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Naturopathic Medicine

Personalized Health Promotion Strategies

About Naturopathic Medicine in Nanaimo

 

Naturopathic medicine is an alternative approach to healthcare that uses natural means to promote healing and wellness.

There are several principles that guide naturopathic medicine as a profession. These include the healing power of nature, treating the whole person, finding and treating the root cause(s) of disease, and illness prevention.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are highly trained medical professionals who receive a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education. Becoming a naturopathic doctor requires undergraduate training in core sciences, and the completion of a 4-year naturopathic medicine program at an accredited naturopathic medical school.

NDs are primary care providers who practice evidence-informed medicine and have a broad scope of practice. They are trained in and utilize a wide range of natural healing modalities including: Acupuncture, Botanical (Herbal) Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Dietary and Lifestyle Counselling, Physical Medicine, Hydrotherapy and Nutrient Injections & IV Nutrient Therapy.

Naturopathic physicians  have direct access to laboratory testing and can prescribe pharmaceutical medications. NDs can order both common lab tests and special tests, such as Food Sensitivity and Nutrigenomix testing. Obtaining the authority to prescribe medication requires additional training for naturopathic doctors; this allows them to better understand pharmaceuticals, and to more safely and effectively co-manage patients alongside their medical doctors.

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Because We Know You’re Wondering…

What is 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.

What kind of education and training to naturopathic doctors receive?

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.

What kinds of health issues do naturopathic doctors treat?

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.

Can naturopathic doctors prescribe pharmaceutical drugs?

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.

What makes you a wellness centre?

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.

What is so special about your Integrated team based approach?

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!

Can naturopathic doctors order lab tests?

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.

Dr. Olena Gill ND

Naturopathic Physician

What to Expect on Your First Visit:

Your first visit is never rushed. This is where we need to spend time with you to make sure we understand exactly what your concerns are, the primary issues that are keeping you from being healthy, your expectations in your recovery, and your health goals in general.

You will be greeted by our caring staff in the reception area and will be asked to fill out some short health forms.  After the Naturopathic Physician has had a chance to review these forms they will discuss with you any other pertinent information.

After all of the information has been obtained, our naturopath will analyze your findings and present you with their best understanding of your case, the best method for restoring your health, alternative options, the cost and time commitment, and the expected outcome of your treatment plan.

There is ample time for questions and discussion before treatment begins.  It is our goal that every patient will be optimally informed regarding their health to ensure they make the most appropriate health care choices.

What Makes us Special?

Scheduled Progress Checks:  Along your journey back to optimal health you will have many Progress Examinations.  These provide a time for both the doctor and patient to check in to determine that recovery is progressing as expected, that you are happy with the care you are receiving, if you have any new concerns or questions, or simply to give each other a high five and continue on with your care.

Education:  We believe in the importance of education, that you should know the why and how of your care, as well as other ways to improve your health.  As a patient in our centre you will have many options to become motivated and encouraged towards better health.

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