Q: What is Naturopathic Medicine?

A: 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 support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the root cause of illness, rather than simply treat or suppress the symptoms. The patient is seen as a whole person and the naturopathic doctor takes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions into account when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan.

Q: How are Naturopathic Doctors (ND’s) trained?

A: Naturopathic doctors take a minimum of three years pre-medical studies at university, followed by four years at one of four recognized colleges of naturopathic medicine. The only two in Canada are the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (North York, ON) and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic medicine (British Columbia). The education encompasses basic medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics, and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience. In regulated (or licensed) provinces and states across North America , graduates must also pass rigorous standardized exams to qualify to practice. In Canada, naturopathic doctors are regulated in British Columbia , Manitoba , Ontario and Saskatchewan . Legislation is pending in Alberta and Nova Scotia.

Q: What is the difference between naturopathy and homeopathy?

A: The difference is twofold: First of all homeopaths only use homeopathy as a treatment tool, whereas Naturopathic doctors use homeopathy as one of several treatment tools. The second major difference is that homeopaths are not regulated and licensed in the province of Ontario . Therefore anyone can call themselves a homeopath regardless of training, whereas only those individuals following the steps outlined above can call themselves Naturopathic Doctors.

Q: What is the difference between a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and a Doctor of Natural Medicine?

A: A Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM) is not regulated and licensed in Ontario. Anyone, regardless of training and education, can call themselves a Doctor of Natural Medicine in this province. There is no independent regulatory body that ensures that these individuals have appropriate training, or that standards of practice are being maintained. If a patient/client has any concerns their only recourse is a court of law. Most insurance companies only cover practitioners that are licensed. The regulatory board for Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario is the College of Naturopaths of Ontario – see https://www.collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca/ for more information. This college part of the RHPA (regulated health practioners act) and its mandate is to protect the rights of the public and to ensure a standard of patient care.

Q: How do I know if I’m seeing a licensed naturopath?

A: The College of Naturopaths of Ontario maintains an up-to-date list of registered naturopaths in the province of Ontario here:  College of Naturopaths of Ontario

Q: What assessment methods are used by Naturopaths at KIH Clinic?

A: Various tests can be utilized to investigate the cause behind your particular health concerns. These can be found on this webpage – KIH Laboratory Testing and include the following:

• Blood lab tests
• Salivary hormone testing
• Toxic urine analysis
• Food sensitivity testing
• Physical exam

Q: What types of health problems can be treated?

A: Virtually all chronic and most acute conditions may benefit from treatment by naturopathic doctors. People of all ages can be helped. If you have more questions feel free to set up an appointment or free consultation and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.