Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine in Canada
There are many different approaches to health and wellness. Naturopathic medicine relies on non-invasive natural therapies to enable the body’s healing mechanisms to function effectively and restore our health. Naturopathic medicine blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies. Naturopathic medicine includes botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, lifestyle counseling and health promotion, and disease prevention.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Naturopathic Doctor
– When choosing your Canadian naturopathic medicine practitioner, do check on the following factors:
– Your naturopathic medicine practitioner needs to have a license to practice medicine in the province or state where you live. Licensed naturopathic doctors are subject to strict guidelines and regulations, ensuring safety. Do check which naturopathic college the naturopathic doctor has graduated from.
– Check if your Ontario naturopathic clinic doctor is a member of a professional association. Also find out if they have a good reputation.
– Get to know your naturopathic doctor’s practice style, the kind of treatments they use, and their general knowledge. Try to read any blogs or articles penned by the naturopathic doctor.
– Check if your Canadian naturopathic medicine practitioner’s practice is evidence-based and if they incorporate sufficient evidence and research for treatment.
– The personality of your naturopathic doctor also plays an important part. Your naturopath should be approachable, accessible, and friendly. To check if your naturopathic doctor at an Ontario naturopathic clinic is a match for your personality, you could request a phone conversation or ask for a quick email response.
– Check your naturopath’s experience and special interests in treating cases similar to your own.
It is equally important to have clarity at your naturopathic clinic on matters like fees and lab tests right from the start.
Focus of Naturopathic Doctors for Women’s HealthNaturopathic doctors have expertise in treating various women’s health conditions. A naturopath for women’s health will focus on conditions such as:
- Menopause & Perimenopause
- Healthy aging
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Gut issues like irritable bowel syndrome
- Diet and weight control
- Supplement management
- Neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and dementia
- Hormone balancing
How naturopathic medicine can help women: Menstruation, pregnancy and menopause bring about different changes for every person. A naturopath for women’s health can help you stay healthy during these life stages by looking at your diet, stress, and exercise. A naturopath for women’s health is also a knowledgeable guide on supplements, and will make useful naturopathic medicine recommendations based on your unique situation.
How to Find a Top-Rated Naturopathic Clinic in Ontario
When looking for naturopathic doctors in Canada, do check if they have the required degree and license. In Canada, the two main professional associations are Naturopathic Doctors Ontario and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
Besides the medical experience, it’s important to find a naturopath in Ontariowho has a proven track record. As a starting step, to find a naturopath you can look up the directory on the regulatory college’s website. You can verify the credentials of naturopathic doctors in Canada on their website to make sure you’re working with an accredited professional. Once you have verified the license, you can start looking at other factors. Check online platforms for reviews of Canadian naturopathic medicine practitioners. Try and seek the opinion of someone you trust who has personally worked with naturopaths Canada to help you find a naturopath.
The Benefits of Working with a Naturopathic Doctor for Your Health Needs
As naturopaths work on a more personal level, they spend more time covering individual needs. A naturopathic doctor creates a treatment plan that takes into consideration all aspects of a person.
Naturopathy can be useful alongside modern medicine. Its methods are said to allow the body to activate self-healing mechanisms.
In some cases, naturopathic healthcare can be a cheaper alternative to conventional healthcare.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Naturopathic Appointments
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your first appointment:
Understand the nature of natural health therapies– A natural health practitioner aims to not just treat the symptoms but will consider you as a whole – your lifestyle, your personal circumstance and your medical history. Every practitioner will have a different approach depending on the modalities they have studied and their philosophy towards healing. The primary goal of naturopathic medicine, however, is to support you, their patient, towards improving overall health.
A thorough, in-depth consultation will follow– An initial consultation could be as much as 1 to 1.5 hours long. During this time, your naturopathic doctor will thoroughly investigate your medical history, diet, and family history, as well as lifestyle factors like exercise, sleep and stress. This will help your naturopathic practitioner understand your condition and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances.
Prescriptions – As part of your treatment plan, your naturopathic doctor may prescribe naturopathic medicine such as doses of herbal or natural medicines or nutritional supplements. You may also be given lifestyle recommendations and education regarding your particular concern or health condition. This will help you better understand how to make the necessary changes, as part of the holistic treatment approach.
Carry along medical results and medications’ list– Bringing along your pathology results, x-rays and a list of the medications and supplements that you are currently taking will help your natural health practitioner gain a better understanding of your medical history. Your naturopathic practitioner will formulate the necessary recommendations after gaining a holistic understanding of your health condition.
Be truthful even when difficult– Be prepared to answer even questions that might seem intrusive such as the amount of sugary drinks you consume, or the consistency or frequency of your bowel movements. Your responses will help your naturopathic doctor gain the best understanding of your current health status, and the course of treatment required.
Maintain a food diary– For at least a week before your first consultation, consider writing down all the items you eat during a day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as in-between snacks. You could also consider taking photos of your meals on your phone as a record of your daily meals. This knowledge could enable your naturopathy practitioner to check if your diet could be affecting your health condition.
Prepare to be committed– Your naturopathic practitioner will present an individualized treatment plan for you. It may include a prescription for supplements, or herbal/ naturopathic remedies. You may also be advised to make changes to your eating or lifestyle habits, including increasing your level of daily exercise. This treatment plan requires persistence and patience on your part.
Follow-ups are essential– Your treatment might require follow-up consultations depending on your health condition. These visits, which are shorter in duration, will help the naturopathic doctor to check on your progress and make any changes if required to ensure your journey to health and wellness is optimal.
(Sources: citynaturopathic.ca, ohsu.edu, caringhandsphysio.com, cand.ca, biomedical.com, medicalnewstoday, whitelotusclinic)