Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) provide both primary health care services and disease prevention counselling.
Naturopathic Medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and treating illness. NDs support and stimulate the body's ability to heal itself, focusing on prevention and using natural substances and treatments. The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illnesses, rather than simply treating or suppressing symptoms. In other words, NDs concern themselves with the "why" as well as with the "what" of an illness or disease.
Naturopathic training closely parallels medical training, an undergraduate pre-medical degree, and a four-year full-time program focused on preparing clinicians for the challenges of primary care practice. NDs must pass the regulatory board exams, which includes passing NPLEX, a North American standard exam, and maintain their competency by meeting continuing education requirements. Please read this article for more information about what naturopathic medicine is.
Treatments and modalities that Naturopathic Doctors are trained in are traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), botanical medicine, physical medicine (massage, hydrotherapy, manipulation, etc.), nutrition, homeopathic medicine, lifestyle counselling.
For more information visit Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors or The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.