person and the Naturopathic Doctor (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:

- Clinical Nutrition
- Botanical Medicine
- Homeopathic Medicine
- Acupuncture
- Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Massage
- Lifestyle Counseling

The goal of the naturopathic doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors which impact on his/her health. The ND will take an in-depth patient history, and a personal treatment plan will then be proposed to help facilitate your healing process.

Chronic Illnesses

- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Allergies & Environmental Illnesses
- Arthritis, Osteoporosis,
- Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, Heart Problems
- Digestion, Constipation, IBS
- Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne
- Cystitis, Prostatitis, Impotence
- Asthma
- Weight Control, Diabetes
- Hypo/Hyperthyroidism

Acute Conditions

- Colds and Flu
- Ear and Throat Infections
- Headaches, Migraines
- Intestinal Upsets

Women's Conditions

- Menopausal Problems
- PMS, Menstrual Disorders
- Fibrocystic Breast Disease
- Enhancing Health in Pregnancy
- Infertility
- Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids

Other

- Mental or Emotional Stress
- Anxiety, Depression
- Insomnia
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Hyperactivity
- Multiple Sclerosis

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The safety record for naturopathic medicine is excellent. Side effects are rare and NDs are knowledgeable about contraindications between naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines. NDs are trained to recognize conditions which are outside their scope of practice and to refer to other health practitioners when it is appropriate to do so.

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Naturopathic doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors are regulated in Ontario under the 1925 Drugless Therapy Act and are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDTN). The BDDTN functions to ensure that naturopathic doctors are properly qualified to practice naturopathic medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.

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At this time, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover naturopathic services. However, most employment insurance providers have naturopathic medicine coverage in their extended health care packages. Insured patients can contact their employer or individual insurance agents to see if they are covered. If not, such coverage can often be included at nominal rates.

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In Ontario, the public can call the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDTN) at 416-866-8383 to verify that a naturopathic doctor is registered to practice in the province. The BDDTN is the regulatory body that registers naturopathic doctors to practice in Ontario.

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Naturopathic doctors obtain comprehensive and rigorous training in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors. Naturopathic doctors require 3 years pre-med undergraduate education, plus 4 years of full-time study at an approved college of naturopathic medicine.

The four-year program incorporates basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapies, as well as problem-based approaches to health issues, and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. In Canada, the only accredited college of naturopathic medicine is the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Following the completion of their program, NDs must successfully complete Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America.

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