About Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care profession, which focuses on prevention and uses natural methods to promote healing.
Registered naturopathic doctors are required to complete three years of pre-medical studies at a recognized university followed by four years of full-time naturopathic training at an approved college. After graduation, they must pass rigorous regulatory board examinations that are standardized across North America. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto is the only recognized training institution in Canada.
Naturopathic doctors examine, diagnose and treat patients with programs tailored to each patient and their health conditions. They use a combination of clinical nutrition, botanical (herbal) medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical treatments, acupuncture and Asian medicine, and lifestyle counselling to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities. The treatment focuses on the underlying causes of illness rather than the symptoms, often eliminating the need for long term medical care or prescription drugs.
Naturopathic medicine's focus on disease prevention, patient education, health maintenance and the natural treatment of disease results in cost-effective health care in the immediate and long term.
In Ontario, registered naturopathic doctors are represented by the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND). The association advocates for naturopathic medicine through government relations, public and media relations. It also provides members with professional development opportunities and insurance coverage, and assists the public with finding a ND in their area.