Principles of Naturopathy
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The Healing Power of Nature
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Treat the Whole Person
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First Do No Harm
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Identify and Treat the Cause
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Prevention First
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Doctor as Teacher
A visit to the Naturopath
Naturopathic doctors take an extensive patient history and perform physical examinations using standard diagnostic instruments and laboratory tests. Additional information related to lifestyle – including diet, emotions, stress, exercise, and exposure to environmental hazards – may be requested. Our goal is to understand each patient and all the aspects of their lives that impact their health. An initial visit consists of a 1.5 hour comprehensive intake including a physical examination as well as an in depth case history. A highly individualized treatment plan is created, taking into account the physical exam, blood tests, reported symptoms, family history, lifestyle choices and personality traits.
The treatment plan is then customized based on a number of factors such as goals, needs and expectations of the patient as well as recommendations made by the doctor. It might include dietary recommendations, herbal medicines, acupuncture, homeopathy and the like. This treatment changes over time to reflect the ongoing progress of the patient.
Training Received by Naturopathic Doctors
With at least seven years of post-secondary education, Naturopathic Doctors are trained to identify the underlying cause of disease and to help the body heal itself using natural methods, not prescription drugs and surgery. Naturopathic doctors are highly qualified to recognize when referrals to other heath care practitioners are required.
A Naturopathic Doctor receives four years of training at an accredited college. They receive 3800 classroom and 1500 clinical hours. They are required to pass two sets of the 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. NDs are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body.
Regulation of Naturopathy in Ontario
Naturopathic doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors are currently 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.
Recently, the appointment of the 17-member transitional Council marks a major step toward the regulation of naturopathy under the legislative framework of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. The members of the transitional Council of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario were chosen from individuals who responded to a public call for members advertised across Ontario. Thalia Charney has been appointed to this council and will act on behalf of the public and the profession to ensure that naturopathic medicine is available to the public and that public interests continue to be protected by a clearly defined scope of practice as well as exceptional standards of professionalism.
