Naturopathic Medicine is a wholistic approach to health care. Naturopathic Doctors (ND’s) are trained to diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions and are considerer primary health care practitioners just like your family doctor. The difference is that instead of treating the symptoms of illness, we focus on finding the underlying cause.
Naturopathic Doctors follow a series of principles that guide their approach to helping you improve your health:
Primum non nocere – first, do no harm, effective health care with the least risk for all patients.
Vis medicatrix naturae – healing power of nature, respect and promote self-healing, help the body help itself
Tolle causum – treat the cause, identify and remove causes, avoid suppression of symptoms
Docere – doctor as teacher, educate the patients, empower patients to help themselves
Treat the whole person – each person is an individual with their own factors effecting their health
Naturopathic Doctors use a variety of modalities based on the individual. These include clinical nutrition, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy and lifestyle counseling. Some ND’s have additional training in Intravenous or IV therapy. At Sage, our practitioners are IV therapy certified. You can learn more about our treatments and services here.
NDs can treat most acute and chronic illnesses including:
- Colds and Flu
- Chronic Ear Infections
- Throat infections
- Headaches including migraines
- Digestive conditions including Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, * Crohn’s and Colitis
- Menopausal symptoms
- PMS and gynecological disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, infertility
- Prenatal support
- Weight management
- Diabetes
- Hypercholesterolemia, hypertension
- Asthma
- Eczema, psoriasis and acne
- Chronic Fatigues and Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Automimmune illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, vitiligo
- Arthritis
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Anxiety, depression and panic attacks
- Childhood behavioural problems including ADD and ADHD
Wondering if we can help you with something that’s not listed above? Call the clinic to book a complimentary 15-minute visit to see if we can help you.
Naturopathic Doctors are licensed in Ontario to practice Naturopathic Medicine. Not all “natural” doctors are licensed. Licensed Naturopathic Doctors graduate from an accredited institution. They need a minimum of 3 years of university training before completing a 4-year program in Naturopathic Medicine. After graduating from an accredited institution, Naturopathic Doctors write a series of board exams. After passing the exams, they become licensed to practice Naturopathic Medicine in Ontario.
Naturopathic Medicine is not covered by OHIP. However, most extended healthcare plans cover visits to Naturopathic Doctors to a yearly maximum for each family member. Check your benefits package or contact your insurance company for more information.
Prior to your first visit, you will be asked to fill out intake forms providing basic information about your current health concerns, past health history, family history and other basic information. Your first visit will be approximately 60 minutes in length. Your Naturopathic Doctor will go over the forms, do a thorough health history and complaint oriented physical exam.
Your Naturopathic Doctor will then treat the cause of your health conditions. ND’s don’t treat the symptoms; we look for the root cause of illness and treat the whole person. Treatments can include nutritional advice, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, supplements and intravenous therapy.
If necessary, NDs can also order any necessary tests including bloodwork, food testing and other diagnostic lab tests. Click here to see a complete list of all the lab tests available.