Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a system of health care that emphasizes a natural and holistic approach to health and healing. This system blends modern scientific understanding with traditional forms of medicine to treat the root cause of illness and prevent disease.

Naturopathic doctors (ND’s) are extensively trained medical professionals. Like medical doctors, ND’s are required to complete a minimum of 3 years of post-secondary training with prerequisite courses in the core sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.

After completing undergraduate studies, naturopathic physicians go on to complete a 4-year accredited naturopathic medicine program, culminating in a Doctor of Naturopathy degree. This training includes studies in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, diagnostics, physical examination, and clinical medicine.

What sets ND’s apart from MD’s is their training in natural treatment modalities. Key examples include: botanical (herbal) medicine, clinical nutrition, diet and lifestyle counselling, and acupuncture.

Naturopathic physicians treat all age groups, and both acute and chronic health concerns. Some examples include issues with digestion, hormonal imbalance, heart disease, muscle and joint pain, skin issues, and psychological concerns.

With additional training ND’s can obtain prescriptive authority in British Columbia, meaning they can write prescriptions for most medication commonly prescribed by a GP. Naturopaths with prescriptive authority may also obtain further training and licensing to be able to administer IV and injection therapies.

A wellness model expects more than a pain-free state of being.  It strives for continual growth and balance in areas of emotional, physical, and social wellbeing in order to more fully reach the human potential.  As such, our practitioners incorporate all areas of well-being into their patient care.  These include but are not limited to education and advice on topics such as stress and anxiety, nutrition, movement, exercise, workplace health, and family dynamics.  Only through the incorporation of all of life’s factors can we expect to be fully well.

An integrated, team-based approach to health care can have many facets, each offering patients different paths to their goal of achieving optimal health & wellness. From the most basic level (practitioners sharing office space) to the highest level (multiple practitioners working together to create, implement, and monitor your unique treatment plan) integration offers you a more comprehensive approach to your health. At our chiropractic wellness center, we offer our patients ALL levels of integrated care! Our practitioners feel strongly that it is our responsibility to inform you of the choices you have, the pros and cons that come along with each, as well as our recommendations, but we always respect that your health is your responsibility, and your choice is always the best choice!

Yes. ND’s in BC have access to the same tests ordered by medical doctors, these tests are done directly through Life Labs. In addition, ND’s often order specialized tests, such as IgG food sensitivity testing.