Naturopathic medicine is a medical discipline that focuses on supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal. It is based on tenets that seek to:

• Identify and remove the causes of disease
• Empower patients to take responsibility for their health
• Provide safe and effective care for the treatment and prevention of disease

Naturopathic medicine provides patient-centered, individualized care, tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Licensed naturopathic physicians must graduate from accredited naturopathic medical schools, after having completed the same pre-medical training as medical doctors, chiropractors and dentists. The four-year naturopathic curriculum includes basic medical sciences such as physiology, biochemistry, anatomy and human dissection. The curriculum contains training in pathology, clinical diagnosis, minor surgery and pharmacology as well as naturopathic treatment modalities, such as physical medicine and botanical medicine. This education accompanies 1,500 hours of clinical experience and is followed by rigorous standardized examinations. After graduation, licensed naturopathic doctors are required to take continuing medical education courses each year.

Residents of British Columbia receiving Medical Services Plan (MSP) premium assistance and First Nations residents are provided limited coverage for naturopathic medical care. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact our office for assistance. A variety of extended health care plans exist, providing coverage for naturopathic medical care. If you have an extended health care plan, you can contact your provider to determine your coverage.

Naturopathic physicians are primary health care providers, trained to treat both acute and chronic diseases. Naturopathic treatments also lend themselves especially well to preventative medicine. Naturopathic medicine can be used to treat a full range of disorders including: allergies, colds, flu symptoms, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, digestive disorders, menstrual and menopausal symptoms, prostate issues, sprains, strains, back pain, sports injuries, headaches, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Naturopathic doctors are trained to treat children, adult (both women and men) and geriatric health issues.

For more details see Programs and Services.

Yes. Naturopathic physicians are able to collaborate with medical doctors as well as allied health care professionals. Naturopathic doctors may also facilitate referrals to other health care specialists.

Naturopathic medicine strives to restore normal functions to the human body. This process varies between individuals and is often linked to the duration of the disorder. Some disorders may respond rather quickly, providing immediate relief from symptoms such as pain and immobility. Longstanding chronic diseases may take longer, up to several months, as the body heals. Naturopathic doctors empower their patients to be active in their health care and the level of effort applied by the individual may markedly influence treatment duration and outcome.