What is naturopathic medicine?
Even after answering this question hundreds of times, I still struggle to explain it in a way that completely encompasses the entirety of the profession and it’s fundamental principles. This is an especially difficult question to give a brief & succinct answer to, as naturopathic medicine is so many things and can be practiced in many unique ways. Although it is very scientifically founded, it is also very much an art. Additionally, the scope of practice of naturopathic physicians changes with location. I will focus specifically on the British Columbia scope as that is where my practice is located. I’ll try to do my best to keep this simple yet comprehensive!
Naturopathic medicine is a form of primary health care that functions to diagnose and treat the root cause of health conditions. This means that we are trained to compile a comprehensive health history, perform physical exams and run diagnostic testing in order to aid in proper diagnosis and treatment of patients. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are licensed health professionals that complete a minimum of 8 years of post-secondary education. This includes a 4 year undergraduate degree and a 4 year post-graduate degree from an accredited naturopathic college (there are 2 in Canada and 6 in the US). Below is a list of what is included in a naturopathic doctor’s scope of practice in BC.
Scope of practice in BC includes:
Clinical diagnosis (including lab testing)
Nutraceutical treatments
Botanical medicine
Nutrition & Lifestyle counselling
Physical medicine (orthopedic testing/diagnosis and physical therapies)
Homeopathy
Additional certifications that NDs in BC may have:
Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese medicine (most NDs are certified in acupuncture in BC)
Prescriptive authority (ability to prescribe selected pharmaceutical drugs)
Advanced injection therapies (prolotherapy, neural therapy, platelet-rich plasma)
Intravenous therapy
Heavy metal chelation therapy
Aesthetic procedures (Botox, PRP injections, injectable fillers, and many more)
Other injections (intramuscular nutrients)
Ozone and oxidative therapies
Immunization
Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Licensed naturopathic physicians are able to directly and/or adjunctively treat most health conditions and concerns. Naturopathic doctors provide individualized, evidence-based health care to patients. We are gifted with time, allowing us to fully listen to our patients' concerns and history, giving the ability to access a complete health picture. The principles of naturopathic medicine are:
Do no harm: Naturopathic doctors often start with less invasive/risky therapies before initiating more invasive treatments, if the situation permits.
Doctor as teacher: Educating patients on how the body works and how they can manage their own health is crucial for empowerment & the maintenance of optimal health.
The healing power of nature: Naturopathic medicine recognizes the innate ability of the human body to heal itself. Many therapies are utilized that aid the body in doing so.
Treat the whole person: No two people are exactly the same and should therefore, not be treated exactly the same. NDs recognize that humans are complex beings that have mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects contributing to overall health.
Identify and treat the root cause: There may be a myriad of symptoms that a patient presents with, our job is to uncover the cause and treat that directly. This can take more time, patience and work to see improvement, but the results are often lasting as treatment is focused on the deeper cause of dis-ease and not solely on the symptoms.
Prevention: Naturopathic medicine utilizes disease prevention, rather than solely relying on seeking health care when an individual is already sick.
Contrary to what some believe, NDs often work closely with other health practitioners (such as MDs, NPs, DCs etc.) to ensure comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of mutual patients. Treatment outcomes for many conditions are favourable when a collaborative approach is taken in health care.
For more information on naturopathic medicine and frequently asked questions, visit http://www.bcna.ca/questions-and-answers-naturopathic-medicine/. If you have any questions directly for me or are interested in seeking naturopathic health care and want to know more about it, book a free 15 minute meet and greet with me! Link in bio.
*Note: the current vocabulary is extremely confusing, especially since it can be different depending on location. If you are in a licensed state or province, make sure to look for the title: “(licensed) naturopathic doctor,” “ND," or “naturopathic physician.” These titles are reserved and indicate that the practitioner has completed the appropriate education, licensing and board exams in order to practice this medicine. The terms naturopath, holistic health practitioner, natural practitioner, natural healer, etc. often indicate someone with a very different education and scope of practice.
Examples of Conditions that ND’s Treat:
Digestive Conditions: IBS, diarrhea/constipation, GERD, bloating, dysbiosis, Crohn’s, colitis, diverticulitis
Brain health & Mental health: concussion/post-concussion syndrome, brain fog, cognitive decline, anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, fatigue, mood & sleep support
Cardiovascular/metabolic health: atherosclerosis, hypertension, congestive heart failure, primary & secondary cardiovascular prevention, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, weight loss
Genitourinary conditions & Sexual health: urinary tract infections, recurrent yeast, vulvodynia, STI’s, benign prostatic hyperplasia, interstitial cystitis, low libido
Hormonal imbalances: PMS, dysmenorrhea, perimenopause, menopause, PMDD, PCOS, hyper/hypothyroidism, andropause
Pain syndromes: migraines/headaches, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, muscle and joint pain
Autoimmune Conditions: celiac disease, hashimotos, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
Other chronic conditions: chronic infections (lyme, EBV, etc.), heavy metal toxicity, cancer
& Many more! Although ND’s don’t specialize in specific conditions, many have practice focuses, it’s a good idea to look into this before seeing an ND in your area.